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2024 Folkestone Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
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Folkestone: A Seaside Town Full of History, Charm & Festive Magic
Last weekend, I had the chance to explore Folkestone, a coastal gem in Kent, England. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and unique dining experiences, it left a lasting impression on me. Here's why you should visit:
Step into History at the Memorial
The Step Short Memorial Arch stands proudly overlooking the sea, commemorating the soldiers who embarked from Folkestone during World War I. Walking through this tribute and along the Memorial Walk was a deeply moving experience, offering a peaceful space to reflect on the town’s historical significance.
Harbour Highlights & Unique Dining
The Harbour Arm is a lively stretch brimming with energy. I enjoyed a delicious lunch in a beautifully restored old train carriage, which offered a quirky yet cozy dining experience. Fresh seafood, friendly service, and the sound of the waves made it unforgettable. Afterward, I wandered through the harbour, sampling various local treats from artisan stalls while soaking in the seaside views.
Festive Cheer at the Christmas Market
During the holiday season, Folkestone transforms into a festive wonderland. The Christmas Market was buzzing with joy, filled with twinkling lights, seasonal snacks, and handcrafted gifts. The highlight for me? The outdoor cinema playing holiday classics under the stars. Watching a movie while sipping hot chocolate and wrapped in a cozy blanket felt like pure magic.
Cocktail Bliss in the Old Town
No trip would be complete without a visit to Folkestone’s Old Town, where I found some fantastic cocktail spots. The charming cobbled streets, lined with eclectic bars, offered a relaxed yet vibrant evening scene. Each sip felt like the perfect end to a day full of exploration.
Why You Should Go
Folkestone offers a unique blend of history, coastal charm, and festive fun. Whether you're here for the harbour vibes, historical landmarks, or delicious dining experiences, it’s a destination that will capture your heart. If you're planning a trip to the UK, make sure Folkestone is on your list—you won’t regret it! #uk #folkestone #kentcoast #daytrips
Folkestone: A Cultural Gem on the English Coast.
🏰 Folkestone, England, a seaside town blending historical charm with modern creativity, sits on the north coast of the English Channel, attracting visitors and residents from around the world with its unique location and rich cultural heritage.
🏠 Folkestone's history dates back centuries, and it was once a major port for maritime trade, witnessing countless ships and goods passing through. Today, although the port's function has gradually diminished, the town's ancient buildings and streets still retain the marks of time, allowing visitors to feel as if they have traveled through time and experienced the weight of history. Stroll along Folkestone's cobblestone streets, lined with colorful Victorian buildings, and every detail reveals the prosperity and glory of the past.
🎨 Folkestone is best known for its thriving creative industries in recent years. The government has taken a forward-looking approach, transforming the area into a "creative district," attracting numerous artists, designers, and cultural and creative professionals to settle here. Old warehouses and abandoned factories have been transformed into art studios, galleries, and cafes, becoming a vibrant part of the town's landscape. Step into these creative spaces, and you'll be surrounded by an artistic atmosphere, from the graffiti on the walls and sculptures on street corners to the handicrafts in the windows, leaving you in awe and wonder.
🚢 As a port city, Folkestone naturally offers a variety of ocean-related activities. Whether you take a short ferry trip to Calais, France, or enjoy sunbathing and surfing on the beach, you can fully experience the charm of the sea. In addition, Folkestone is known for its convenient transportation, just an hour's drive from London, making it a popular weekend getaway for Londoners.
🎉 With the rise of the creative industries, Folkestone's cultural events have become increasingly diverse. The annual arts festivals, music festivals, and film festivals attract a large number of visitors, bringing life and vitality to the town. Here, you can meet artists from all over the world and experience the collision and fusion of different cultures.
🌈 In short, Folkestone, England, is a charming town that combines history, culture, creativity, and ocean charm. Whether you're interested in history, art, or simply want to enjoy the tranquility and vastness of the sea, Folkestone has something for you. Here, you can slow down, savor the beauty of life, and experience the unique British charm.
UK Top Fossil Hunting Destinations & My Essential Tips🦖💓
🗺Lyme Regis & Charmouth, Dorset
Lyme Regis and Charmouth are my top recommendations, situated on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The fossils here date back to the Early Jurassic period, around 199 to 189 million years ago🦕. The most famous discovery from this area is the complete ichthyosaur fossil discovered by Mary Anning in the early 19th century🦈. Even today, you can still find a variety of beautiful fossils, including ammonites, nautiloids, belemnites, crinoids🐚, and occasionally even bones from marine reptiles and dinosaurs. With a bit of patience, you can always find a few lovely pyritized ammonites along the shore during low tide.
🗺Folkestone, Kent
Folkestone is a well-known fossil hunting destination. Also a place I often visit for its proximity to London. Fossils here are typically found in the soft marlstone🪨, which dates back to the Albian stage of the Early Cretaceous period. The ideal time to explore the beaches is after a storm⛈️ , look out for ammonites and bivalve fossils that have washed ashore🌊, hidden among the rocks and sand.
🗺Dover, Kent
If you are fascinated by the breathtaking view of the iconic white cliffs⛰, you’ll be pleased to know that this area is also rich in fossils. The cliffs reveal chalk deposits from the Late Cretaceous period. During low tide, you can stroll along the beach to find sea urchin and bivalve fossils. Occasionally, you might also discover well-preserved sponge fossils tucked into rock crevices. Dover offers not only the chance to hunt for fossils but also breathtaking views of its iconic cliffs.
✨Fossil Hunting Tips:
🦈 Time Your Visit
The best time to go fossil hunting is during low tide when the sea recedes and exposes new areas of the beach. It's a good idea to check the tide tables in advance.
🦷 Be Patience and Observant
Fossils are not easy to spot as they are often hidden among the sand, pebbles and rocks. Take your time and observe carefully👀 as you walk slowly along the beach. Patience is the key, and sometimes, a surprise will appear when you least expect it!
🦕 Bring the Right Tools
A small hammer and chisel⚒️ can be useful for splitting open rocks to reveal fossils inside, and a pair of gloves🧤 to protect your hands. Don't forget to carry a small bag to store your finds!
🐚Most importantly, Safety
Always be cautious near the cliffs, as the rocks are unstable and prone to rockfalls⚠️. Keep a safe distance and avoid standing directly below them. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes, especially if you plan to climb over wet, slippery rocks.
🪨 Join Local Guided Tour
If you're new to fossil hunting, consider joining a local guided tourl. They can take you to the best spots and provide fascinating insights into the history and geology of the area.
#fossils #fossilsite #uk #uktravel #lymeregis #charmouth #dorset #dover #folkestone #beach #kent
One day trip to Folkestone
What a great place to travel in a weekend and weather is sunny and best time to spend one day in London countryside.
Beautiful Folkestone
the waves cannot get bolder then they can when you're in Folkestone.
Trip to Folkestone! and what a beautiful evening it was!
#2024wish Visit Denmark in the summer to Skagen and Copenhagen
folkestone day trip!
#freehotelstay folkestone day trip
Rooms have fantastic harbour sea views
#2023travelwish
Picture's of inside Grand Bustin & of outside
#tripblazers
the food and the room.
it was very nice experience the room was clean and modern with everything you'd need for your stay. the bed was very comfy with fresh clean sheets . the food was the best part 14 .50 all you can eat with are good selection to chose from would definitely recommend
Recommended Attractions at Popular Destinations
Popular Restaurants in Folkestone