Is Folkestone a good destination for a beach holiday?
Folkestone offers a varied seaside experience, making it a potential destination depending on your preferences. It boasts both sandy and pebble beaches, a revitalised Harbour Arm with food and entertainment, and coastal parks. While Sunny Sands provides a traditional sandy beach day popular with families, other areas offer pebble beaches better suited for walks and relaxation. The town also has a growing arts scene and good transport links, including high-speed trains from London. However, it's worth noting that the main sandy beach (Sunny Sands) is relatively small and can get very crowded, and much of the coastline is pebbly.
Are Folkestone beaches mainly for families or are they good for couples/other travellers too?
Folkestone beaches cater to different types of visitors. Sunny Sands beach is particularly popular with families due to its sand (ideal for sandcastles), relatively safe swimming, and proximity to facilities and the Lower Leas Coastal Park playground. Mermaid Beach and the main pebble beaches, along with the nearby Coastal Park, also offer family-friendly spaces. However, couples or solo travellers might prefer the quieter atmosphere of Mermaid Beach or Sandgate Beach for relaxing walks and swimming, exploring the Harbour Arm's food and drink scene, or seeking out the more secluded and adventurous experience at The Warren. The town's arts scene also adds appeal beyond just the beach.
Can you swim in the sea at Folkestone? Which beaches are best for swimming?
Yes, swimming is popular at Folkestone. Sunny Sands is often recommended, especially for families, as it has a sandy, gently sloping shore and lifeguards during summer months. Mermaid Beach is another favourite, particularly with local open water swimmers, known for good water quality and some shelter from breakwaters, although it lacks lifeguards. Swimming is also possible along the main pebble beaches, but care should be taken due to potential underwater rocks and groynes in some areas. Swimming in the Harbour itself is prohibited due to dangers. Always check conditions and be aware of tides.
Are Folkestone beaches sandy or pebbly?
Folkestone offers a mix of beach types. The most well-known sandy beach is Sunny Sands, located near the harbour. This is somewhat unusual for this part of the Kent coast, which mostly features pebble and shingle beaches. Folkestone's main beach, extending towards Sandgate, is predominantly pebble and shingle. Mermaid Beach is also pebbly. Further out, The Warren features a combination of sand, rocks, and pebbles.
Which beach in Folkestone has sand?
Sunny Sands is the main sandy beach in Folkestone, located right next to the harbour. It's known for its fine, golden sand, which makes it very popular, especially for families wanting to build sandcastles. It's considered a rare sandy spot along this stretch of the Kent coast. The Warren beach also has sandy areas mixed with rocks and pebbles.
Does Sunny Sands beach disappear when the tide comes in?
Yes, Sunny Sands is almost completely covered by the sea at high tide. It's very important to check the tide times before planning your visit to ensure there will be sand available when you arrive, especially if you want to spend several hours there.
What are the rules for dogs on Folkestone beaches?
There are seasonal restrictions for dogs on some Folkestone beaches. Dogs are banned from Sunny Sands and Mermaid Beach (in front of the Lower Leas Coastal Park) between 1st May and 30th September each year. During this period, dogs must also be kept on leads on promenades adjacent to these restricted areas. However, dogs are allowed on other stretches of beach, like The Warren, year-round. Always check local signage for specific rules, as fines can be issued for violations. Owners are expected to clean up after their dogs.
Where is the best place to park for Folkestone beaches like Sunny Sands or Mermaid Beach?
Parking near Folkestone's beaches can be challenging, especially during peak season. For Sunny Sands and the Harbour Arm area, the Harbour Car Park (CT20 1QH) is very close. For the main pebble beach and Mermaid Beach (near the Lower Leas Coastal Park), the Lower Sandgate Road Car Park (CT20 1RN) is convenient. Both are pay-and-display. Some on-street parking exists but check restrictions carefully. Arriving early is recommended in summer. Booking platforms like JustPark may also offer reservable spots.
What's the difference between Sunny Sands and Mermaid Beach?
The main difference is the beach type: Sunny Sands is Folkestone's popular sandy beach, while Mermaid Beach is pebbly. Sunny Sands is right by the harbour, gets very busy, has lifeguards in summer, but disappears at high tide. Mermaid Beach is further west along the coast, below the Lower Leas Coastal Park, is generally quieter, known for good swimming (popular with locals but no lifeguards), and isn't covered at high tide. Mermaid Beach gets its name from nearby rocks or a cafe, not actual mermaids!
Is there a quieter or more secluded beach near Folkestone?
Yes, if you're looking for a quieter experience than busy Sunny Sands, Mermaid Beach is often less crowded. Sandgate Beach, further west towards Hythe, is also known for being more tranquil. For a truly secluded and adventurous feel, The Warren, located east of the harbour towards Dover, is a hidden gem nestled below cliffs, accessible via paths and often quiet even in summer, offering sand, rocks, and fossil hunting opportunities.
What is The Warren beach like and how do you get there?
The Warren is a secluded beach area east of Folkestone, known for its wild feel, mix of sand and rocks, rock pooling, and being a good spot for fossil hunting. It sits below the Warren Country Park, an area formed by landslips with woodland and grassland. Access involves walking down steep paths from the country park above – you can drive part way down an unmade track to a small car park, or park further away and walk. It's considered more adventurous and less developed than the main town beaches, so bringing your own supplies is recommended.
Is it easy to get to Folkestone beaches from the train station?
Folkestone Central is the main railway station. It's roughly a 20-minute walk downhill to the seafront area, including Sunny Sands and the Harbour Arm. Alternatively, local buses or taxis are available from the station to get closer to the beaches more quickly or easily.
What else is there to do near the beaches in Folkestone?
Besides swimming and sunbathing, there's plenty to do. The Folkestone Harbour Arm is a major attraction right next to Sunny Sands, offering numerous independent food and drink stalls, live music, events, and a big screen. The Lower Leas Coastal Park runs behind Mermaid Beach and the main pebble beach, featuring gardens, walking paths, and a large adventure playground. You can also explore the Creative Quarter's art galleries and shops in town, walk along the Leas clifftop promenade, or try watersports like kayaking and paddleboarding, often available for hire near Sunny Sands.
Can you walk between the main Folkestone beaches?
Yes, you can walk along the Folkestone seafront. There's a promenade and coastal paths connecting the Harbour area (near Sunny Sands) westward past the main pebble beach, Mermaid Beach (below the Lower Leas Coastal Park), and towards Sandgate. The Boardwalk also helps connect the harbour, beaches, and Coastal Park. Walking east from the harbour towards The Warren involves different paths, potentially along the clifftop via the North Downs Way or down to the shore.
Are barbecues allowed on Folkestone beaches?
Barbecues are mentioned as being allowed on Mermaid Beach specifically in some sources. However, rules can change, and restrictions might apply, especially during busy periods or dry weather. It's always best to check for any local signage or consult the Folkestone & Hythe District Council website for the most current regulations regarding barbecues on any specific beach before lighting one.
