Folkestone Harbour Beach

Visit Folkestone Harbour Beach

Folkestone Harbour Beach is a sandy stretch of beach right next to the town’s historic harbour and the lively Harbour Arm. It’s the most central beach in Folkestone and offers a relaxed spot to enjoy the seaside with the convenience of being just a stone’s throw from cafés, shops, and the creative quarter.

A great place to visit on a summers day. There are lots of places to eat and drink along the seafront and a cafe/ bar right on the beach.

The beach itself is sandy with some shingle, especially higher up near the sea wall. When the tide is out, a broader area of sand is revealed, making it perfect for paddling, sandcastle building, or just stretching out and enjoying the sea breeze. Although it’s not huge, its central location and views of the harbour and cliffs make it a scenic place to spend a few hours.

You’re right by the Folkestone Harbour Arm, which has been beautifully regenerated in recent years. It now hosts street food stalls, independent eateries, pop-up bars, art installations and even a tiny lighthouse bar at the end. This gives the beach a lively, upbeat feel, especially in the warmer months.

There are no lifeguards on duty at Folkestone Harbour Beach, so swimming is at your own risk. The water is generally calm within the shelter of the harbour, and it’s a popular spot for paddling and light swimming, especially for families with younger children.

Access is easy. The beach is just below the promenade and the Harbour Arm, with sloped walkways leading down to the sand. Parking is available at the Harbour Arm car park and other pay-and-display sites nearby. It’s also just a short walk from Folkestone town centre and the Creative Quarter, so very easy to reach on foot or public transport.

Toilets are available near the harbour and along the promenade, and you’re never far from a coffee, ice cream, or something more substantial thanks to the nearby food stalls and restaurants.

Folkestone Harbour Beach is perfect for a seaside outing that mixes a bit of town with a bit of coast. Whether you want a quick dip, a relaxing sunbathe, or just a comfortable spot to take in the sea views after lunch on the Arm, it’s a lovely, convenient place to pause and enjoy Kent’s revitalised coastline.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between 1 May and 30 September, so if you’re visiting in summer, your four-legged friends will need to stay on the promenade or head to nearby dog-friendly beaches such as Sunny Sands (seasonal restrictions also apply) or The Warren which allows dogs year-round.