Five spots you’ll want to visit in Folkestone

Margate’s award-winning wine bar Pomus launched a brand new Folkestone outpost last summer and it’s fast become a go-to for natural wine and incredible local fish and seafood. Taking over what was once the Brewery Tap, which closed as a pub in the 1990s, the sprawling mid-century styled space also has a garden terrace, perfect for sunny afternoons and warm evenings. Expect the likes of gin-cured salmon with fermented fennel, Whitstable oysters with white peach and basil granita, and taramasalata tart with orange and chilli jam on an inventive menu whipped up by Kent chef Keiran Golding.

A true gem for shopping fans young and old, this maze of cobbled streets is filled with independent shops, cafes and galleries. There’s some real hidden gems to be found here, from quirky accessories at R+R Laser Jewellery and unique fashion at Bounce Vintage to every kind of fabric imaginable at Miss Ginger’s Sewing Shop. Heading down to Folkestone with little ones? They’re certain to want to make a pitstop at The Cake Junction. Stick a colourful cupcake in their hands, and they’ll be more than content to join you as you shops the wares of Folkestone’s creative community. 

Don’t forget to make the most of Southeastern’s Kids for a Quid deal, which you’ll find when buying your train tickets in their app or website. Buy one adult ticket and travel with up to four kids (aged 5-15) for just £1 each on off-peak Southeastern services. Plus, under 5's go free.

There are over 70 pieces of modern art in the al fresco Folkestone Artworks trail, which sees incredible pieces of outdoor sculpture dotted around town and the harbour. Take a wander and discover Cristina Iglesias’s imposing Towards the Sound of Wilderness or Bill Woodrow’s modernist masterpiece, The Ledge, alongside pieces by the world-renowned likes of Gilbert and George, David Shrigley and Yoko Ono. Download one of four maps to discover the best route for you, or be a local hero and try and find all 74 pieces of art.  

You won’t find anywhere else like Shesells Seashells, a family-run restaurant on the Harbour Arm in a series of renovated vintage train carriages. As well as excellent coastal views, they offer furiously fresh fish and British seaside classics such as potted shrimp as well as the likes of seafood mac and cheese, and crab risotto. Wash it all done with some local plonk from the acclaimed Chapel Down winery.

The welcoming Radnor Arms has just scored fifth place in The Good Food Guide’s list of the 100 Best Pubs in Britain, so you know you’ll be in good hands when it comes to grabbing a perfect pint and some decent grub. The revamped Victorian boozer is tucked away in Folkstone’s historic Old Bouverie district, and serves an impeccable menu inspired by Filipino head chef Niel Talan’s southeast Asian roots. Try woodfired butterflied seabass ­with nam jim talay sauce, or go all-out with a Filipino feast known as a ‘boodle fight’, complete with crispy pork belly lechon, whole BBQ squid and lemongrass rice served on a banana leaf.

Yes, yes, we know we said five spots – but if you’re planning your trip to the coast for later this spring, Leas Lift is a must visit. Folkestone’s gorgeous Grade II*-listed funicular railway is finally set to open this spring after major restoration works. First opened in 1885 and running between the seafront and the promenade, it is one of only three water-balanced cliff lifts left in the UK, but closed for a much-needed revamp back in 2017. Almost a decade down the line, this local landmark is finally returning, complete with a brand new café and community space.

Buy your train ticket direct from the Southeastern app or website and pay no booking fees. Terms and conditions apply to ticket types mentioned. Visit the Southeastern website for details.