Kent’s coastal gem of Folkestone has seen a huge transition in character over the last decade. What was once a tired seaside town left wilting in the century after the departure of the beach-loving Victorians, is now a trendy haven perfect for those with a creative soul and love of good food. Whether you’re craving the ocean air or looking to embrace Kent’s burgeoning arts scene through galleries galore and theatre, Folkestone has you sorted and we’ve got the holiday cottages.
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If you adventure down to Folkestone’s Harbour Arm, be sure to look up towards the land and to the right, and you’ll see Abbots Cliff House perched on the cliff top. This house is full of history – check out our blog post on its involvement with code-breaking during the 1940s. Today, the house serves as a special holiday home, sleeping up to 10 guests and offering mesmerising views of the sea below.
If it’s a romantic retreat you’re after, look no further than Channel View in Capel le Ferne. This dog-friendly holiday home has gorgeous, uninterrupted views across the Channel. Choose between coastal or country walks followed by a glass of something cold in the hot tub.
One of Folkestone’s newest and most celebrated areas of development is its thriving Harbour Arm. Built in 1843, this was once the dock for the ferry boat service between Folkestone and Boulogne. Today, it has helped propel Folkestone into being a destination for the arts, now embraced as one of the town’s hotspots for food, drinks and events. In the summer, enjoy a myriad of independent bars as you sit in the sun sipping cocktails accompanied by live music, or venture out on the beach in serious style with The Pilot Beach Bar.
A brand-new, 12-hole adventure golf course and café, Putters! is the perfect option for those looking for even more fun on the Harbour Arm, as is the outdoor cinema which screens various films and sporting events throughout the year. At Christmas, The Goods Yard, turns into a magnificently festive Christmas market showcasing independent, artisan traders – the perfect spot for perusing potential Christmas gifts as you sip a mulled wine or hot chocolate. For more ideas, see our blog post on why Folkestone is worth a visit all year round.
Uncover Folkestone’s hidden gems by paying a visit to the Creative Quarter, a vibrant hub of artistic expression that’s become a local favourite with its wide variety of studios, galleries, makers stores, events, and street performances. Visitors can further immerse themselves in the town’s creative spirit with a tour of the Folkestone Artworks, an outdoor collection of sculptures and installations that stretch from the town centre to both ends of the beach.
While at the seafront, don’t miss a stop at the unique Mermaid Beach, named for its shape that resembles the end of a mermaid’s tail.
A stay in Folkestone wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the beach. Folkestone’s Sunny Sands is gorgeous the whole year round – and don’t forget to look for the famous mermaid statue! On the opposite side of the harbour, the Harbour Arm is a fantastic example of the town’s recent development, having been embraced as one of Folkestone’s hotspots for food, drinks, and events both during the week and at the weekend.
Alongside a classic day at the beach, families will love the Lower Leas Coastal Park, a great outdoor spot with the largest free adventure play area in the southeast. With its beautiful display of pine trees, gardens, and flowers, the park provides a pretty backdrop for the performances held at the amphitheatre during the warmer months, and a relaxing spot for a picnic.
Yes – walking along the beautiful Leas Promenade, exploring the artist’s studios in the Creative Quarter, and relaxing in the Lower Leas Coastal Park are all free of charge. The Folkestone Harbour Arm also hosts free events and film showings. For an activity that’ll last the whole afternoon, why not check out the Folkestone Artworks, an outdoor collection of more than 70 sculptures and installations.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, why not give us a call? One of the team will be happy to help you find the perfect holiday cottage for your next trip. We’re always on hand to chat, on the phone, on 01227 903404, via email, at hello@bloomstays.com or on WhatsApp, on 07361584861.