Area Guide

Living in Folkestone, Kent

Creative, coastal and full of character, Folkestone offers a distinctive mix of seaside living, independent culture and excellent connections to London. With the beach, harbour, green spaces and a growing food and arts scene all close at hand, it’s a town with plenty of personality and an increasingly strong lifestyle appeal.

Creative coastal living.

Folkestone has reinvented itself in recent years while keeping much of the character that makes it such a recognisable seaside town.

The harbour and seafront have become a major part of local life, with independent food and drink businesses, live music and events centred around Folkestone Harbour Arm. Head into the Old Town and Creative Quarter and you’ll find independent shops, studios, galleries and cafés, while The Leas provides one of the town’s best-known spots for walking and enjoying views across the Channel.

Despite its coastal feel, Folkestone is also exceptionally well connected. Direct high-speed rail services put London within around an hour, while the M20 makes Ashford, Canterbury, Dover and the wider Kent area easy to reach.

At A Glance

The Vibe

Creative, coastal & independent

Best For

Families, professionals, commuters & seaside living

Nearby

Hythe, Dover, Canterbury & Ashford

Property

Period homes, Victorian terraces, apartments & modern developments

Local Life

Independent shops, cafés, restaurants, arts & the seafront

Connectivity

High-speed rail, M20 & excellent links across Kent

Schools, connections & everyday essentials.

Getting Around

Folkestone is particularly well connected for a coastal town. Direct high-speed services run from Folkestone Central to London St Pancras in around 54 minutes, with rail links also connecting Ashford, Dover and other parts of Kent.

By road, the M20 provides easy access towards Ashford, Maidstone and London, while the A20 links the town with the wider Kent coast. Folkestone is also compact enough for many local journeys to be made on foot.

Schools & Education

Families have access to a range of primary and secondary schools across Folkestone and the surrounding area, alongside grammar, academy and independent options within the wider district.

Its transport links also make schools and further education in nearby Ashford, Canterbury and Dover accessible, giving families a broad choice across East Kent.

Why we love Folkestone

"Folkestone has a real energy to it. With the coast, independent cafés, the Creative Quarter, Harbour Arm and fast links to London, it offers a brilliant balance of seaside living and convenience."

So, what’s it actually like to live here?

Coastal Life

The coast is a huge part of everyday life in Folkestone. The Leas runs along the clifftop with far-reaching views across the Channel, while the Lower Leas Coastal Park stretches towards Sandgate with walking and cycling routes, picnic areas and green space.

The beach, harbour and promenade are also within easy reach of the town centre, making it easy to enjoy the coast as part of everyday life.

Local Life

Folkestone has developed a strong independent identity, particularly around its harbour and historic centre. The Harbour Arm is home to independent food and drink businesses, live music and regular events, with pop-ups and bars adding to the atmosphere in warmer months.

Beyond the harbour, the town offers cafés, restaurants, pubs, galleries and shops, giving Folkestone a local scene with plenty of character.

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