Discover Fabulous Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh

Around Folkestone

Folkestone is a town packed with history, famous names and amazing architecture. It is where Charles Dickens wrote Little Dorrit, H.G. Wells wrote War of the Worlds and Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express.

Folkestone is also home to the Triennial - a unique outdoor contemporary art exhibition featuring some of Europe's top artists.  It runs every three years from 2008 and after each Triennial artwork will remain in the town, creating a permanent display of public art set against some spectacular scenery.  Explore the town and find the artwork by downloading a map and full details

Harbour and Sunny Sands beach - Take a stroll around Folkestone's small working harbour with its fishing boats, quaint pubs, seafood stalls and the artists, fisherman's and farmer's market every Sunday from 10am-4pm. At the end of the Stade you will find Sunny Sands, a stretch of sandy beach popular with families. Proposals for a major redevelopment of the harbour and seafront include a marina, shops, seafront restaurants and new homes.

Leas Lift - the second oldest water balanced cliff lift in England (open Easter to October 9.00am - 6.00 daily and Sundays only from October) will take you from the Harbour up to the town's cliff-top promenade, The Leas. Alternatively walk up the Road of Remembrance, the route taken by millions of troops embarking for World War I and II

The Leas - Folkestone's mile-long cliff top promenade has stunning sea views, a bandstand, floral displays and lawns. It is the location of some the towns most historic buildings including the Grand and the Metropole. From The Leas take the zig zag path leads you down to the town's award winning Coastal Park

Coastal Park. Amphitheatre and Adventure Playground  - the Coastal Park is a unique undercliff with pine avenues, flower gardens and picnic areas leading down to the sea. Through the summer, enjoy free weekend music and entertainment in the spectacular Amphitheatre overlooking the sea.  Also in the park is the largest free children's adventure playground in the south east complete with zip wires, slide tubes and a toddler's builders yard and even a pirate ship 

The Bayle and St Mary & St Eanswythe - perched on top of the cliff, is Folkestone's 13th century parish church. Walk through the churchyard to the Bayle, one of the oldest parts of the town and you will find the town's oldest pub - reputedly frequented by Charles Dickens - the British Lion.

The Creative Quarter - The Old High Street is a steep, narrow cobbled street running down to the harbour.  Take a walk down this historic street and you will find plenty of exciting independent shops, cafes and galleries. The Old High Street and the area around Tontine Street is known as the Creative Quarter and it is fast becoming a base for artists and creative industries

If you have a few more hours why not visit some of the other attractions in the district....

East Cliff & Warren Country Park - take in the breathtaking views along these historic chalk cliffs and woodlands just a fifteen minute walk from Folkestone harbour or by car on the B2011,

Battle of Britain Museum - has the UK's most important collection of Battle of Britain planes, vehicles and relics. It is a ten minute drive from Folkestone to Aerodrome Road,Hawkinge CT18 7AG www.kbobm.org 01303 893140.  Also while you are there, don't miss the moving memorial to the young fighters who fell in the battle, at nearby Capel-le-Ferne just off the B2011 01303 249292

Sandgate - take the A259 from Folkestone to visit Sandgate with its rows of antique shops and seafront cafes and restaurants

The Hythe Royal Military Canal - follow the A259 towards Hythe and take a leisurely walk from West Hythe to Seabrook along this unique canal built to protect England from invasion by Napoleon. Play areas, fishing, cycling and boating. Free car parks at West Hythe and Seabrook

Hythe - while you are in the area don't miss visiting Hythe with its historic high street, interesting shops, medieval buildings and seafront promenade. The brave might also want to visit the 11th century St Leonard's Church and see its crypt lined with 2000 medieval skulls and 8,000 thighbones

23 miles of beaches - including miles of sandy beach at Dymchurch, Greatstone and Littlestone

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway - travel on the third size miniature mainline railway from Hythe to Dungeness, 01797 362353 http://www.rhdr.org.uk/rhdr/home_flash.html

Port Lympne Animal Park - see elephants and rhinos in this magnificent wildlife park http://www.totallywild.net/ 01303 264647

Brenzett Museum is a unique collection of wartime equipment including remains recovered from aircraft crash sites - Ivychurch Road, Brenzett, TN29 OEE 01797 344747 http://www.brenzettaero.co.uk/

Brockhill Country Park - the park has a lake, grounds. picnic area, children's adventure play area, visitors' centre and refreshment kiosk. Open all year - Saltwood, Nr. Hythe, CT21 4HL, 01303 266327

Dungeness RSPB Nature Reserve - the reserve has five birdwatching hides, nature trail and shop. -open daily Dungeness Road, Lydd 01797 320588 http://www.rspb.org.uk/

Old Lighthouse Dungeness - visitors can climb the tower to the great lens and enjoy the panoramic views over the English channel and countryside - Dungeness TN29 9NB Tel: 01797 321300 http://www.dungenesslighthouse.com/

For more information visit
www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk