The Best Hotels in Folkestone

Folkestone Hotels

Folkestone is an old, small port town situated on the banks of the English Channel, at the most easterly point of forest-rich Kent. The town’s curving, golden beach is towered over by remarkable chalky cliffs capped with arching oaks, and winding footpaths - some used since Roman times - criss-cross through the adjoining countryside. A rich wartime history has given Folkestone several educational museums, and the natural landscape of waterfront amber sunrises has inspired many local and independent art galleries.

Things to see

Take an invigorating morning nature walk up to the Leas - the towering rocky coastal cliffs - and walk through the peaceful greenery, discovering its hidden Martello Tower, a majestic stony stronghold originally built as a defence against Napoleon. Continue your rejuvenating outdoor activities by visiting the nearby Brockhill Country Park, a wild stretch of verdant gardens where leafy tree boughs bend over sun-dappled lake waters. After, become enthralled and amazed at the Kent Battle of Britain museum, the oldest of its kind, which showcases exact life-size replicas of fighter planes. Spend your afternoon at Folkestone’s sandy uncrowded beach and catch some rays - on a clear day, you can even see across the calm waters to the coast of France. In the evening, head to Folkestone’s quiet, charming centre, where well-established seafood restaurants serve up perfectly seasoned tuna steaks and crackling spicy prawns.

Hotels in Folkestone

Central Folkestone hotels present surprisingly affordable 3-star accommodation, complete with spacious en-suite rooms, complimentary WiFi and immediate doorstep access to the town’s sweeping beachfront. Tucked away in the quiet narrow streets you’ll also find independent, bespoke 4-star hotels which offer a taste of lavish luxury. Set in stately Georgian buildings, these hotels provide indulgent in-room service and sleek, elegant bar lounges - an ideal way to unwind after exploring Folkestone’s historic landmarks. For a heavenly haven situated in luxuriant grounds, stay in one of the few unique spas that speckle Folkestone’s surrounding countryside.

Where to stay

Folkestone’s small size means that staying centrally makes for a homely holiday, where a true small-town English charm reveals itself in the friendly smiles and chatter of the welcoming locals. Although central Folkestone boasts its own golden beach and abundant greenery, stay slightly east of the centre - along the Dover-Folkestone heritage coast - for an entirely idyllic holiday, where the dense clusters of trees twitch in the fresh sea breeze and rare wildlife - from graceful deer to colourful birds - is in abundance. For a more urban holiday with all the benefits of beachside accommodation, stay in the large nearby town of Dover.

How to get to Folkestone

Folkestone's proximity to the harbour town of Dover and the English Channel means that it benefits from a high speed rail service to London St Pancras departing from Folkestone West Station. This high speed rail will whiz you to and from London in less than an hour. If arriving by car, Folkestone also sits at the eastern end of the M20 motorway - a speedy stretch of road that connects the town with Ashford, Maidstone, and London. Once in Folkestone, the town’s unhurried vibe encourages exploration on foot, but having a car can be useful for visiting the surrounding areas.