Living in Folkestone

Thinking of moving to Folkestone? Our Folkestone area guide takes a closer look at the coastal town with its mix of history, culture and nature set along the English Channel. 

Where is Folkestone? 

Located on the southern edge of the North Downs in a valley between two cliffs, Folkestone is a historic coastal town in Kent that overlooks the English Channel. It’s approximately a 20-minute drive from Dover and Ashford, offering easy access to the nearby surrounding countryside and cliff-top walks. 

Beyond our Folkestone area guide, the town has been widely recognised. It’s located on Kent’s Heritage Coast that previously featured in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel list, and is famed for its chalk cliffs, historic castles and sandy beaches. Folkestone was also named the best place to live in southeast England in the 2024 Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. 

Is Folkestone a nice place to live? 

Folkestone has undergone a transformation over the past two decades, with major investments having revitalised the area. Over 200 office and residential spaces have been made available for the region’s growing creative sector, while nearby education and sporting facilities have also been significantly upgraded.  

The town includes independent shops, green spaces and a community spirit. The Harbour Arm and Creative Quarter have become central to the town’s identity, featuring food stalls, music venues, galleries and studios. 

What is Folkestone famous for? 

Folkestone began as a small fishing harbour and then grew into a Victorian seaside resort after being connected to the railway between London and Dover in the mid-1800s. 

Today, it’s known for its proximity to the Eurotunnel and position as a gateway to Europe. The town is also home to the Battle of Britain Memorial, located on the cliffs just ten minutes northeast of the town centre, with the site offering views across the Channel. 

Other notable landmarks include three Martello towers that were built in the early 19th century to guard against a potential Napoleonic invasion, as well as the Folkestone White Horse – an artistic chalk horse that has been carved into Cheriton Hill, overlooking the English terminal of the Channel Tunnel. 

Things to do in Folkestone 

Folkestone offers plenty to see and do. The town centre is packed with independent shops, cafés and pop-up food stalls, alongside familiar chains for everyday essentials. 

The Creative Quarter is home to more than 70 pieces of public art by 40 artists, forming the UK’s largest urban outdoor exhibition of contemporary art. The town also hosts the Creative Folkestone Triennial – one of England’s most celebrated arts festivals, it is held every three years, attracting artists and visitors from across the country. 

Sunny Sands beach to the east is popular with families and visitors, while the Harbour Arm is a go-to spot for food, drink and entertainment, with live music and coastal views. The pier also features a champagne bar located in a renovated lighthouse.  

Copt Point offers sea views, while East Cliff and Warren Country Park provide a large nature reserve with a secluded beach. Meanwhile, the Folkestone Downs to the north is popular for walking. 

What is the transport like in Folkestone? 

Folkestone is well connected with rail, road and international links. High-speed trains from Folkestone Central reach London St Pancras International in just 55 minutes, providing direct access to the capital. 

The Eurotunnel terminal is also just a short drive away, offering a 35-minute journey to Calais. The nearby port of Dover also offers regular ferry services to France.  

By road, the town also sits just off the M20 motorway, which links directly to the M25 and other major routes across the UK. 

Schools in Folkestone 

Folkestone offers a wide range of schools. Several primary schools in the area have been rated Good or Outstanding by Ofsted, including academy, state-maintained and church-based options.  

Kent operates a selective education system, where children can take the Kent Test (an 11-plus exam). Those that pass will have the opportunity to attend a grammar school. The Shepway Test is also used in Folkestone to help place students at the local grammar schools. 

For further education, Folkestone College offers a variety of courses for school leavers and adults – from hair and beauty to healthcare and science. Nearby cities like Canterbury and Brighton are also home to several universities, providing higher education options within easy reach. 

Is Folkestone safe? 

In the year ending September 2024, the crime rate in Shepway was lower than the average crime rate across similar areas. This is according to Office for National Statistics data. 

What are the average property prices in Folkestone? 

House prices in Folkestone are typically lower than in some other coastal towns with comparable transport links, averaging £323,924 over the last year.  

Terraced properties sold for an average of £285,651, flats for £216,826 and semi-detached homes for £352,314. Prices were up 2% on the previous year and are broadly in line with the 2022 peak of £320,800.  

FAQs 

• How far is Folkestone from London? 
  Folkestone is around 55 minutes from London St Pancras by train and about 90 minutes by car via the M20. 
• Is Folkestone good for families? 
  With a wide choice of schools, family-friendly beaches, parks and cultural activities, Folkestone may appeal to families. 
• Is Folkestone affordable? 
  Compared to other coastal towns with similar transport links, Folkestone offers competitive property prices and a relatively low cost of living. 
• Is Folkestone good for commuters? 
  High-speed trains to London and quick access to the Eurotunnel make it ideal for both domestic and international travel. 
• What amenities are nearby? 
  Folkestone has independent shops, chain stores, arts venues, beaches, nature reserves, and a wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars – many with sea views.