Folkestone

Sandy beaches, azure waves plus a picturesque coastal park is what most visitors enjoy about Folkestone, though that isn’t all there is. If you happen to be in London, it takes you less than an hour to get there and only 25 minutes if you come from Ashford. Folkestone isn’t just interesting because of how lovely it is today but also because of it’s exceeedingly interesting history which dates back to the times of Roman Empire and then the Jutes.

Folkestone became a fishing village and one of the busiest ports in the 13th century during the reign of the Tudors. Then a harbor was built in the 1800s. But, it was later when a railroad was built in the 1900s that tourism, trade and almost every industry flourished. In the year 2000, the Folkstone Harbour Company decided that it would rebuild and redesign the site as a marina along with what what is now a coastal park where one can see several shops, restaurants and even art galleries. It has had some set backs, but is continuing with it’s plans to restore the harbour to it’s former glory.

Folkstone is also the place where events are held like the Folkstone Book Festival in November; the Folkstone Multi-Cultural Fest usually held in early June which is a four day event of different cultural dances, food exhibits, and an array of different events suited for kids. Then there is the Folkstone Charivari which much like a fashion show plus a parade complete with music from the band. Just a short drive from Folkestone, there’s the Hythe Festival which is a ten day family festival in July where there are concerts and parades.

One of Folkestone’s biggest attractions is the grand Leas Cliff Hall which cannot be missed by visitors and locals. It can accomodate 900 people and offers an endless variety of touring shows from concerts to comedy and even sports like wresting, for instance. There have been many famous acts which have performed there over the years such as The Rolling Stones, Ozzy Osbourne, Kings of Leon, Frankie Boyle and Russell Howard.

There are several of the best gourmet and non-gourmet restaurants in the area, from star rated restaurants to eateries that offer ethnic cusisine. Fast food is always available and so are a diverse variety of pubs and Cafes for food trippers. Aside from all that, there is also the 600 acres Port Lympne Wild Animal Park where families can witness and enjoy Siberian and Indian tigers, Barbary lions and an array of rare species unavailable in other zoos. The Port Lympne Wild Animal Park is the largest breeding herd of black rhinos in Europe and its also where one can find the largest gorillarium in the world which is why it is called “The Palace of the Apes”.

Further afield, there is also the Canterbury Cathedral that dates back to the days of medieval pilgrimage plus St. Augustine’s Abbey and St Martin’s Church which are both considered World Heritage sites. The Cathedral is interesting because it is said that St. Augustine was sent there by Pope Gregory as missionary in 557 AD ane he became the first Archbishop of Cnterbury. Not to be missed about this place is the fact that in 1170 Archbishop Thomas Beckett was murdered within the Cathedral. It aso has been made famous by Geoffrey Chaucer who wrote the Canterbury Tales.

If you’re worried about accomodations in Folkestone, don’t be. There are 4-5 star Hotels, much as there are guesthouses, family inns and caravan parks. Accomodation is no problem. There are even self-catering apartments near the beach where you can get the scene of the water and waves as you enjoy your stay at Folkestone.

Folkstone is evolving into a seafront town and there are plans to make this place one of the most economically booming town in the coming years. Though tourists continually flock to visit Folkestone, there is presently an influx of foreign investors who want to make this town’s economy and real estate one of the richest in the world. Considering beaches, restaurants and all the historical landmarks near and within the place, it is one town that is expected to regain the economic vitality it enjoyed during the 1800s when it was one of the busiest harbors in the world.