Travel experts have raved about a UK seaside resort that was once seen as drab and ‘shabby’. Now, it welcomes swathes of tourists who marvel at its pristine beaches, vibrant arts hub, and close proximity to the big smoke
A once run-down seaside resort is making a name for itself for all the right reasons. If you’re wanting to get away in the New Year, but can’t afford a trip abroad for some winter sun, a staycation might be on the cards. There’s the obvious choices like York or London or Cornwall – but these hotspots can quickly become overrun with tourists.
Of course, the weather is a little unpredictable and you won’t be able to make the most out of duty-free booze and perfume – but a UK holiday can work out cheaper and can be just as pleasant as jetting off to Spain for a couple of nights. Less than two hours away from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, there’s one town in particular that you need to add to your bucket list. Introducing: Folkestone.
Located in Kent, Folkestone lies on the southern edge of North Downs and was an integral shipping point during the 19th Century. Like many British seaside resorts, Folkestone’s popularity started to wain, its glamour faded, and the town became pretty drab in the late 90s and early 2000s. However, travel experts over at Rough Guides have listed Folkestone as one of the top 30 seaside countries in the UK having completely ‘reinventing’ itself.
“Now, it has a designated Creative Quarter as well as a hub of artists’ workshops, independent galleries and shops,” the pros said. The facility is home to hundreds of artists and creators, including Folkestone Quarterhouse – a performing arts venue hosting a programme of music, theatre, dance and comedy. There’s also the annual Folkestone Book Festival for those who promise to read more every New Year.
“There are good beaches too,” Rough Guides added. “As the name suggests, Sunny Sands is a golden stretch that gets busy in summer. At the bottom of the Zig Zag steps which run through the lush Lower Leas Coastal Park is the pleasant pebble Mermaid Beach.”
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Accommodation in Folkestone varies on your budget and expectations. For example, a two-night stay at a two-star hotel just 200 yards from the beach would set you back just £94. This is based on two people staying from January 10-12. Better reviewed hotels charge around £139 for the same dates. Direct trains from London to Folkestone take less than one hour, and can be bought for as little as £14. If you’re travelling from further afield, getting to the English Channel is a bit more challenging. Train routes from Leeds, for example, require at least two – if not three – changes – and can take up to four hours.
Folkestone has also been rated as one of the best seaside towns to live in, due to its easy reach to France, quick links to London and major airports such as Gatwick being just over an hour away in the car. Londoners seeking cheaper property by the sea have been known to move down to Folkestone to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – but without being completely isolated from the capital.
According to Rightmove, the average price of a house over the last year in Folkestone is £308,303, which is not too dissimilar from 2023, but slightly lower from the 2022 peak.
What’s your favourite staycation destination? Let us know in the comments section below
