24 hours in Folkestone – through the eyes of a 17-year-old
With the peak of summer now here and overseas travel plans occasionally proving unpredictable, a UK seaside getaway could be the answer for those in need of a relaxing yet refreshing trip.
We believe Folkestone is the place for that getaway; especially with it being so easily accessible if driving isn’t an option. London is just a 53-minute train ride away after all.
So what shouldn’t be missed if you’re thinking of heading down for a few days or a weekend? 17-year-old student Isobella took a trip to highlight the best bits of her hometown.
Folkestone’s bandstand
With Folkestone being the world’s first music town, a visit to the bandstand is a must!
The magnificent structure hosts live music to suit a range of tastes during weekends throughout the summer. But if you miss out on a gig, the architecture of the bandstand (built in 1895) has much about it to admire. Moreover, it looks out across the English Channel and is in the heart of The Leas clifftop area.
The Zig-Zag Path
Connecting The Leas and the Lower Leas Coastal Park is the Zig-Zag Path, which offers stunning views and easy access down to the beach. This path is packed full of memories for me: from family days out to school trips where the class would race each other back to the top to be ‘king of the castle’.
The path really does emphasise Folkestone’s natural coastline and you’ll see many small caves as you stroll up or down the path. It’s a great spot to take it all in, particularly if you have been stuck in school or at the mercy of a computer all week.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park
The grand amphitheatre continues to stand tall within the Coastal Park, which itself was formed by a landslip some 200 years ago. The open theatre is surrounded by the park’s trees, plants and vibrant flowers and you really feel you could be beside the Med rather than the English Channel!
Free performances and plays are often brought to the amphitheatre as a method of restoring traditional ways to watch entertainment in an open space. I shall definitely be down there in the summer watching an open-air production of Othello – which happens to be my studied A Level text.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park really does offer something for all ages from its entrance to its exit with nature, wildlife, multiple play areas and – even if you are a local – a fun day out!
The new pirate ship in the play area is proving really popular for children and had me reminiscing about times I climbed the previous ship… oh to be young(er) again!
Additionally, the park is often used as a school trip destination as it is free of charge and enables kids to freely explore the surroundings.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park
The grand amphitheatre continues to stand tall within the Coastal Park, which itself was formed by a landslip some 200 years ago. The open theatre is surrounded by the park’s trees, plants and vibrant flowers and you really feel you could be beside the Med rather than the English Channel!
Free performances and plays are often brought to the amphitheatre as a method of restoring traditional ways to watch entertainment in an open space. I shall definitely be down there in the summer watching an open-air production of Othello – which happens to be my studied A Level text.
The Lower Leas Coastal Park really does offer something for all ages from its entrance to its exit with nature, wildlife, multiple play areas and – even if you are a local – a fun day out!
The new pirate ship in the play area is proving really popular for children and had me reminiscing about times I climbed the previous ship… oh to be young(er) again!
Additionally, the park is often used as a school trip destination as it is free of charge and enables kids to freely explore the surroundings.