THINGS TO DO IN FOLKESTONE - Folkestone & Hythe : Folkestone & Hythe

THE WARREN

Just a fossil’s throw away from the town is one of Folkestone’s treasures.

The Warren is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is a fascinating combination of cliff, coast and woodland.

The area also offers walking, wonderful views and down on the sandy beach there is the opportunity to perhaps uncover a fossil or two and indulge in a bit of rock pooling.

Paths are steep and the area is rugged in places so good footwear is recommended.

The area is part of the North Downs Way, and also on the Folkestone to Dover leg of the National Cycle Route.

Parking: A small car park can be found by following What3Words///count.places.feasted. Or there is parking in Wear Bay Road
Toilets: Not in the immediate area
Dogs can be exercised in the area and are allowed on the beach all year round

LOWER LEAS COASTAL PARK

Make your way up from the beach to the coastal park and find a gem that truly offers something for the whole family.

There is a Mediterranean feel to the formal and informal planting in the gardens by the district council’s grounds maintenance team and much to be admired.

Look out for occasional performances in the 350-seat amphitheatre and there is a range of seating around the park with wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths.

The park is also home to the south-east’s largest, free adventure playground and there are zipwires, tube slides, climbing nets and even a pirate ship to keep the younger ones happy for hours.

An on-site café also offers snacks and drinks.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities
Dogs: Allowed on leads

F51

F51 has to be seen to be believed! Whether it is just to admire the award-winning architecture of the world’s first multi-storey skatepark or to test your nerve and try out what’s inside.

Opened in 2022, this indoor venue is home to the world’s first suspended concrete bowls and has three stacked floors dedicated to all types of skateboarding and BMXing.

For those who prefer a non-wheeled challenge, there is 350 sq m of climbing surface and 240 sq m of bouldering space.
The venue is also home to a boxing club.

Sessions for all activities are available for beginners and the more experienced, and gear available to hire.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Further information: f51.co.uk

A skater does a trick in a concrete bowl with a white wall with a shark mural behind — Skating at F51. Image from F51.

The sculpture of a mermaid sits on a rock in front of a sandy beach — Cornelia Parker, Folkestone Mermaid, Originally for the Creative Folkestone Triennial 2011. Image by Matt Rowe.

FOLKESTONE ARTWORKS

The UK’s largest urban contemporary art exhibition is free and accessible 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You can discover 46 artists’ work in scenic and surprising locations including works from Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley and Yoko Ono.

It will also answer the burning question of many visitors to the town – why is there a little house in the middle of the harbour?

The Folkestone Triennial has become one of the most influential and ambitious art exhibitions of newly commissioned art in the public realm. In 2025 the Triennial will be curated by Sorcha Carey, Director of Collective, the contemporary art centre in Edinburgh.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Further information: creativefolkestone.org.uk/folkestoneartworks/maps-and-routes/

FOLKESTONE MUSEUM

Housed in the Town Hall in Guildhall Street, in the centre of Folkestone, this compact museum manages to achieve a huge amount over its two floors.

Its collections reflect Folkestone as a fashionable destination during the Victorian period, its position as a Channel port on the frontline during two world wars and the town’s history of seafaring.

Admission to the museum is free and the museum is open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am until 4pm (last entry 3.30pm) It is fully wheelchair accessible with ramp entrances and a lift.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: Lower ground floor of building.
Further information: folkestonemuseum.co.uk/

A traditional stone two storey building with columns — Folkestone Museum in the town hall

A mannequin in orange waders stands near a traffic cone and beside a board of pictures and words — Folkestone Fishing Heritage museum

FOLKESTONE FISHING HERITAGE AND HISTORY MUSEUM

Under the arches in Radnor Street, near the harbour, this free to enter museum offers a fascinating insight into Folkestone’s fishing industry.

“Hands on” features including the ship’s bell and fog horn will delight younger visitors and the skill of tying knots and handling ropes should appeal to all.

Open from April through to November daily from 10.30am until 4pm. Wheelchair accessible.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parks-beaches-open-spaces/publictoilet-facilities

RADNOR PARK

Close to Folkestone Central train station and local buses, Radnor Park is home to the funfair, circus and Donkey Derby every year, making it a fab place for family fun.

The Upper park is where the action happens, as well as two play areas – a railway themed one for toddlers with a climbing train and carriage, tunnels and tracks a roundabout and a station. For eight to 12 year olds, a 20m zip wire, a six metre pyramid net and other climbing equipment should help wear them out! Picnic tables, a fenced dog run, tearoom and toilet facilities are all close to hand.

In contrast the Lower park focusses on peace and quiet, teeming with wildlife, ponds and streams.

Parking: folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/parking/car-parks-in-district
Toilets: on site
Dogs: on leads except in fenced dog zone

Mature trees line an avenue by the side of a park — Radnor Park