Continuing the semester on a fairly busy note in London, a weekend calls for a break away from the hustle of the city. Apart from the countries close to London that one can visit while staying here, traveling within the UK for the weekend can be the perfect getaway – not too long, not too short, and not too far. My friends and I took the opportunity this weekend to explore one of the UK’s seaside towns – Folkestone. Not too attractive or popular on the front, but Folkestone has a lot to offer an average tourist for a peaceful or social time.
Folkestone is a not-so-popular Kentish beach town located about 2.5 hours away from London on the road. Folkestone’s growing art scene, pubs and bars, and somewhat picturesque seafronts have now made it popular among tourists looking for a refreshing break out of the city.
Wrapping up our day late evening on Friday, we took a bus at night to depart for Folkestone – something I particularly would not recommend if you are someone like me who enjoys the scenic views on the ride. With Folkestone being close to London, the journey felt quick (minus the scary highway drive with no street lights) and not too tiring. Since we reached our Victorian-style Airbnb in the middle of the night, our first impressions of the place were skewed, and we surely misjudged Folkestone to be an eerie, silent town.
One of the highlights of our trip was that we stayed extremely close to the city center and used that as an opportunity to get our steps in; we explored Folkestone entirely on foot for the two days we vacationed there. It is easy and convenient to get around this town without getting a cab or finding public transport routes. Folkestone isn’t how one might expect a beach town to be – sandy beaches with notable architecture. Although the town houses dozens of buildings designed as per ancient architectural structures, there is nothing particularly extraordinary about it. What the town does possess, though, is a handful of charms and places a tourist must visit.
The Creative Quarter
Located in the central part of the city on Old High Street, the creative quarter is the artistic hub of the south. This street is home to multiple designers, artists, vintage stores, cafés, and more. Strolling down (or up) the creative quarter, we came across spaces where people displayed their works and believed in more than just making sales – they offer an unfiltered view of their work. This place is a must-visit for lovers of creative displays and handiworks.
The Leas
A mile-long stretch along the western side of the town is the promenade, The Leas. Known to be a very interesting sight which even allows you to see France on a good day, it is a perfect place to visit during the day. We strolled along the zig-zag path treated ourselves to Kentish ice cream by the waters, while others found a place to sit and reflect while being awe-inspired by the vast expanse of ocean in front of them or the colorfully lined houses to the sides.
Harbour and Beaches
Since Folkestone was once a major port, the harbor is still one of the most popular tourist spots to visit. The newly refurbished Harbour Arm is now home to small businesses and food trucks serving local foods like fish and chips to enjoy alongside the stunning views across the harbor. The beaches in Folkestone are peaceful and the perfect place to enjoy in summers (unfortunately, it was too cold when we got there). One can catch the mermaid statue on Sunny Sands Beach and enjoy a surf ride in the waters or stroll by the waterfront.
Bars, Clubs, and Cafés
Whether you’re someone who likes dancing away their Saturday nights or prefers morning brunches in a cozy café, Folkestone’s got you covered. The vast selection of bars and pubs, particularly crowded and bustling on the weekends, are the place to be at to end your Saturday nights. We enjoyed our mornings with breakfasts from small cafés serving delectable meals and ended our nights at the local pubs serving various drinks and fish and chips.
A major port at one time, a town where people claim to have spotted renowned mystery novelist Agatha Christie multiple times, declined in popularity due to the new channels that opened up. Although not as aesthetically pleasing as you’d expect, Folkestone is a natural and raw town that cares for its locals rather than simply making itself tourist-friendly. It provides visitors with an authentic experience which is certainly a memorable one.
