Download the Folkestone Triennial 2008 Map (2.4MB)
Go to the Audio Guide pageAbout Folkestone
Your visit to Folkestone Triennial will take you around some of the most attractive parts of Folkestone - a hidden gem on the South East Coast of England. While you are here, be sure to take in some of the highlights of the town, such as the glorious seafront; magnificent scenic promenades; panoramic views across to France; extensive coastal park; old town and Creative Quarter; family-friendly beaches; grand Victorian villas; Martello Towers and clifftop walks.
Folkestone is a medium-sized town on the Kent coast 66 miles from London and 22 miles from France. From beginnings as a fishing village, then a successful trading port, Folkestone emerged as a popular and smart Victorian seaside resort frequented by Edward VII. It has been a creative centre ever since, attracting writers, artists, musicians, and filmmakers, from Charles Dickens, Derek Jarman, Jimi Hendrix, Marcel Duchamp and 20th-century literary figures from H G Wells to George Bernard Shaw, Joseph Conrad and Samuel Beckett.
Beaches and Seafront
Folkestone’s clean and picturesque beaches are mainly pebbled, with some bays and sand-pit play areas for children. There is a sandy beach, ‘Sunny Sands’, near the harbour and The Stade fishery. The mile-long Leas promenade, between the town and the seafront, provides breathtaking views across the Channel, as well as a working Victorian water-lift. The recently renovated Leas bandstand has a summer programme of events. There is a bustling farmers’, fishermen’s and artists’ market in the harbour area every Sunday.
Coastal Park
In recent years, the Victorian lower Leas Coastal Park has been brought back to life to create an 11 hectare leisure park overlooking the sea. Summer meadows, picnic areas and avenues of pines lead down to a series of bays and beaches, while events in a 300 seat sea-view amphitheatre keep visitors entertained. For children, there is the largest free outdoor adventure playground in the South East
Old Town and Creative Quarter
Folkestone’s historic Old Town is being reinvented with a new ‘Creative Quarter’, where more than 120 artists live and work in state-of-the-art studio spaces, creative shops and galleries. Take some time to visit the Quarter’s specialist shops and cafes and watch local artists create their work.
Tourist information can be found at Discover Folkestone