I visited of the UK’s most underrated seaside towns – it has a hidden gem
Folkestone has had some bad press over the years due to its gritty town centre and high crime rate.
Unlike some of the town’s picturesque neighbours – Deal, Broadstairs and St Margaret’s Bay to name a few – the town is pretty content with being a rough diamond.
While Folkestone town itself leaves a lot to be desired with its run-down storefronts and litter, the seaside does have some aces up its sleeve that many visitors don’t know about.
But before we dive into Folkestone’s thriving art scene, creative quarter and hidden beach, let’s get the negatives out of the way.
As a Kent local, I visit Folkestone regularly, usually to go shopping or out for dinner.
READ MORE: I visited one of the UK’s best seaside towns – it’s overrated and full of DFLs
The town centre is home to Bouverie Place Shopping Centre which has a mix of big brand high-street chains including Primark, TK Maxx, Next and New Look.
While not the most attractive structure, it’s the ideal one-stop shop for all the essentials – shoes, trainers, clothes, stationery and jewellery.
The rest of the town centre is a mix of charity shops, pharmacies, old cafes and fast-food joints.
It’s the sort of place where you want to make sure your bag is zipped up and your phone isn’t hanging out of your pocket.
However, as you walk towards the harbour, visitors will notice a gradual shift, especially as they approach Folkestone’s creative quarter.
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The creative quarter’s cobbled streets, quirky shops, art galleries and delicious eateries are a breath of fresh air compared with the town centre’s dour architecture.
The vibrant creative quarter is the perfect place to explore, grab a drink or enjoy a bite to eat. El Cortador, in particular, is a great spot to enjoy Spanish tapas and a glass of wine.
If you’re looking for something more casual try space bar & kitchen which offers delicious pizzas and Kentish cider.
The creative quarter is home to some of Folkestone’s most historic streets and is just down the road from the pretty Folkestone Harbour.
For a more upmarket experience, try Rocksalt. With panoramic views of Folkestone Harbour and the English Channel, the restaurant has fantastic local seafood and a brilliant happy hour.
Folkestone Beach is also stunning. The beach’s golden sands and blue waters look like something in the Caribbean rather than off the Kent coast.
The beach is a popular spot with both residents and visitors and is the perfect spot to enjoy an ice cream.
However, the real hidden gem of Folkestone is The Warren – a secluded golden beach that’s shielded by forested walks and the Kent Downs. The Warren is a part of the Kent Downs and the Heritage Coastline and offers visitors stunning coastal views and pretty rock pools.
It’s the perfect place to hunt for fossils and bird-watch and is around 30 minutes away from Folkestone town on foot.
I will always have a soft spot for Folkestone, even if it’s a little rough around the edges. If you ever do visit the town, exploring the creative quarter and The Warren are a must.
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