Escape to Folkestone & Hythe for fresh sea air, coastal and canal walks, Kent Downs trails, sea swims and saunas, wildlife at Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve, harbour-side eats. A perfect blend of outdoors living, seascapes and great food!
Lovers of the great outdoors - welcome to Folkestone & Hythe! Sea saunas, open-air swims and space to roam in every direction, stay in safari lodges or cosy shepherd’s hut and savour an unmissable foodie scene.
Step into a weekend where every sense is awakened — feel the bracing sea breeze on your face, hear the gentle crunch of pebbles underfoot and taste the salty sea air. Welcome to Folkestone and Hythe, a slice of Kent where the outdoors reigns supreme and every corner invites exploration.
From tranquil canal walks along the Royal Military Canal to the dramatic cliffs and rolling trails of the Kent Downs, this region is a paradise for walkers, cyclists and anyone just craving space to breathe. Sea saunas, open‑air swims, paddleboarding and walks along the windswept beaches promise fresh, invigorating experiences that reconnect you with nature.
The food and drink here are just as vibrant as the natural landscapes: from artisan cafés and wine bars in Folkestone’s creative quarter to beach‑side bites on the Harbour Arm, to hearty pub meals with views over Romney Marsh, every meal feels like a celebration of both place and produce!
Whether it’s a reflective morning by the canal, an energetic coastal hike, or a relaxed evening watching the sunset over the sea, Folkestone and Hythe blends adventure, relaxation, and delicious discovery into a perfect weekend escape.
Read on for our recommendations of places to eat, sleep, stay and visit!
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Whether you’re looking for something active, relaxing or just awe inspiring – we’ve got you. Soak up the views whilst you find the rhythm that’s right for you.
The towns of Folkestone and Hythe are made for outdoor living, with space to roam in every direction. Walkers are spoilt for choice, from dramatic clifftop routes and rolling countryside trails in the Kent Downs to peaceful, flat paths beside the Royal Military Canal. One standout coastal walk is The Warren in Folkestone, where chalk cliffs, wildflowers, and sweeping sea views create one of Kent’s most scenic stretches of shoreline.
On the water, adventure continues. Paddleboarding is popular in Folkestone Harbour, offering calm conditions and a unique view back to the town, or head to Seapoint in Hythe to launch onto the canal for a slower, nature-filled glide. For year-round wellness, the coastline embraces cold-water culture, with the UK’s largest beach spa opening in March 2026 — perfectly paired with sea dips and fresh coastal air. It’s an area that invites you outside, whatever the season.
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Food is a huge part of the Folkestone and Hythe experience.
The scene that feels creative, relaxed, and proudly local. Start your day in one of the much-loved cafés - Sandgate’s Orchard Lane Coffee House is a favourite for expertly brewed coffee and cinnamon buns, while Steep Street Coffee House offers a cosy atmosphere and excellent cakes. Florence’s in Hythe or Dockers in Folkestone are ideal for an early morning bakery fix with excellent coffee to go.
Folkestone’s foodie renaissance in recent years has seen the area become a must-visit UK food destination. Recent restaurant addition, Pomus delivers refined small plates and incredible wines in an intimate setting, while Rocksalt is a destination restaurant, celebrated for its seafood and panoramic sea views. Join the locals as they queue for Sunday brunch at Marleys at the bottom of the Old High Street or head down to the waterfront, where the Harbour Arm is all about variety. Here vibrant street-food stalls and indoor eateries serve everything from fresh fish to falafel to English sparkling wine — all best enjoyed whilst watching the sun set over the Channel.
Folkestone and Hythe is the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, breathe in the fresh sea air, and spend time outdoors. With a huge variety of accommodation, scenic walking trails, incredible food and plenty of hidden gems, every visit feels like a mini adventure.
Don’t just read about it — pack your bags and come explore Folkestone and Hythe for yourself!
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