FOLKESTONE, KENT UK

SUNNY SANDS

I thought I would give you a little insight into the coastal town where I live, we are down on the southeast coast and the closest point to France. Many ferries go from Dover to Calais or Boulogne, we also have the Channel Tunnel in Folkestone where you drive onto a train and that takes you under the water to France.  The Euro-Star did stop at Ashford which is 20 minutes up the M20. You can get the fast train from Folkestone Town to London which takes 50 minutes so it is popular for people to live here and work in London.

I think we have the best weather as we are down near where the hot air comes up from the Mediterranean so I never really want to go too far as I find I am so much better health-wise in the sunshine. I was hoping our winters would get warmer but this year it has been really cold.

BANKSY

We have our very own Banksy which you can find behind glass now so it cannot be damaged and this is also down The Old High Street.

Down in the Harbour, the area is known as the Creative Quarter as there are many artists and talented people that live or work down there. The Old High Street is full of quant original shops selling their work plus many cafes and restaurants. I love Steep Street Coffee House as all the walls are lined with books and the cakes are delicious. My favourite restaurant is Bella Vita the Italian that is just the best, everything is good there not only the food but the staff and the ambience.

EL CORTADOR TAPAS BAR

We also have the Harbour Arm, my best place on there is the Champagne Bar at the very end and I can say that sitting there looking back at sunny sands with a glass in your hand is just the best. I cannot wait to do that again. The many places on the arm are original and unique, attracting visitors from everywhere, the car park is big plus they have a Market at the weekend in The Old Railway Station that has been done up.

The best beach is sandy and safe so attracts the residents in the summer and in the winter for the dog walkers. You also have The Warren, where it feels you are getting back to nature. Kids love climbing on the rocks. The fresh fish is a bargain to buy at the harbour as it comes off the boats with much of it taken by the many restaurants we have here now. Another favourite of mine is Rocksalt set at the start of the harbour, a lovely spot for a cocktail at sunset looking out to the harbour and sea. We can see France on a clear day. The Fountains are very popular with the families and kids love running in and out of them.

THE FOUNTAINS

Further along the seafront, you have the Coastal Park for the children to play in, this is brilliant with so many things to climb and play on. A great place for a family picnic.

COASTAL PARK

Our cinema is fantastic as it is so old and beautiful, such a joy to go there and watch a film. We also have the brand new skate park opening this summer which will be used for worldwide events as it is the only one in the country. I cannot wait to go inside and see all the ramps, cafe and many things they have on each level.

On the downs overlooking the English Channel, you have Terlingham Vineyard who make some very tasty wines. They also do tours so well worth a visit, it is so calm and peaceful up there. A beautiful place to visit.

TERLINGHAM VINEYARD

Upon the hill, you have Little Switzerland, which is the best view over the channel and a super cafe/bistro that many locals go to as it is so beautiful. It is also a campsite but does get very booked up. The seafront is being developed with many houses so no children’s amusements here, which is a shame, we also have a lot more beach huts this year, they have all been painted but again it is a shame they are so expensive each year. I would love to have one as a writing cave and family hut, a place where memories are made.

BEACH HUTS

I think Folkestone is a Creative Town for the arts so it does attract a lot of people not only to live here but to visit. I like it as all my children and grandchildren live within walking distance of myself plus the choice for restaurants and takeaway is very good now, in fact, you can get just about everything delivered!

ANNA’S

The Hideaway is where I hold the meetings for my writing group, Write By The Sea, we have just published our first anthology Ghosts by The Sea which is available on Amazon here. Preparations are underway for our next project, which is going to be even better. We always welcome new members so if you would like to get involved then drop me an email at writebythesea@yahoo.com

THE HIDEAWAY AND WRITE BY THE SEA WRITING GROUP

The Leas Cliff Hall is very popular for shows and concerts plus the Christmas Pantomime with local actors. Exhibitions are very popular here, the bar and bistro provide refreshments.

LEAS CLIFF HALL

There you have a quick run through about My Folkestone, hope you enjoyed it and come and visit soon. Your very welcome to share this post and please follow me on social media.

FOLKESTONE