insideKENT Magazine Issue 35 - February 2015 | Page 111

TOWNSPOTLIGHT
S P O T L I G H T

O N

Folkestone

BY LISAMARIE LAMB

The Kentish coast is a beautiful place, and the towns and villages along the way are exciting and
interesting – not to mention attractive and full of life. With a thriving high street and so much to
entice both visitors and locals alike, Folkestone is the jewel in the crown of Kentish coastal towns,
and continues to delight – and often surprise – those who choose to go there.
The Grand

The Quarterhouse and Tontine Street, Folkestone © Dan Desborough

Leas Lift

History in Brief

Things to Do

Over 12,000 years ago, humans were living in
Folkestone. Or rather, the area that is known as
Folkestone today. Evidence from archaeological
digs has shown that this part of the Kent coast
has always been a popular place to live, and the
people who lived there have included the Britons,
the Romans, and the Saxons.

You won’t find yourself twiddling your thumbs
when you come to Folkestone. Whether you visit
for a day, a weekend, or a bit longer, you will be
able to fill your days with plenty of fun activities
that will suit the whole family.

Once part of the Kingdom of Kent, this little fishing
village has grown over the centuries to become
a large and important town on the Kent landscape,
known variously for being one of the UK’s first
tourist destinations, smuggling, and for being one
of the worst hit areas outside of London during
World War II.
Recently, Folkestone has been brought right up
to date with the help of the Southeastern high
speed railway link that takes commuters and
passengers from the seaside to London’s St
Pancras International in just under an hour.

The Quarterhouse
Close to the harbour and the Old High Street,
The Quarterhouse (a Creative Foundation project)
is an exceptional venue for enjoying a show during
your time in Folkestone. This award-winning
building seats 250, and is where new talent and
new ideas are showcased. With a well-stocked
bar, exciting performances that change on a
regular basis, and fantastic after-show parties,
The Quarterhouse is an ideal way to spend an
enjoyable and different evening in Folkestone.
Leas Lift
One of the few water-driven lifts left in the whole
country (and powered by an underground spring),
the Leas Lift – which takes you from the top of
the cliffs down to the beach and back again – is
estimated to have taken over 50,000,000 people
in its carriages since it opened in 1885. One of

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the most used passenger transport lifts in the
world, it is still fully operational and today provides
a lovely means to get the best views of Folkestone
(it also saves walking up a rather large hill!).
East Cliff and Warren Country Park
This is a stunning place to discover more about
the wildlife around Folkestone. Go for a ramble
or a nice, leisurely walk, and you’ll find yourself
surrounded by all manner of flora, fauna, and
creatures that make their home in this most lovely
of country parks. 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.
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.