Folkestone, on the southeast coast of England in Kent, has been transformed dramatically over the past decade.
An old port town renowned mostly for its Channel Tunnel link, it is nowadays a bustling hub of artistry, seaside charm, and communal atmosphere. More and more, people are discovering the appeal of residing in Folkestone—not just for weekend getaways but as a town to actually call home.
Whether you’re a young professional, a bohemian, a retiree, or someone wanting to bring up a family by the sea, Folkestone has something unique to offer.
Below are the 10 best things about living in Folkestone, and why it continues to climb through the ranks of the UK’s most desirable towns to live.
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Bustling Creative Quarter
At the heart of Folkestone’s renaissance is its Creative Quarter—a vibrant, eclectic district filled with colour, culture, and community. It stretches along the Old High Street and beyond and consists of over 100 specialist stores, art galleries, workshops, and cafes, each with its own unique style. It has everything from small-batch coffee roasters and hand-made jewellery to one-off art exhibitions and high-street fashion boutique style.
This creative dynamism isn’t all show—it’s part of the town’s DNA. Many artists have been drawn here because of affordable studio space, an open network of fellow creatives, and encouragement from institutions like Creative Folkestone. Events such as open studio weekends and pop-up markets keep things lively around the clock.
For locals, it’s about living in a town where creativity is fostered, supported, and very much a part of daily life.
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Revitalised Harbour Arm
Folkestone’s Harbour Arm is arguably the UK’s best regeneration success story. Once a derelict pier, it’s now a bustling promenade lined with independent food stalls, craft beer bars, seafood shacks, record shops, and open-air performance spaces—all with dramatic views over the English Channel.
It’s not merely somewhere to pop in for a snack and a pint; it’s a lifestyle amenity. Weekends are like a mini-festival: live music, outdoor cinema, and pop-up vintage markets. Weekdays when it’s quieter are a peaceful place for a dog walk or breakfast coffee with the sun rising over the sea.
Locals love the Harbour Arm because it is community-focused, it promotes local business, and the manner in which it seamlessly blends maritime old-world charm with modern architecture.
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Lower Leas Coastal Park
Sea life is nice, but living alongside Lower Leas Coastal Park is a step above. The park, with its attractiveness along the cliff top from Folkestone Harbour to Sandgate, offers the residents an unusual combination of untamed nature, manicured gardens, and play areas.
What makes this park so special is that it’s so varied. There is a natural amphitheatre for summer theatre productions and music concerts, beautiful landscaped gardens with winding paths, picnic spots with views out to sea, and the biggest free adventure playground in southeast England—the perfect place for families.
It’s a treasured parkland where you can escape to the outdoors without needing to exit town. And with waves continually in the background, it never fails to evoke a feeling of calm.
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Exceptional Transport Connections
In spite of its seaside tranquility, Folkestone is incredibly well-linked. With the High Speed 1 rail link, residents can commute into central London (St Pancras) in under an hour. That makes weekday commuting possible for many—and it’s a major reason why the town has become appealing to former-Londoners.
And then there’s the Channel Tunnel on your doorstep. Folkestone residents can hop in a car and be in Calais in 35 minutes, and Europe is accessible for weekend getaways and cross-border adventure.
For home workers but with the occasional need to visit the capital or travel overseas, Folkestone’s accessibility makes it an unbeatable HQ.
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Rich Historical Heritage
Folkestone may be cutting-edge and twenty-first-century in its amenities, but it is full of deep and rich history. From medieval churches and Roman roads to Second World War monuments and Victorian seafront buildings, the town is a treasure trove for any historian.
One of the most famous of historical landmarks is the Leas Lift, a Victorian funicular railway that is currently being restored. When reopened, it’ll link the promenade along the clifftop with the Lower Leas again in an original, retro way.
There’s the Battle of Britain Memorial just round the corner from Capel-le-Ferne to remember those airmen who fought WWI. There are museums, heritage trails, and hidden secret treasures of the past scattered around the town–living memories of Folkestone’s role in making British history.
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Scenic Coastal Landscapes
The view from the Folkestone cliffs on a fine day is nothing short of magical. The shimmering Channel, the white cliffs, the undulating coastal hills—everything makes up a theatrical ever-changing stage to life here.
Sunny Sands Beach is perfect for sandcastle building and summer swims, while the quieter shingle beaches are favored by cold-water swimmers and dog walkers. The Leas Promenade features a cliff-top walk with panoramic view, flower-lined and bench-strewn, ideal for a leisurely break or a swift jog.
The town’s geography allows daily exposure to nature, from the seagulls overhead to the sunsets which dye the sea a sheet of molten gold. It’s coastal living in its most spiritual form.
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Diverse Food Scene
Foodies will be thoroughly delighted to be in Folkestone. The food scene in the town has grown hand in hand with regeneration, emphasizing fresh, local, and creative food.
The Harbour Arm has a revolving roster of overseas street food stalls—Sri Lankan curry to Neapolitan pizza—and fine dining as well. Rocksalt, one of the best restaurants over the harbour, serves locally sourced seafood with a touch of elegance.
Cafes, bakeries, and gastropubs line the town, many of which double as art galleries or live music venues. It’s not just about eating well—it’s about atmosphere, community, and support for independent businesses.
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Outdoor Art Everywhere
Folkestone is not just home to art—it is art. With Creative Folkestone’s Triennial and on-going projects, the town has the UK’s largest population of urban outdoor contemporary artworks.
You could be walking along pieces by renowned artists like Tracey Emin, Antony Gormley, and Cornelia Parker to get to the shops or along the beach. The art is meant to become part of the landscape, stimulating curiosity and debate.
This integration of public art into the fabric of life gives Folkestone a distinct energy and vibe. It’s a town where creativity isn’t limited to galleries—it’s out there in the streets.
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Community Feeling and Events
What really makes Folkestone stand out from other seaside towns is its community spirit. There’s a welcoming and friendly nature here that’s immediately apparent. Neighbors greet one another, and the town thrums with grass-roots initiatives, local markets, and volunteer projects.
From parades along the street and art trails to food festivals and the Folkestone Book Festival, something is always going on. The town also hosts the Folkestone Triennial, a big international art exhibition that brings new dynamism and international interest every three years.
All these events promote pride in place and ensure that people always have something to gather for, celebrate, and take part in.
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Affordable Coastal Living
For all its advantages, Folkestone is still among the more affordable seaside resorts in the southeast. The prices have edged upwards over the last few years as demand has increased, but you can still get a lot more property for your money here than in the local Brighton or Essex seaside areas.
Whether you’re seeking a Victorian terrace, a seafront flat, or a bohemian artist’s studio, Folkestone has something to suit every budget. And with such a variety of amenities on the doorstep, it offers fantastic value for those wishing to escape the city without missing out on culture or convenience.