Overseas travel has never been more accessible in theory, with flights and hotels bookable from a sofa and paper maps a relic of the past. According to ABTA's annual Holiday Habits report, 87% of Brits went on holiday last year. Yet travelling abroad feels increasingly fraught. The EU's new Entry/Exit System (EES) is causing chaos with queues at passport control, the Iran war has led to thousands of flight cancellations at hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, and a jet fuel crisis is driving up airfares. Consequently, many Brits are choosing to stay in the UK.
Staycation surge: UK holiday parks see 35% booking jump
Summer bookings at UK hotels and holiday parks have jumped significantly. Lovat Parks reports a 35% increase compared with last year. Metro Travel accepted an invitation to try a hyper-local staycation in Kent, exploring the so-called 'Costa del Kent'. The accommodation was Shoreline Folkestone, a seafront complex as little as an hour by train from London St Pancras. Driving offers an underground car park where a pre-recorded number plate opens the doors automatically, and a private entrance leads directly to the apartment.
Shoreline Folkestone: luxury apartments with sea views
The building, a futuristic structure designed by ACME, is within walking distance of the town, which rivals Margate as a cool escape from the capital. The apartment, named The View, features two bedrooms, two bathrooms with Aesop products, a kitchen with a wine fridge leading to a rear terrace and communal garden. The living room has floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a large balcony with unobstructed beach views, ideal for relaxing with local Kent wine, such as Heppington Chardonnay.
Sea Scrub Sauna: Nordic-style relaxation on Harbour Arm
Pre-booked at Sea Scrub Sauna, a few minutes' walk away on Harbour Arm, the experience met exacting Finnish standards. Real wood heated stoves, cold plunges, a hot tub, and sea views made it worthwhile. The löyly (steam from water on heated stones) offered a near-spiritual experience. Finished with a fragranced sea salt scrub and hot tub dip, it was a great way to unwind. Sessions start from £20 for 40 minutes. Attached is a cafe selling ramen, nodding to Nordic-Japanese affinity.
Dining and culture: from fish and chips to Champagne bars
Brunch restaurant Sailbox satisfied fish and chip cravings, while Shuck It & Sea offered oysters. Spicy fish tacos were also available. Folkestone's revamped harbour has excellent restaurants, bars, and cocktail spots. The Lighthouse Champagne Bar atop the Victorian lighthouse provides sweeping views of the White Cliffs and the French coast on clear days. Every Saturday until September, Pilot Beach Bar hosts free live music and DJ sets. The Creative Quarter features independent shops, boutiques, and bars on cobblestone streets off the Old High Street, offering vintage clothes, handmade jewellery, art, and vinyl records. Folkestone Pride is on July 25, and Under the Moon Art Market occurs the last Saturday monthly.
Vineyards and natural beauty: Kent's chalky soil
Folkestone borders the Kent Downs area of natural beauty and its vineyards, with chalky soil identical to the Champagne region. Terlingham Vineyard, a family-run farm 10 minutes above Folkestone by car, offers pesticide and herbicide-free wine. Simpsons Wine Estate along the A2 between Folkestone and Canterbury features tasting experiences including the Chalkslands Classic Cuvée sparkling wine. Elham Valley Vineyard, started in 1985, has expanded into more grape varieties and includes a garden centre and a charity-run cafe employing adults with learning difficulties.
Getting there and accommodation costs
Trains from London St Pancras to Folkestone start from around £13 advance single on regular service, or £19 for high-speed Southeastern taking under an hour. Driving from London takes about 1 hour 30 minutes. A two-night stay at The View Shoreline starts from around £400 off-season for a luxury beach house sleeping four, rising to upwards of £800 in peak summer. The Shoreline development also has flats and houses for sale from £375,000.
