A perfect out-of-season day trip from London

Morning:

Seaside walks and creative discoveries in Folkestone

Arrive in Folkestone via high-speed train from London St Pancras and begin your day with a walk along Folkestone Harbour Arm, where fresh sea air and sweeping Channel views immediately set the tone. In the quieter months, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views, peaceful surroundings and the head space to take it all in.

Next, explore the Creative Quarter, a maze of cobbled streets filled with independent boutiques, artist studios and galleries. Pop into local favourites to browse handmade goods, prints and unique gifts – perfect for discovering something special you won’t find on the high street. Don’t miss family run local businesses The Quartermasters, Moo Like a Monkey or Objectables!

Warm up with coffee and a sweet treat at Steep Street, where homemade cakes and delicious coffee are the order of the day or head to Sailbox for brunch with a side of stunning sea views.

Lunch:

Relaxed dining by the sea

For lunch, settle in at Rocksalt, Folkestone’s iconic harbourside restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the water, it’s especially magical in the off-season when winter light reflects across the water.  The menu celebrates fresh seafood and comforting dishes perfect for chillier days.

Across the harbour, Folkestone’s neighbourhood foodie spot Marleys offers seasonal ingredients and dishes packed with flavour. Settle down and enjoy the delicious food and cozy interiors on offer!

If you prefer something more casual, try one of the  independent cafés dotted around the Old High Street, where you’ll find homemade soups, cakes, toasties and locally roasted coffee.

Afternoon:

Historic Hythe and Romney Marsh

After lunch, take a short taxi or bus ride to the charming nearby town of Hythe. Stroll along the historic Royal Military Canal, lined with wildlife, or browse Hythe’s independent shops and antiques stores. If you need a pitstop or pick-me-up, Nutmeg always has a stocked cake counter and tea at the ready!

For something truly unique, head out onto Romney Marsh, a vast, atmospheric landscape known for its big skies, grazing sheep and peaceful beauty. Nature lovers will especially appreciate the off-season, when birdlife thrives and the landscape feels wonderfully untouched. Unsure how to travel? The iconic Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway provides a fun and unique mode of transport to help you further explore the beautiful coastline.

There’s something for everyone, a perfect day trip from London to Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

Pre-Dinner:

Promenade sunset strolls

If time allows on your day trip from London, head back to Folkestone and take a gentle stroll along The Leas promenade, where clifftop views stretch for miles on clear days.

On your route, take in the beautiful Victorian bandstand, the Leas Lift restoration project and of course, soak in the panoramic sea views from the Leas Cliff Hall viewing platform.

If you’re day-tripping with the kids in tow, head down a level and let the kids blow off steam at the brilliant Lower Leas Coastal Park – perfect for imaginative and active play, and a much needed break for Mum and Dad!

Dinner:

Stylish suppers to end the day

After a day of coastal exploration, treat yourself to a memorable dinner back in Folkestone. Pomus is a new but much-loved Folkestone restaurant blending Mediterranean flavours with local Kentish produce to create a low-waste and inclusive menu will be showcased alongside some award-winning wines.  Utilising many local producers such as Whitstable Oysters, Cheesemakers of Canterbury, Chapel Down and Westwell, Pomus is a home away from home for Kent locals and tourists alike

For something a bit more indulgent, head to Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill, a stylish steakhouse in the heart of the town. Known for high-quality cuts, elegant ambience and excellent service, it’s the perfect way to round off your day with classic steakhouse favourites and rich sides.

Stay a while:

Your perfect day trip from London? Why not make a weekend of it?

With so much to see and do, extending your stay allows you to slow down and experience the coast at its most relaxing. Spend a second day discovering hidden beaches, browsing independent shops, exploring Romney Marsh in more depth, or simply enjoying long, unhurried meals by the sea.

Stay in the heart of Folkestone at the elegant London & Paris Hotel, perfectly located on the harbour with beautifully restored rooms and easy access to the town’s best restaurants and galleries. For a truly immersive coastal experience, Rocksalt Rooms offers stylish boutique accommodation directly above the harbour, where you can wake to sweeping sea views.

For something extraordinary, escape to Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve, where luxury accommodation meets unforgettable wildlife experiences in a stunning countryside setting.

In Hythe, enjoy a relaxing stay at Hythe Imperial Hotel, a grand Victorian seaside hotel complete with spa facilities, or choose The View Hotel Folkestone, where modern comfort and panoramic coastal views provide the perfect base for a restorative seaside break.

Turning your day trip from London into a weekend gives you time to truly unwind and discover why visitors return to this stretch of coast again and again.