What to See & Do in Folkestone
Sights
Many beautiful, exciting and interesting places are within easy reach by car, train or bus: the cathedral city of Canterbury and its unique world heritage site attractions; Dover, Leeds and other magnificent castles; resorts, stately homes and gardens in Kent and Sussex.
The two most popular attractions of Folkestone are the unique and Romney- Hythe-Dymchurch Railway, and the Port Lympne Wild Life Animal Park.
Along Marine Parade is the Leas Lift - one of the oldest water-balanced cliff lifts in England. A ride in the Lift will take you to the Leas, a mile-long, cliff-top promenade.
Half way along is the Leas Cliff Hall, a newly refurbished entertainment venue, which has a varied programme of shows and concerts. It contains a licensed café where you can sit and contemplate a panorama of the English Channel.
Further along is the Bandstand where concerts are held in summer. Paths and steps down from the Leas will bring you to Lower Leas Coastal Park. Here you can saunter through woodland to the Amphitheatre, a 250-seat, grassed arena, and the Adventure Playground.
The annual Folkestone Literary Festival is internationally renowned.
Food & Drink
You won’t be disappointed wherever you go in Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh. Whatever your preferences in food, drink and atmosphere, you will be happily surprised by the choices of traditional English fare on offer. If you stay a few days, you could also visit restaurants which specialise in French, Italian, Greek, Indian, Nepalese, Thai, Chinese, Japanese, and Mexican food.
Accommodation
Whether looking for a romantic getaway, luxurious spa hotel, homely Bed and Breakfast or cosy inn, you can find it in Folkestone, a town renowned for its hospitality. Book in advance through numerous websites to be sure of a bed, or turn up in the off-season when there is sure to be plenty to choose from.
Transport
Car - Head for the M20, turn off at any junction from 10 to 13 and follow the signs. Or take the M2 to Canterbury for a choice of pretty routes into Folkestone, Hythe and the towns and villages of the Romney Marsh.
Express Coach - National Express operates services direct to Folkestone and Hythe town centres, from where there are frequent connections to local bus services. National Express 08705 80 80 80
Bus - Stagecoach operates a network of routes linking towns and villages. Stagecoach East Kent 08702 433711
Train - Mainline services from and via London, also cross-country routes in south east England.National Railway Enquiry Line 08457 48 49 50
Air - Arrive at Lydd Airport or Kent International Airport -Kent International Airport 0870 4141414 -Lydd Airport 01797 320000
Continental Connections - In just 35 minutes, Eurotunnel can speed you and your car from Folkestone to Calais, a great place for shopping and the gateway to the resorts, historic towns and scenic countryside of northern France and Belgian Flanders.
By Eurotunnel from Calais to Folkestone.
By Air from Le Touquet to Lydd.
By Ferry from Dunkerque, Calais and Boulogne, via Dover. From Ostend via Ramsgate.
