Bloom’s favourite spots in Folkestone
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 ocean 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 will have you sorted.
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 12-hole adventure golf course and café 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 time, 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.
You can see Folkestone’s Harbour Arm from the extraordinary Abbots Cliff House, A Bloom Stays holiday home that is perched up high on the cliff in Capel Le Ferne. From the house, you can see the Champagne Bar at the end of the Harbour Arm, or on a clear day, all the way out to France. This house’s history is worth looking up, just check out our blog post where we travelled back to the 1940s and retold its story.
Away from the ocean in the centre of Folkestone, a plethora of mouthwatering foodie must-visits await even the most discerning of diners and coffee connoisseurs. Find Marley’s On the Corner at the bottom of the Old High Street, serving up famously good brunches and delicious lunchtime and evening meals.
We recommend visiting for brunch and trying one of their pancake stack specialities. With the use of local produce, expect these to be adorned with the likes of local bacon and maple syrup, to fresh Kentish cherries and cream in the summer.
For those looking for panoramic ocean vistas to accompany their meal, Rocksalt is a must-go. Arguably Folkestone’s slickest and most stylish restaurant, expect sleek and shiny interiors and a huge floor-to-ceiling window that frames the entirety of Folkestone’s harbour, the bobbing boats below and beyond. With views like this, Rocksalt is the perfect place for those special celebrations.
Enjoy a flute of Kent’s finest sparkling wines from the likes of Gusbourne Vineyard alongside divine dishes of Whitstable oysters, locally caught fish and succulent steak.
If you’re visiting Folkestone for a romantic retreat, then check into Channel View. A hotel-inspired chalet apartment sleeping two guests plus your four-legged friends. After dining out in Folkestone, embrace the evening’s coastal sunsets in its own hot tub.
