tunnel
Channel Tunnel (Eurotunnel)
50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
2 km · about 5 min drive
England, United Kingdom · Europe
Folkestone works well as a base: 5 minutes from Capel le Ferne, 13km from White Cliffs of Dover.
Folkestone is a town located in England, United Kingdom. With a population of 66,429, it is an important destination in Europe.
On a road trip, Folkestone sits in United Kingdom, where you drive on the left. It's in the Europe/London time zone. Below you'll find where to stay, things to do nearby, and everything you need to add Folkestone to your route.
Folkestone ( FOHK-stən) is a coastal town on the English Channel, in Kent, south-east England. The town lies on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs. It was an important harbour, shipping port, and fashionable coastal resort for most of the 19th and mid-20th centuries.
This locationRead more
has had a settlement since the Mesolithic era. A nunnery was founded by Eanswith, granddaughter of Æthelberht of Kent in the 7th century, who is still commemorated as part of the town's culture. During the 13th century, it developed into a seaport, and the harbour developed during the early 19th century to defend against a French invasion. Folkestone expanded further west after the arrival of the railway in 1843 as an elegant coastal resort, thanks to the investment of the Earl of Radnor under the urban plan of Decimus Burton.
In its Edwardian-era heyday, Folkestone was considered the most fashionable resort of the time, visited by royalty — amongst them Queen Victoria and Edward VII and other members of the English aristocracy. The town's architecture, especially in the West End part, is a testimony of this period, with many impressive buildings, townhouses, villas, private squares, and large hotels built to accommodate the gentry. After two world wars and the boom of the overseas holiday package, the town quickly declined. The harbour's trade diminished following the opening of the nearby Channel Tunnel and the ending of ferry services from Folkestone, but it still remains in active use.
Compare prices across Booking.com, Airbnb, Expedia, and more. Select your dates to see availability.
Pick your must-haves once: provider links open pre-filtered. Each filter lists which sites it applies to.
Compare before you book!
Prices can vary significantly between platforms. We recommend checking at least 2-3 sites to find the best deal for your stay in Folkestone.
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Folkestone.
Folkestone offers many attractions including tourist sites, museums, parks, and local restaurants. Explore famous landmarks, scenic roads, and natural wonders on our interactive map and plan your visit.
Plan your road trip to Folkestone with Plan Your Road Trips! Add Folkestone as a destination, and we'll help you find the best route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Folkestone is located in England, United Kingdom, Europe. The coordinates are 51.0817 latitude, 1.1673 longitude.
Folkestone has a population of approximately 66,429 people, making it a town in United Kingdom.
Add to your itinerary
Start planning your road trip with Folkestone as a destination. Create a custom route and discover more amazing places along the way.
Start Road TripDiscover destinations like Tinder
Swipe through stunning destinations near Folkestone. Save your favourites and add them to your trip.
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United Kingdom8 notable places within an hour's drive.
tunnel
50 km tunnel under the English Channel - drive your car on the train
2 km · about 5 min drive
castle
A medieval fortress overlooking the English Channel, known as the Key to England due to its strategic defensive significance.
12 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Iconic chalk cliffs reaching up to 110 meters high along the English Channel, symbolizing Britain for centuries.
13 km · about 25 min drive
cathedral
Seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury and one of the oldest Christian structures in England.
23 km · about 25 min drive
photogenic
Cobbled hill of half-timbered houses in the ancient Cinque Port of Rye, crowned by the 15th-century Mermaid Inn with its smuggling-era cellars. Houses carry names like 'The House with Two Front Doors'.
34 km · about 40 min drive
scenic viewpoint
The closest point in France to England, a windswept headland of cliffs, lighthouse and migrating birds.
38 km · about 45 min drive
castle
A castle on islands in a lake formed by the River Len in Kent, often called the loveliest castle in the world.
42 km · about 50 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Dazzling white chalk cliffs on the Opal Coast with views across the Channel to England on clear days.
42 km · about 50 min drive
April to October
Other places to explore near Folkestone.
Create your perfect itinerary with our calendar-based planner. Add stops, discover attractions along the way, and share your trip with friends.
Start Planning