FH Stories | Take a trip to Kent’s Heritage Coast

This stunning stretch of coastline from Folkestone towards Dover is the only UK location to feature in the prestigious list. So, what is there to see and do?

The Lower Leas Coastal Park in Folkestone has more than a passing resemblance to a Mediterranean destination with its bold, botanical planting, outdoor artworks and sea views. Take a leisurely descent from Folkestone’s Victorian-era The Leas promenade down the Zig Zag Path, a man-made grotto-like route to the sea front. There’s a large, free adventure playground that will impress youngsters, who can explore its sandpits, slides and pirate ships.

Folkestone’s heritage as a fishing town now sits alongside its famous outdoor art collection – you’ll notice fishing boats in the harbour bobbing alongside Richard Woods’ brightly coloured Holiday Homes artworks (a legacy of the Folkestone Triennial outdoor art exhibition).

Take a walk along Folkestone Harbour Arm – whether you have the Lighthouse Champagne bar at the end of the Arm in your sights, or simply want to take in the view. This area is steeped in history – Channel steamers operated from here in the 1900s to the Continent. Folkestone played a key role during the world wars and  in WW1 this was the departure point for hundreds of thousands of soldiers heading for northern France and Belgium, as well as 120,000 refugees landing from Europe.

In the Second World War, every boat in Folkestone took part in the Dunkirk evacuation – an estimated 35,000 troops and 9,000 refugees were landed here. Some 70 years later, The Harbour Arm has been reinvented and revived into a destination for food, drink and entertainment so a visit here blends old and new.

Also positioned high on the cliffs overlooking the English Channel at Capel-le-Ferne, The Battle of Britain Memorial is dedicated to the men who won the Battle of Britain in 1940. A visitor experience, including a visitor centre, replica aircraft and the poignant National Memorial to the Few and Christopher Foxley-Norris Memorial Wall make for a thought-provoking and educational visit.

Down the coast from Folkestone you have the market town of Hythe – with its historic high street and the Royal Military Canal which was constructed as a Napoleonic defence.

It stretches from Hythe for 28 miles to East Sussex and is now a destination for walking, cycling, fishing and boat trips. From Hythe you can also board the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway for a journey along the coastline that will take you back to a bygone era and will delight, well, anyone.