Folkestone is gaining popularity as a top staycation spot (Image: Getty)
If you’re looking for a getaway to kick off the New Year but can’t stretch the budget for a trip abroad, Kent might be the hidden gem you’ve been searching for.
Once a faded seaside town, Folkestone has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now earning its spot as one of the UK’s most exciting .
While York, Cornwall, and London often dominate staycation lists, Folkestone offers a refreshing alternative.
It is less crowded, budget-friendly, and brimming with creativity and charm.
Situated in the , Folkestone was a bustling shipping point in the 19th century.
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Folkestone has managed to reinvent itself in the past decade (Image: Getty)
However, like many British seaside resorts, its fortunes dwindled in the late 20th century. By the early 2000s, Folkestone’s glamour had diminished, leaving it a shadow of its former self.
In 2015, a who visited Folkestone said the town had become a place of “faded grandeur”.
However, fast forward to today, and the town has reinvented itself in spectacular fashion.
One TripAdvisor reviewer wrote: “They have done a great job bringing life back to this part of Folkestone. Many places to eat and drink. Then just go for a stroll.”
Another added: “One of the few places along the Kent coast with actual sand.”
At the heart of this revival is Folkestone’s Creative Quarter. This vibrant area is home to artists’ workshops, independent galleries, and quirky shops, attracting creators and visitors alike.
The Folkestone Quarterhouse, a dynamic performing arts venue, hosts a rich programme of theatre, music, dance, and comedy. For book lovers, the annual Folkestone Book Festival is another highlight, drawing literary enthusiasts from across the country.
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Many visitors commended Folkestone’s beaches (Image: Getty)
Folkestone isn’t just about art and culture as it also boasts impressive natural beauty.
Sunny Sands, a golden beach that comes alive in the summer, and the pebble-covered Mermaid Beach, accessible via the Zig Zag Steps through the lush Lower Leas Coastal Park, offer the perfect spots to unwind.
Folkestone is a great option for those keeping an eye on their spending. Accommodation caters to all budgets, with a two-night stay at a two-star hotel just 200 yards from the beach costing as little as £94.
For those seeking a bit more luxury, well-reviewed hotels charge around £139 for the same dates.
Travel is equally convenient and affordable. Direct trains from London take under an hour, with tickets starting at just £14. Visitors from further afield, such as Leeds, face a longer journey with multiple train changes, but the charm of Folkestone makes the effort worthwhile.