Exploring Folkestone: A Seaside Town's Creative Transformation
During the holiday season, I embarked on a journey to investigate an emerging coastal destination in the United Kingdom that is quietly evolving into an ideal getaway. This charming town, nestled along the British coastline, offers a refreshing alternative to homogenised high streets dominated by national chains, with more than 50 independent retailers lining its picturesque avenues.
Artistic Flair and Local Character
The town's artistic vibrancy enhances its historical allure. From delectable bakeries and fashionable bars to unique boutiques and eclectic eateries, every corner exudes a distinctly local personality, brimming with charm. My exploration led me to the sandy shores of Folkestone in Kent, where I uncovered its coastal treasures.
The Serene Beach Experience
Folkestone boasts six beaches, but the sheltered Sunny Sands captivated me with its stunning and tranquil atmosphere. Perched on the brick wall above, I watched the freezing turquoise waves roll in, creating a meditative scene. Numerous visitors strolled with their friendly dogs roaming freely across the sand and shoreline, adding to the liberating ambiance. Despite the bitterly cold temperature and brisk breeze battering my face, every moment spent in tranquillity was worthwhile.
There was something uniquely calming about the sea in Folkestone, a sense of peace that well-known seaside destinations like Brighton often lack. The harbour area, with its scenic views, further enhanced the town's beauty.
High Street of Independent Shops
I thoroughly enjoyed discovering the town, where undulating hills offered vistas reminiscent of the South of France, complete with palm trees and vibrant buildings. However, what truly captured my heart was the local offerings. Folkestone's thriving high street, known as the Creative Quarter, is packed with a variety of independent businesses, from clothing boutiques and game shops to traditional pubs and cafés.
This area symbolises the town's regeneration, as noted by Folkestone and Hythe authorities. The quarter is surprisingly artistic and wonderfully eccentric, housing an inspiring community of designers, filmmakers, musicians, web developers, and artists across 115 studios and offices, over 50 shops, and around 80 flats, making it a playground for creative and digital enterprises.
My visit concluded with purchases of second-hand bags, jewellery, anime and comic book merchandise, and charming trinkets to adorn my room, reflecting the town's eclectic spirit.
The Unique Railway Heritage
At the heart of the harbour lies an elongated, disused railway station, which proved both intriguing and enjoyable to explore. According to Folkestone Harbour Seafront, the station platforms are part of the restoration of the Harbour Arm and its heritage structures. The former Folkestone Harbour station, launched in 1850, featured a steep branch line descending from the main station to the harbour, connecting trains with ferries to Boulogne and Calais.
Following the abolition of duty-free shopping in 1999, ferry operations ceased in September 2000, eliminating the primary purpose for the harbour branch line. The arrival of the nearby Channel Tunnel further reduced the need for conventional ferry-to-train connections, leading to the line's formal closure in 2014. The station was subsequently cordoned off and deteriorated.
Nevertheless, restoration efforts culminated in the station reopening in spring 2018. Today, the platforms, where passengers once awaited trains, serve as sheltered areas to relax, sit, and enjoy the scenery. A spokesperson for the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company explained that while little of the original 1850 structure remained, the station's historical significance made it an integral part of the town's story, intertwined with layers of history.
London-Inspired Attractions
After strolling along the platform, we followed a signpost to the "Goods Yard," discovering a compact version of London's Boxpark. This venue attracted predominantly younger people, teenagers, and families, offering a welcome contrast to the local pensioners we had mingled with earlier. Similar to London, it featured a large screen showing family-friendly films, surrounded by numerous restaurants and drinking establishments.
Dining options include Little Rock and Rocksalt, which serve locally caught seafood with coastal panoramas, while Chummys offers fresh fish cuisine. According to FolkeLife, Plamil Foods manufactures plant-based milks and vegan chocolate, and El Cortador delivers Spanish tapas. For beverages, craft beer is available at Brewing Brothers, and the Potting Shed provides vibrant atmospheres.
Top Dining Recommendation
My finest culinary experience in Folkestone was at the Blackmarket on Tontine Street, a neighbourhood establishment serving mouth-watering burgers, chicken wings, and alcoholic drinks, occasionally hosting live musical performances. The interior design was remarkable, showcasing an eclectic collection of photographs, art pieces, text, banners, and emblems, blending contemporary style with universal appeal.
I selected a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo, and crispy onions, a dish I still fantasise about today, and polished off soy honey garlic-glazed wings within moments. Owner Nathan Roberts explained they source locally, partnering with one of the town's few remaining butchers, and refresh the menu every couple of months to guarantee fresh offerings.
Discussing Folkestone's prospects, Nathan commented: "It's definitely somewhere to watch, there's a lot going on, a lot of moves being made. I'd say in the next 10 years, Folkestone will be on the map, especially for people in the city. It's going to be somewhere to keep an eye on; it's only going to get better around here."
