insideKENT Magazine Issue 27 - June 2014 | Page 103

TOWNSPOTLIGHT

Rocksalt

S P O T L I G H T

O N

Folkestone
If you are looking for an up-and-coming artsy atmosphere in a seaside location, then look no further than
Kent’s very own Folkestone. With the old town meeting a more modern Creative Quarter, and of course
the sea, Folkestone is no longer just the ferry port you may remember – it has something for everyone. In
fact, it even has its very own art project, the Folkestone Triennial, and you wouldn't want to miss out on its
annual sandcastle competition. BY SARAH REDMAN

History in brief
Folkestone’s existence was first recorded in the
17th century under the name Folcanstan. This
was a reference to ‘Folca’s stone’, a meeting
place for local people, although it’s unknown
where this stone was located. In 1924, a Roman
villa was discovered on the East Cliff after a
landslide; this confirmed that Folkestone has
been inhabited for over two millennia.
Tudor Folkestone had a population of
approximately 500 people, and remained a small
fishing village with no pier or harbour until the
mid-1800s. It wasn't until 1843, when the railway
from London and Viaduct was built, that the
town's population began to increase.

proximity to the continent, Folkestone rejuvenated
itself and once again became a popular resort
that would appeal to affluent members of the
public and middle-class families.
During WW2, there were 77 air raids, causing
more damage to the town’s infrastructure.
However, after the war, the town regenerated
itself yet again with extensive rebuilding
programmes and the expansion of residential
and industrial areas. The M20 and the Channel
Tunnel were built, as was the high-speed rail link,
which enables commuters to travel into London
from Folkestone in less than one hour.

Things to do

The harbour was bought by Southeastern Railway
and transformed into a successful cross-channel
port. Large hotels were built, alongside other
amenities, to cater for the town's increasing
tourism industry. Today, Folkestone still boasts
many remaining characteristics of its boom as a
beach resort in the Victorian age.

Folkestone Quarterhouse – A Creative
Foundation project, the Quarterhouse is run
alongside the Folkestone Triennial, Folkestone
Artworks, Creative Quarter, and is the home
venue for the Folkestone Book Festival. Based
near the harbour, this fabulous arts hub provides
a venue for both local and international talent.

WW1 changed Folkestone, with many refugees
arriving from Europe, and a subsequent shift in
the town’s purpose to a military embarkation
point. After extensive damage, due to its close

Leas Cliff Hall – A staple to the town of
Folkestone, Leas Cliff Hall plays host to a variety
of local and national shows, ranging from music,
dance, comedy and performance.

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Folkestone's Leas Lift – Listed as being of
historic importance, Folkestone’s water-balanced
funicular opened in 1885, and is still operational
today. The lift overlooks the English Channel and
on a clear day, you can see stunning panoramic
views of the sea and France beyond.
Lower Leas Coastal Park – Beginning at the
Leas Lift, the formal zone of the coastal park
includes pine avenues, gardens and flowers,
while the fun zone and amphitheatre is home to
the largest free adventure play area in the South
East. Finally, the wild zone is nice and quiet,
where sensitive habitat management has allowed
the local wildlife to thrive since it opened in 2000.
Battle of Britain Memorial – Situated in Capel
le Ferne, this memorial for Churchill’s ‘Few’ who
fought in the skies to keep Britain free from
invasion is a great local attraction. The memorial
wall lists the names of those who took part in
the Battle of Britain, and a new visitors’ centre
is currently being built, to be opened in 2015.
Silver Screen Cinema – This is Folkestone's
local, independent cinema. Comprising of two
screens and located in the historic Town Hall, it
is open all year round, and shows both evening
and matinee performances.