Art and culture in Folkestone, Hythe, Romney Marsh and the Kent Downs

From the vibrant Creative Quarter, with its wealth of artistic enterprises and unique shops, to the huge variety of music, theatre and entertainment across various venues, Folkestone and Hythe offers a vast choice to those seeking art and culture

The Creative Quarter is based in the historic heart of Folkestone, close to the sea and just 57 minutes from London. Compromising of The Old High Street, a winding cobbled lane lined with independent shops, galleries and eateries; and Tontine Street, a busy thoroughfare linking Folkestone Harbour with the centre of the town, the Creative Quarter is inhabited by hundreds of creative people and is a fantastic example of creatively-led regeneration. Whether you want to shop till you drop, feast on exquisite food or simply take in the beauty of the town, the Creative Quarter has something for everyone.

Folkestone Artworks is a collection of over 70 outstanding artworks by more than 40 international artists on permanent display in public spaces around the town.

Originally commissioned by Creative Folkestone for Folkestone Triennial, these artworks help define Folkestone by giving it character and importance. Nowhere else in Britain can an art collection of this calibre be found on the streets of a town. Works by Tracey Emin, Mark Wallinger, Richard Wilson, Cornelia Parker, Cristina Iglesias, Christian Boltanski, Pablo Bronstein and many more are waiting to be explored and can be enjoyed by all, free of charge, all year round.

Based moments from the harbour, on Tontine Street, Folkestone Quarterhouse is at the heart of the Creative Quarter and a beacon for arts programming. Opened by Creative Folkestone in 2009, Quarterhouse is an architecturally award-winning venue providing a space for artists and audiences to join together. Whether it be a comedy sketch, theatrical performance, music gig, family theatre production, film or an inspiring talk, this creative hub invites you to take part in and enjoy a diverse, quality arts programme.

Every year, Folkestone Book Festival presents an eclectic programme of speakers with talks exploring art, science, food, history, mental health, fiction and much more. Delve into the past to predict the future, learn how we can live a happier, more fulfilled existence, hear the life-stories of iconic figures in art, music and literature and discover the writers behind the fiction.

JAM on the Marsh in July is an annual multi-arts festival built around Kent’s magnificent Romney Marsh and its famous medieval churches. Each year JAM on the Marsh crosses the Romney Marsh from Dungeness to Hythe and Lympne to New Romney. The Marsh churches are true beacons of culture and history; they are the heart of the festival.

Check out the amazing work the IMOS Foundation has done and continue to do on Romney Marsh. From the new and growing sculpture park, to the beautiful murals in New Romney, there is lots to see and explore. The Romney Marsh art gallery located in the Romney Marsh visitor centre regularly hosts exhibitions from local artists and is a great place to spend an afternoon.