Folkestone Historical Tour and Art Walk

Folkestone grew from a sleepy harbour town into a major passenger port & railway link to the continent during the early part of the 19th Century. High-society had already discovered the town's charms and local landowner Lord Radnor employed Decimus Burton (of Regent's Park & Tunbridge Wells fame) to develop the seafront & the grand Leas cliff-top promenade was born.
The 2 World Wars completely changed the fortunes of the town and during WW1 most of the seafront buildings were requisitioned & the local population evacuated.
Over 10 million troops & personnel left for the front lines in France via Folkestone between 1914 & 1918!
Today, The Leas retains its grandeur & beauty, but now has added poignant memorials to these momentous events which we will explore in depth.
More recently, the Old Town & Harbour have had a huge regeneration & are a great destination for shopping and eating.
Come and discover this gem on the East Kent coast with your local Blue Badge tourist guide.

Meeting Point

Folkestone Central Station

Folkestone Central Station, Cheriton Rd, Folkestone CT19 5HB, UK

If you are arriving by train, we can meet you at Folkestone Central station upon your arrival.

The Lodge the Grand

The Lodge the Grand, Folkestone CT20 2LR, UK

The Bandstand front of The Grand on The Leas Promenade

What's included:

• Specialist Local Blue Badge Tourist Guide in English or French

What to expect:

Duration: between 1 hour, 30 minutes and 2 hours

The Leas Promenade

Leas Cliff Hall The Leas, , Folkestone, CT20 2DZ

Laid-out by Decimus Burton, The Leas Promenade was THE place to be seen during Victorian & Edwardian times. During the First World War, Folkestone transformed in to the main embarkation point for over 10 million troops and personnel heading to the front lines. Today The Leas pays homage to these dramatic times with poignant memorial.
Every 3 years Folkestone hosts a major art festival (the Folkestone Triennial) and the Leas is home to an ever growing number of art installations thanks to the huge success of this event.

30 minutes

The Bayle Village

The Bayle Village, , Folkestone, CT20 1SJ

Folkestone's old village centre with its historic church St Eanswythe's.

15 minutes

After Art Ltd

34 The Old High St, Folkestone CT20 1RL, UK

Leading down to the Harbour the Old High St and Creative Quarter have become a centre of artisan shops and great food.

30 minutes

Embarkation point for millions during WW1 and latterly car ferries to France, Folkestone's Harbour Arm has been transformed into and arts, entertainment and food venue.

30 minutes