Best things to do in Folkestone

Folkestone Essentials

Folkestone’s landscape is defined by the Leas, a Victorian cliff-top promenade, and the award-winning Lower Leas Coastal Park. The town preserves its history through the 12th-century relics at St Mary and St Eanswythe and the Napoleonic-era Martello Tower 2. Modern culture thrives at the Harbour Arm’s Goods Yard market and the Quarterhouse arts venue. From the Roman Villa ruins at East Cliff to the Art Deco architecture of Leas Cliff Hall, these sites showcase the town’s evolution from a maritime port to a creative coastal hub.

Folkestone Essentials — Map

A

Leas Cliff Hall

A Grand Hall and theatre built into the face of the cliff, opened in 1927. It features Art Deco styling and hosts concerts, ballets, and community events with views across the English Channel.

B

Lower Leas Coastal Park

Divided into three zones: the Formal Gardens, the Fun Zone—featuring the largest free adventure playground in the Southeast—and the Wild Zone, which focuses on natural wildlife habitats.

Rosser1954 / Public domain

C

Folkestone Roman Villa

Folkestone Roman Villa, also referred to as the East Bay Site, is a villa built during the Roman Occupation of Britain, and is located in…

D

Folkestone Museum

Situated in the Town Hall, this museum explores the town's history through displays on geology, maritime heritage, and the impact of both World Wars on the local community.

Vanished user 03 / CC BY-SA 2.5

E

Martello Tower 2

A circular defensive fort built between 1805 and 1810 as part of a chain of coastal defenses against a potential Napoleonic invasion. It sits prominently on the East Cliff.

F

The Goods Yard

An outdoor street food market and bar area located at the Folkestone Harbour Arm, featuring a rotating selection of local vendors and a large screen for public events.

G

Mermaid Beach

A sheltered shingle beach located near the Harbour Arm, accessible via the coastal path and frequently used for swimming and views of the White Cliffs.

H

Folkestone Quarterhouse

A contemporary performing arts venue and theatre located in the heart of the Creative Quarter, hosting a year-round program of live music, comedy, and theater.

I

The Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe

A 12th-century church that houses the 7th-century relics of St Eanswythe, the patron saint of Folkestone. It features stained glass by Kempe and a 14th-century font.

J

Silver Screen Cinema

An independent cinema housed within the historic Folkestone Town Hall, featuring traditional décor and showing a mix of mainstream and classic films.

K

Lower Leas Amphitheatre

An outdoor performance space located within the Lower Leas Coastal Park, used for community theater, live music, and summer festivals.

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Religious Landmarks