This charming coastal town overlooking the English Channel lies only seven kilometers west of Dover.
One of England’s busiest ports and a well-liked vacation spot, Folkestone’s development as a popular destination began in the mid-19th century with the construction of the London railway.
This can be seen from its many Victorian-style buildings, which add to the character of the town.
In terms of things to do, Folkestone is home to a number of tourist attractions that will appeal to people of all ages and interests.
From seafront dining and entertainment at the Folkestone Harbor Arm to paying your respects at the Battle of Britain Memorial or swimming at Sunny Sands Beach, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy here.
Want to know more? Check out our list of recommendations below!
The 31 Most Popular Things To Do In Folkestone, England
31. Sentient Gallery
5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)
Credit: Rebecca Mason, Google Maps
Location: 56 58 The Old High Street Folkestone
30. Saxon Shore Way
5.0 ★★★★★ (1 review)
Credit: David Anstiss, License, Wikimedia commons
29. Folkestone Artworks: Pilar Quinteros, Janus’s Fortress, Folkestone
4.0 ★★★★☆ (2 reviews)
Credit: Bartłomiej Stochła, Google Maps
Location: St Andrews The Durlocks Folkestone
Web Address: http://englandscreativecoast.com/
28. Stutfall Castle
4.1 ★★★★☆ (7 reviews)
Credit: David Anstiss, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Royal Military Road Lympne Hythe
27. The Folkestone Leas Lift
4.3 ★★★★☆ (12 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Lower Sandgate Road Folkestone
Web Address: http://wew.leaslift.co.uk/
26. Sandgate Castle
4.2 ★★★★☆ (17 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Sandgate Folkestone
25. The American Garden
4.9 ★★★★★ (18 reviews)
Credit: Arnella Worwood, Google Maps
Location: Saltwood Hythe
Tel: 1303-269687
24. Folkestone Ski Centre
4.2 ★★★★☆ (25 reviews)
Credit: Folkestone Ski Centre, Google Maps
Location: 5 Radnor Park Ave Folkestone
Tel: 1303-850333
23. Royal Military Canal
4.7 ★★★★★ (25 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
22. Hythe Sound Mirror
4.1 ★★★★☆ (28 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Hythe
21. Parish Church of St Mary & St Eanswythe, Folkestone
4.6 ★★★★★ (50 reviews)
Credit: John Baker, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Church Street Folkestone
Tel: 1303-252947
Web Address: https://stmaryandsteanswythe.org/
20. Caesar’s Camp
4.6 ★★★★★ (67 reviews)
Credit: Chris Heaton, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Folkestone
19. Sandgate Park. Military Road
4.4 ★★★★☆ (69 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 48 Military Road Sandgate Folkestone
Tel: 1303-853380
18. Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror
4.6 ★★★★★ (127 reviews)
Credit: Richard Shepard, Google Maps
Location: Folkestone
17. Folkestone White Horse
4.4 ★★★★☆ (130 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Cheriton Hill Folkestone
16. Elham Valley Line Trust
4.8 ★★★★★ (145 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Peene Folkestone
Tel: 1303-273014
Web Address: http://elhamvalleylinetrust.org/
15. The Folkestone Mermaid
4.5 ★★★★★ (150 reviews)
Credit: Angus Willson, License, Flickr
Location: The Streetade Folkestone
14. Sandgate Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ (353 reviews)
Credit: Helmut Zozmann, License, Wikimedia commons
13. Dover Transport Museum
4.7 ★★★★★ (370 reviews)
Location: Willingdon Road Whitfield Dover
Tel: 1304-822409
Web Address: http://dovertransportmuseum.org.uk/
12. Russell Gardens
4.6 ★★★★★ (476 reviews)
Credit: Luke Scammell, Google Maps
Location: Bushy Ruff Cottages Alkham Road Temple Ewell Dover
Web Address: https://kearsneyparks.co.uk/
11. Brockhill Country Park
4.7 ★★★★★ (878 reviews)
Location: Sandling Road Hythe Saltwood
Tel: 300-042-0993
Web Address: http://kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community/parks-and-outdoor-activities/brockhill-country-park
10. Kent Downs
4.5 ★★★★★ (9,747 reviews)
Credit: David Anstiss, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Coldharbour Ln Wye Ashford
Web Address: http://kentdowns.org.uk/
Our Top picks
9. Folkestone Museum
4.5 ★★★★★ (142 reviews)
Credit: Henri Merke, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: 1 2 Guildhall Street Folkestone
Tel: 1303-257946
Web Address: https://folkestonemuseum.co.uk/
8. Folkestone East Cliff and Warren Country Park.
4.7 ★★★★★ (212 reviews)
Location: Wear Bay Road Folkestone CT19 30 Wear Bay Road Folkestone
7. Sunny Sands
4.5 ★★★★★ (255 reviews)
Credit: pam fray, License, Wikimedia commons
6. Folkestone Beach
4.6 ★★★★★ (497 reviews)
Credit: David Anstiss, License, Wikimedia commons
5. Kent Battle of Britain Museum Trust
4.6 ★★★★★ (587 reviews)
Credit: Niek Hombrouckx, Google Maps
Location: Aerodrome Road Hawkinge Folkestone
Tel: 1303-893140
Web Address: http://kbobm.org/
4. Kidz Planet
4.3 ★★★★☆ (645 reviews)
Location: Unit 1 2 Centurion Park Caesar’s Wy Folkestone
Tel: 1303-277773
Web Address: http://kidzplanet.co.uk/
3. Battle of Britain Memorial
4.8 ★★★★★ (1,974 reviews)
Credit: D-G-Seamon, License, Wikimedia commons
Location: New Dover Road Capel le Ferne Folkestone
Tel: 1303-249292
Web Address: https://battleofbritainmemorial.org/
2. Lower Leas Coastal Park
4.7 ★★★★★ (1,996 reviews)
Location: Lower Sandgate Road Folkestone
1. Folkestone Harbour Arm
4.6 ★★★★★ (2,800 reviews)
Credit: License, Wikimedia commons
Location: Harbour Approach Road Folkestone
Web Address: https://folkestoneharbourarm.co.uk/
Final Words:
Thank you for reading our list of the best things to do in Folkestone, England! We hope it helped you plan the perfect itinerary for your next trip to this fantastic destination. Happy travels!