During a recent heatwave when temperatures soared to 37°C, a hidden gem beach in Folkestone, Kent, remained surprisingly uncrowded, offering a peaceful alternative to packed seaside resorts like Brighton or Bournemouth.
An Impromptu Escape to the Coast
Fed up with the sweltering heat in London, where many homes lack air conditioning, a visitor and her mother decided on a spontaneous weekday trip to the coast. Instead of heading to popular destinations, they chose Folkestone, known for its golden sandy beach called Sunny Sands.
The visitor had previously been to Folkestone in winter and was captivated by the icy-blue waves and serene atmosphere. That memory prompted the return visit during the heatwave.
Surprisingly Spacious Even During Peak Heat
Arriving around 5 pm on a Thursday evening, the beach was far from crowded. Although children had left school and many workers had finished for the day, there was ample space, with some areas feeling virtually deserted. The beach offered a tranquil setting where people could sunbathe, play games, and paddle in the sea without the usual crush of tourists.
According to the visitor, "To my astonishment, even during the heatwave, this sandy stretch was far from heaving with tourists."
Sunny Sands Beach: A Golden Gem on a Pebbled Coast
Sunny Sands Beach is Folkestone's most famous stretch of coastline, celebrated for its unusual expanse of golden sand along Kent's largely pebbled shore. Located next to the harbour, it provides a classic seaside experience with safe bathing, family-friendly amenities, and easy access to the town centre.
During the winter visit, well-behaved dogs were seen running freely on the sand, but during the summer trip, no dogs were visible. This is because, according to Cotswolds Outdoor, from May 1 to September 30, dogs are not allowed on Sunny Sands Beach between 10 am and 8 pm. They are permitted on other sections of Folkestone Beach throughout the year, provided they remain under control.
Folkestone's Diverse Beach Offerings
Folkestone boasts a range of beaches beyond Sunny Sands. Just east lies Folkestone's main beach, an extensive pebble shore popular for strolling and wave watching. Next to it is Lower Leas Coastal Park, the largest free adventure play facility in the South East, featuring public art installations and views across the English Channel.
Further along the coastline is Mermaid Beach, set against dramatic cliffs and renowned for its pristine waters, offering a more tranquil setting than the busier central stretches. Sandgate Beach, a laid-back pebble shore, is perfect for dog walks and catching stunning sunsets across the Channel.
Easy Access by Road and Rail
Reaching Folkestone Beach is straightforward thanks to excellent transport links. By car, it is conveniently accessible via the M20, with the journey from London taking approximately two hours. By train, Folkestone Central provides frequent high-speed services from London St Pancras in roughly an hour, followed by a 20-minute stroll or a short bus or taxi ride to the seafront.
