insideKENT Magazine Issue 77 - August 2018 | Page 41

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone Creative Quarter
Spotlight on
FOLKESTONE
The Old High Street
IF YOU WANT CULTURE, THE ARTS, GREAT FOOD, EXCITING AND UNIQUE
SHOPPING EXPERIENCES, PLUS THE BEACH THROWN IN FOR GOOD MEASURE,
WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO HEAD? FOR BOTH VISITORS AND LOCALS, IT’S
FOLKESTONE THAT FITS THE BILL AND OFFERS MUCH MORE ON TOP OF ALL
THAT. IT’S A SURPRISING AND BEAUTIFUL PLACE, FULL OF FASCINATING THINGS
TO SEE, DO AND LEARN ABOUT. FOLKESTONE HAS IT ALL.
HISTORY IN BRIEF THINGS TO DO
People have been living in what’s now known
as Folkestone for around 12,000 years, making
it one of the oldest occupied spots in the
country. Archaeological digs have shown us
that early Britons as well as the Romans and
the Saxons all enjoyed Folkestone and chose
it as a place to settle. The place was once just
a small fishing village, important not because
of its size but because of its location and the
fact that people living there were easily able
to sustain themselves from what was around
them. That meant they could not only live
there comfortably, but create an industry too,
and over time the small village grew into a
large town. Elham Valley Line Trust Countryside Centre
& Railway Museum
The history of the Elham Valley Railway Line
is one that will interest young, old and
everyone in between. The line ran between
Folkestone and Canterbury from 1884 until
1947, and now you can find out all about it in
this lovely little museum. What really makes
this place special is that the 300-year-old barn
that it’s housed in was carefully moved piece
by piece from its original location as it was
due to be demolished to make way for the
Channel Tunnel terminal to be built.
That fame came at a cost, however. By the
time World War II came about, Folkestone was
a major target due to its proximity to the coast
and its importance in trade and industry – it
was to become the most bombed area in the
country outside of London.
East Cliff and Warren Country Park
For wildlife lovers and those who enjoy the
fresh air, the East Cliff and Warren Country
Park is the place to go. Take your time and
enjoy a leisurely stroll, or try something a little
more energetic and go for a jog or a run
around the park. On your way round you’ll
find all kinds of wildlife and plant life. The park
is designated as a Site of Special Scientific
Interest (SSSI) and makes for a great day out.
There is a small café in the park and well
signposted walking routes too.
Kent Battle of Britain Museum
Folkestone had more than its share of
casualties and fatalities during World War II,
and this nostalgia and memorabilia packed
museum in Hawkinge, just outside of
Folkestone itself, is a testament to that fact. It
is by turns heartbreaking and fascinating, and
contains items such as a Doodlebug, pieces
of over 600 different planes, weapons, and
battle plans. Snacks and drinks can be
purchased on site.
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