When you fancy a Great British seaside break, you might automatically think of somewhere like Margate, Brighton or Whitstable, however there are many more beachy gems to be discovered along our epic coastline. One such up-and-coming spot is Folkestone, where you’ll find miles of golden sands, trendy bars and eateries along the harbour arm, and plenty of art and culture to admire!
EAT
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There’s a coffee shop for everyone in Folkestone. If you like to admire the rolling waves with your flat white then stroll along to the The Boat House, where you can eat al fresco just a few steps from the pretty pebbles of Sandgate Beach.
If you prefer to be a little cosier during your first meal of the day, then head to the creative quarter, where you’ll find a spot inspired by the book cafes of Paris. Steep Street Coffee House is decorated with packed bookshelves and offers up a range of enticing homemade cakes. Sounds like heaven to us!
Sailbox on Folkestone Harbour Arm can be found in a shipping container, which has been transformed into a minimal and calming space that boasts panoramic views from its outdoor tables. The menu is a little heartier here, making it a brilliant choice for brunch. Think stacks of pancakes, bacon and egg stuffed ciabattas, and their own take on the full English.
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It’d be sacrilegious to visit this part of the world without tasting some of the fresh seafood it’s known for. Harbourside hubs Bob’s Seafood, Shesells Seashells and Chummy’s offer up an array of delights including whelks, oysters, dressed crabs and lobster. Pick up some chips from Sandy’s and make a picnic of it overlooking the harbour—just watch out for any peckish seagulls!
For something a little more substantial, you’ll find some eateries in the area that are really making waves in the restaurant world. In the sleepy village of Sandgate—where there’s just a couple of pubs, one convenience store and an array of quaint shops and cafes—you’ll find John Dory Wine, a wine shop and eatery that has quickly become a favourite among local foodies. It offers three-course set meals, including a buzzy Wednesday pasta night and a Sunday dinner, for incredibly reasonable prices!
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Back in the main hub of Folkestone, you’ll find the Folkestone Wine Company tucked up a charming street. This petite eatery has been praised by the likes of Grace Dent and Angela Hartnett, and you can expect relatively simple but exceptionally-made dishes like local scallops and sea bass.
DRINK
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There’s a drinking den to suit all tastes along this stretch of the Kent coastline, many of which offer views across the wild Dover Strait. On the harbour arm, you’ll find The Lighthouse Champagne Bar which is nestled picturesquely next to, you guessed it, the lighthouse. You’ll often find live performances accompanying the sunset views too. Where better to drink champagne than at one of the UK’s closest points to France? A mere 23 miles to be precise!
Elsewhere, you’ll find snug pubs suitably decorated to evoke tales of sailors and smugglers. Two of the cosiest seafront spots include The Harbour Inn in Folkestone, where you’ll find rotating cask ales and a bar and restaurant menu made up of the freshest catch from local trawlers. A little further along the coast in Sandgate, The Famous Ship Inn dates from 1798 and features an airy terrace that floods with sunlight during the day, while evenings can be spent gossiping over a candlelit table by the open fire.
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Other highlights further inland include The Radnor Arms, The Bouverie Tap and The Potting Shed, which hides a secret late-night 1920s speakeasy that you need a password to enter…
DO
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Folkestone is brimming with art, and most of it is completely free to admire! There are 91 artworks by 52 artists including Banksy, Gilbert & George, Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, Yoko Ono and Cornelia Parker. The Folkestone Mermaid was created by Parker and is inspired by the Copenhagen statue The Little Mermaid, however the UK version represents a local woman rather than the fairytale figure.
You’ll also find brightly-painted pop art-esque houses named Holiday Homes dotted around the area, which were created by Richard Woods, while Antony Gormley has placed one of his lonely, stirring cast-iron figures on the harbour arm where it is at times engulfed by the tide.
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STAY
Rocksalt Rooms
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The Rocksalt Rooms boast a prime position on Folkestone Harbour, and two of the four boudoirs actually offer views across the water. You’ll also be just a short stroll from the sleek Rocksalt restaurant, wine bar and garden, where you’ll find exquisitely prepared seafood in a truly stunning setting.
The London & Paris Hotel
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The London & Paris Hotel is another boutique harbourside gem that comes with its own impressive eatery; it’s actually the second best restaurant in Folkestone after the Folkestone Wine Company according to Grace Dent… You’ll find dreamy views across the ocean and decor that’s a little more ont homely and quirky side of trendy, making it brilliant for an autumn weekend.
