A hidden gem in Kent is drawing comparisons to the Mediterranean, with visitors amazed by its turquoise waters and unique rock formations. Mermaid Beach, located in Folkestone, has been described as a 'slice of the Mediterranean' by a TikTok user who shared the spot online.
Location and Accessibility
The beach sits beneath cliffs close to Sunny Sands Beach and the Folkestone Harbour Arm. It is a remote pebble beach offering a serene getaway, with towering cliffs forming a dramatic backdrop. The name comes from rocks shaped like a mermaid's tail along the shoreline.
Accessible via a 15-minute walk from Folkestone town centre, the beach is also reachable by train from London in just 58 minutes. A longer walking route through Lower Leas Coastal Park passes artificial grottoes built after the First World War.
Visitor Reactions and Amenities
TikTok user 'wonder_lesea' posted a video captioned: 'Feels like Spain, but it's Kent.' She called it 'a hidden beach with turquoise water and a walking trail through cliffs and lush parkland.' The post garnered comments from viewers, with one saying: 'Thanks to you just booked a small holiday in Folkestone.' Another noted: 'Mermaid Beach is beautiful. I live an hour away and have been twice now. It's peaceful and beautiful and most importantly, clean.'
Nearby amenities include coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and ice cream. Barbecues are permitted, but dogs are only allowed outside the main season. One visitor warned: 'All fun till you can't use your phone for five minutes because it thinks you're in France.'
Impact and Seasonal Appeal
With summer temperatures expected to hit 40°C in some areas during the latest heatwave, the beach offers an accessible escape without traveling abroad. The video has inspired several viewers to plan visits, highlighting the beach's appeal as a local alternative to Mediterranean destinations.
