Not Margate or St Ives — one underrated seaside town with over 50 independent shops is quietly emerging as a must-visit destination. This coastal town in Kent is reinventing itself as the ultimate coastal escape, according to locals who suggest Folkestone is one to watch.
A High Street Full of Independent Shops
Folkestone boasts a flourishing high street packed with an eclectic array of independent local businesses, from clothing boutiques and gaming shops to traditional pubs and cafes. This area, known as the Creative Quarter, is a true symbol of the town's regeneration, according to Folkestone and Hythe. The quarter is home to an inspiring community of designers, filmmakers, musicians, web developers, and artists, with 115 studios and offices, over 50 shops, and around 80 flats, making it a playground for creative and digital businesses.
I greatly enjoyed exploring the town, its rolling hills offering scenes reminiscent of the south of France, complete with palm trees and colourful buildings. Yet what I appreciated most was discovering what the local traders had to offer. I departed with second-hand bags, jewellery, anime and comic book collectables, and various trinkets for my room.
The Golden Beach
Folkestone boasts six beaches, but the one that enchanted me most was the hidden gem Sunny Sands. This location was breathtakingly beautiful and wonderfully peaceful. My fondest memory was perched on the brick wall above, watching the icy blue waves wash ashore. Numerous dog owners allowed their well-behaved pets to roam freely, bounding across the sand and splashing at the water's edge — a truly uplifting sight. The wind whipped at my face, yet every moment spent sitting there in quiet contentment was thoroughly worthwhile. There was something curiously spiritual about the water, particularly in Folkestone. Bustling seaside destinations such as Brighton simply cannot replicate the same sense of calm and tranquillity.
The Unique Railway
Cutting through the heart of the harbour lies a lengthy, disused railway station, which proved fascinating and rather pleasurable to walk through. According to Folkestone Harbour Seafront, the station platforms constitute part of the restoration of the Harbour Arm and its historically significant structures. The former Folkestone Harbour station first opened its doors in 1850, boasting a steep branch line that descended from the main station to the harbour, linking trains with ferries bound for Boulogne and Calais. After duty-free sales were scrapped in 1999, the ferry service from Folkestone shut down in September 2000, removing the main reason for the harbour branch line's continued operation. Despite this, the station was restored and reopened in spring 2018. The platforms where travellers once awaited trains are now covered spaces to unwind, sit back, and take in the views. A spokesperson for the development company said: "When the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company took possession of the harbour buildings, it was clear that very little of the original 1850 station structure remained. Even though the physical structure lacked authenticity, we realised that the existence of a station on the Harbour Arm had been integral to the successful development of Folkestone. It was interlaced with layers of history, making it an important piece of the town's story."
'London-Style' Activities
Having strolled along the platform, we followed the signs to the "Goods Yard", where we found what appeared to be a smaller version of London's Boxpark. This proved a welcome surprise, as throughout much of our stay we had encountered locals who were evidently of pensionable age, yet the Goods Yard was teeming with young adults, teenagers, and families. Similar to London, the venue featured a large screen displaying family films and was surrounded by numerous eateries and bars. Amongst the dining establishments are Little Rock and Rocksalt, both serving locally sourced seafood with spectacular sea views. Fresh fish dishes can also be found at Chummys. According to FolkeLife, Plamil Foods manufactures plant-based milks and vegan chocolate, while El Cortador dishes up authentic Spanish tapas. For those seeking a drink, craft beers are available at Brewing Brothers, and the Potting Shed offers a vibrant atmosphere.
My Recommended Place to Eat
Without question, the standout moment of my entire trip was the food. Beyond the harbour, my favourite dining destination is the Blackmarket on Tontine Street. This characterful local bar delivers mouth-watering burgers, wings, and alcohol, and occasionally features live music. The interior design was absolutely stunning, displaying an eclectic collection of pictures, artwork, words, flags, and symbols. It possesses a distinctly edgy atmosphere, yet warmly welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds. I opted for a burger topped with blue cheese, chorizo, and crispy onions — something I find myself daydreaming about to this day. Even the soy honey garlic-glazed wings were devoured in no time. In conversation with owner Nathan Roberts, he disclosed that the restaurant sources its produce locally, including from one of the town's last remaining butchers. The menu is overhauled every few months, ensuring each visit offers something fresh and exciting. On the topic of Folkestone itself, 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."
