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City guide

Folkestone, UK

Folkestone is a coastal town on the English Channel, in Kent, south-east England. The town lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs.

Type City

Why go

  • Town in Kent, England.
  • Served by Bonnington Airstrip.

History

Folkestone is a coastal town on the English Channel, in Kent, south-east England. The town lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs. It was an important harbour, shipping port, and fashionable coastal resort for most of the 19th and mid-20th centuries.

Airports

London Ashford Airport (LYX) 13 mi to the centre
Romney Marsh, Kent, ENG, GB — Indoor waiting areas, but some gates board by bus or on foot across the apron — plan for the weather on the day.
Indoor | Outdoor
Pent Farm Airstrip 5.8 mi to the centre
Hythe, Kent, ENG, GB
Outdoor
Harringe Court Airfield 8.3 mi to the centre
Ashford, Kent, ENG, GB
Outdoor

Getting there by ferry

Cruise Liner Terminal 1
Ferry terminal · 6.3 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Cruise Terminal 2
Ferry terminal · 6.6 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Dover 8
Ferry terminal · 7.3 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Dover 9
Ferry terminal · 7.3 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Dover
Ferry terminal · 7.3 mi from the centre · P&O Ferries
Outdoor
Dover 7
Ferry terminal · 7.4 mi from the centre
Outdoor
Dover (UK) - Calais (F)
Ferry route · P & O
Outdoor
SailLink
Ferry route · SailLink
Outdoor
SailLink Dover - Boulogne-sur-Mer
Ferry route · SailLink
Outdoor
Dover - Calais
Ferry route · P & O
Outdoor
Dover – Calais
Ferry route · P&O / DFDS / Irish Ferries
Outdoor
Dover/Douvres - Calais
Ferry route · P&O Ferries/DFDS
Outdoor
Dover (UK) - Dunkerque (F)
Ferry route
Outdoor
Dover - Dunkerque
Ferry route · DFDS
Outdoor

Where things are

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Photographs

When to go

Tourist season
May – September

The warmer, longer-day half of the year is the safest bet for a first visit.

Shoulder season
April, October

Cooler and quieter, with fewer visitors and better value.

Worth avoiding
Deep winter

Short days and the coldest weather — check local conditions before travelling.

Getting there & around

Getting there. The nearest airport on record is Bonnington Airstrip; 4 other airports serve the wider area. Check rail and road links from the tourism sources below. By water: 6 ferry terminals within 12 mi (nearest: Cruise Liner Terminal 1, 6.3 mi); routes include Dover (UK) - Calais (F), SailLink, SailLink Dover - Boulogne-sur-Mer.

Getting around. Use the map above to orient yourself; nearby hotels, attractions and places to eat are listed from the live Ultimate data for Folkestone, UK. Local transit details will be added as the guide is expanded.

Trains & rail

National rail

Coaches & shuttles

Eurotunnel Le Shuttle ← Calais, France
Coach from Calais, France · Calais, France guide →
Intercity coach
Intercity coach