Trains to Folkestone

If you're looking to discover a charming coastal town, head down to Folkestone. Explore the old town, galleries and independent shops on the cobbled streets of the Creative Quarter and not forgetting to visit the Harbour arm for tasty street food and anything from Champagne to speciality coffee.

Getting here: Folkestone Central and Folkestone West stations are just under an hour from St Pancras International on our highspeed services. Or just under 1 hour 50 minutes away from London Cannon Street.

Reach the Beach Bus at Folkestone

This summer, make seaside trips simple with holiday bus service running from Folkestone stations.

Folkestone stations to the Harbour Arm

Hop off the train at Folkestone West or Folkestone Central and head for the Harbour Arm – home to seaside views, independent food spots and summer events – for just £1.

Crosskeys Coaches’ Route 51 bus will run every 30 minutes on a circular route between Folkestone West, Folkestone Central, the Old High Street, and the Harbour Arm.

Every day, 19 July to 31 August
£1 each way, under-16s travel free
Every 30 minutes, 10:00-20:00
Departs from Folkestone West: coach bay in the station forecourt
Departs from Folkestone Central: Stop B by the tattoo parlour on Cheriton Road

Full timetable available on the Crosskeys website.

Check times & buy tickets

Get out on the water

Why not try Stand Up Paddleboarding, kayaking, or sailing whilst in Folkestone - the perfect spot to dive in and enjoy the sea.

Folkestone Harbour Arm

Folkestone’s Harbour Arm is a food, drink and entertainment destination, with an array of street food huts cooking up home-made burgers and pancakes to Greek mezze served from a double decker bus! For outstanding views, head to the Champagne bar in the Grade II listed Lighthouse at the end of the Harbour Arm.

Folkestone Creative Quarter

The Creative Quarter is based in the historic heart of Folkestone and comprises The Old High Street, a winding cobbled lane lined with independent shops, art studios and galleries, and Tontine Street, a busy thoroughfare linking Folkestone Harbour with the centre of the town on which you’ll also find the arts and entertainment venue Folkestone Quarterhouse, the town’s cultural hub.

F51

Looking for an unforgettable, adrenaline filled experience? Be sure to visit Folkestone 51, the world's first multi-storey skatepark and tallest climbing wall in the Southeast. Whether it's your first or hundredth time in a skatepark or visiting a climbing wall, the F51 team of friendly, qualified coaches will get you rolling or climbing confidently in no time. F51 is also home to a cafe, boxing gym and hireable event space, providing something for everyone.

The Leas

Take a walk along The Leas – Folkestone’s clifftop promenade and then head to the Lower Leas Coastal Park for a spot of relaxation where you’ll find coastal woodland, rock pools and plenty of wildlife. The Formal Zone comprises pine avenues, gardens and flowers, or take the Zig Zag Path down to the ever-popular Amphitheatre. The park is home to the largest free adventure play area in the South East, boasting zip lines, a sunken pirate ship and more!

Banksy 'Art Buff'

Don’t forget to see Art Buff, a graffiti artwork by street artist Banksy in the courtyard of 69 The Old High Street in the Creative Quarter. It was removed in 2014 and put up for sale in the USA, but a British judge ruled that it was public property and had to be returned to Folkestone and is now back where it belongs for everyone to see.

Steep Street Coffee House

Located on the Old High Street in the Creative Quarter, Steep Street CoffeeHouse is the perfect place for any stop off. Inspired by Parisian book cafes, the walls of this unique coffee house are lined with books meaning that it is easy to while away your time in here, particularly when served with speciality coffee and home-made cake.

The gallery without walls

Explore Folkestone Artworks, the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. Open 24/7, 365 days a year, this free public art collection offers a unique way to explore the coastal town and boasts artworks from emerging and established artists, including Tracey Emin, Yoko Ono and Richard Wentworth.

Kids for a quid

An adult can travel with up to 4 kids for just £1 each. A cheaper family day out for all the little ones!

Find out more about Kids for a Quid tickets

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Folkestone

Stunning vistas and artistic corners make Folkestone a great destination to visit