Folkestone grew from a sleepy harbour town into a major passenger port and railway link to the continent during the early part of the 19th Century.
Soon after, high-society discovered the town's charms and local landowner Lord Radnor employed Decimus Burton (of Regent's Park & Tunbridge Wells fame) to develop the seafront & The Leas cliff-top promenade was born. The grandeur of this era is still in evidence and ready to be explored!
The 2 World Wars completely changed the fortunes of the town and during World War 1 most of the grand buildings were requisitioned and the local population evacuated. More than 10 million troops and personnel left for the front lines in Northern France via Folkestone between 1914 and 1918!
Today, The Leas retains its grandeur and beauty, but now has added poignant memorials to these events which we will explore in depth.
More recently, the Old Town & Harbour have had a huge regeneration and are a great destination for shopping and eating.
Come and discover this gem on the East Kent coast with your local Blue Badge tourist guide.
Folkestone is less than an hour from London St Pancras by train, so we can meet you off the train or advise on alternative transport options.
This private walking tour will last around 2 hours and covers mostly easy terrain.