You can’t come to Folkestone without a day at the beach. But there are so many more ways to explore and enjoy Kent’s Heritage Coast than building a sandcastle....
Folkestone, Hythe and New Romney are blessed with more than 26 miles of staggering coastline - voted one of the best places to visit in Europe by Lonely Planet - with adventures, walks, activities and hidden gems dotted along the landscape.
Don’t put it off any longer - take that trip to the seaside, breathe the fresh air, enjoy local dishes and unwind.
Here are some of our top spots and activities to enjoy along our coastline.
Lower Leas Coastal Park
Breathe in the scent of pine, wild herbs and fresh sea air in the Lower Leas Coastal Park, a stone’s throw from Folkestone’s shingle shores.
The park has winding walking trails, a beautiful amphitheatre, a labyrinth, and shady places to sit and enjoy a picnic. But perhaps its biggest selling point is the huge nautical-themed adventure playground - the largest free playground in the south east - hidden among the trees. With the Mermaid’s Cafe providing snacks, drinks and the all-important ice cream, it's a great base for a day on the coast.
Sunny Sands Beach
Sunny Sands Beach is a hugely popular sandy beach at the eastern end of The Stade and Folkestone Harbour. It is a firm favourite with families throughout the summer, with good facilities nearby including toilets, cafés, pubs and beach shops.
A great place for sunbathing, playing and swimming, enjoy a day out soaking up the scenery on Sunny Sands
The Warren Country Park
Wide sea views from atop the chalk cliffs, woodland walks, rare flowers and wildlife, a playground, pitch and putt course, seaside foraging - The Warren really does have it all.
A great spot overlooking Folkestone town for people of all ages to enjoy, you can stay in the shady heights, or head down towards the seashore for a spot of rockpooling, fossil hunting and foraging for sea vegetation.
Sea Sports
If you prefer to master the waves rather than simply look at them, you might want to try your hand at some thrilling sea sports. You can test your balance with a stand-up paddleboard lesson, sail the seas in your own kayak or get your adrenaline pumping with some wind and kite surfacing. Take a look at the offers from Folkestone Sea Sports, Action Watersports and The Kitesurf Centre.
This is also the place to reap the benefits of sea swimming in the blue waters along our coastline – it’s a year round activity for those in the know, so don’t be shy of having a dip whenever you visit! And for something a little different off season, check out the Folkestone Sea Sauna for unique relaxation by the sea
Folkestone's Harbour Arm
One of the area's most popular destinations, this is definitely the place for soaking up the seaside scenery.
The Harbour Arm has been re-imagined as a public pier, quickly becoming established as a favourite food, drink and entertainment destination. With unrivalled views of the fishing harbour and the White Cliffs, you can enjoy great food and drink, browse the mini marketplace for one-of-a-kind products from local traders, or just watch the world go by. Live music and seasonal special events also take place at intervals throughout the year.
Dungeness
Did you know Britain’s only desert is situated on the coast? Dungeness’ wide shingle beach has a unique climate, and the nearby RSPB Nature Reserve is a great place for walking and bird spotting, with rare species of wildlife in the starkly beautiful landscape.
See if you can find the giant sound mirrors on Dungeness Estate. Positioned on the Lade Pits island in Dungeness, you’ll find the three spectacular relics of a pre-World War 2 acoustic aerial defense system, built to sound the alarm against enemy planes crossing the Channel. This is the only location in the world where you can see all three designs in one place.
A View From Above
Treat yourself to the best view of the Kent Heritage Coast and the incredible landscape of Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh with a hot air balloon ride!
Kent Ballooning based in Folkestone offers flights at sunrise and sunset every day outside of winter, with launch sites at Etchinghill Golf Club and Port Lympne Reserve. An amazing experience for special occasions.
