Chandos Guest House Attractions
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The classic seaside town of Folkestone features something for everyone. The young and the young-at-heart will enjoy the rides and attractions at the seaside Rotunda Amusement Park. For a more peaceful time take a stroll along the Leas Promenade and enjoy the flowers, the outdoor summer bandstand concerts, and the breathtaking sea views.
Down in the Harbour area you can tour a Russian submarine or stroll among the seafood markets in the Stade, while not far away up the cobbled Old High Street you can spend countless hours in Folkestone's shopping district. Every Thursday in Sandgate Road an open market offers all manner of wares from food to clothing and household, and the last Thursday of each month features many French vendors.
If you enjoy art, visit the Metropole Arts Centre on the Leas or the Georges House Gallery on the Old High Street. If you're a history buff don't miss the Martello Tower No. 3 on the East Cliff. One of many along the Kent coast, these plinth-like structures were designed in the late 1700s as defences against the threat of invasion by Napoleon.
From nearby Dover you can take the SeaCat to the Continent, to either Calais or Ostende; this makes an enjoyable day trip. Or take your car to Calais through the Eurotunnel; services operate directly from Folkestone. For more information on Eurotunnel phone 09990 353535 or see their website.
If you prefer to explore the area around Folkestone there are many beautiful East Kent villages. Hythe, situated on the eastern edge of the Romney Marsh, was one of the original Cinque Ports, and the oldest building in the village is believed to date back to the 1100s. You could easily spend an afternoon strolling along the Royal Military Canal and through the public gardens and browsing the quaint High Street bustling with shops and pubs. Or take a ride on the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a charming one-third-scale steam train which travels 14 scenic miles between Hythe and Dungeness.
If you're travelling beyond Hythe be sure to visit Lympne Castle, not to mention the nearby Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. Beyond that are the fascinating roads and villages of the Romney Marsh, a mysterious and beautiful area once famous as a refuge for smugglers. This entire area was at one time completely under the sea, making a natural harbour for ships from early Roman times. Now the Marsh is famous for its rich soil and turf, its pastures full of grazing Romney sheep, and the wide variety of Marshland birds who call it their home. You could spend days wandering from village to village exploring the historic churches and pubs or simply enjoying the scenery.
For more information on what to see and do in Folkestone and nearby, phone the Tourist Information Centre on 01303 258594.