Days Out in Kent // Folkestone

It was our first visit to Folkestone and I know there is so much more to it than what we saw in one day, but our first impression was that Folkestone is a beautiful colourful town, creative and welcoming with a lovely family vibe.

We wandered through the town which still has a thriving high street and found a selection of great looking restaurants and cafes.  We ended up eating at the big Wetherspoons though due to having very fussy eaters and knowing it is always a safe menu for them.  The Wetherspoons is in a beautiful old building which is a converted church and still retains some original features and nods to its origins.

We walked down into the Creative Quarter which was so colourful and inviting.  I could have spent all day window shopping and the small independent stores had a fantastic selection of products. We went into Moo like a Monkey, a children's shop I had followed on Instagram and they had toys out for the little ones to play with whilst I browsed. At the end of this colourful row was Folkestone Harbour and we crossed over to walk along the seafront.

There is a promenade along the front as well as a walk way across the pebbly beach.  Our local beaches are all sand so the children loved the novelty of the stones here. Along the way we came across beach huts in shades of orange and pink and could see lots of building work going on along the seafront.  We were looking for the Lower Leas Coastal Park, somewhere we had been recommended many time and eventually found it just above the Mermaid Cafe (where we stopped for the obligatory ice cream).

The park was fantastic for children of all ages.  The main area was probably aimed at primary school aged children but there were several smaller playgrounds that led off from it offering different challenges and things for other ages.  All four of mine (aged 4-9) loved the playground and have been asking to go back.

To get back up to the car (we parked in a multistorey close to the town centre), there is a zigzag path that runs up the cliff with beautiful scenery and plenty of places to stop and rest if you want to take it slow.

All in all, we loved our day out in Folkestone and will definitely be heading back soon.  The whole town felt really family friendly and had plenty to entertain the little people.  You can reach it via car or train (Folkestone Central would be the best stop).