Folkestone

This is the ultimate family friendly beach with sand, rockpools, public toilets, and the ability to get some shade during the hottest times of the year (or hide from the rain). The row of stone arches that runs along the north side of the beach creates perfect spaces for getting some privacy while getting changed, keeping drinks and food cool and taking a break from the sun during the hottest ours of the day. Some of the arches also have a stone ledge above the sand which makes for a great sand-free changing table. There are toilet facilities, but at the time of writing the handicap accessible one was out of order and all others are only accessible via a staircase.

Walking from Sunny Sands along the harbour one comes across a beach shed selling delicious local ice cream and several trailers selling fresh seafood. One of my favourites is Bobs Seafood, which advertises its opening times as ‘subject to sea conditions and hangovers’.

Another great lunch option just a bit further along is Chummy’s. Try the fresh crab (£5) or lobster(from £8) or meaty prawns on noodles (£4) while the kids can enjoy themselves in the Harbour Square fountain next to it. There are several tables overlooking the fountain, so you might even be able to enjoy a sit down lunch.

Continuing west from the harbour, an endless looking stretch of shingle beach with a 800 meter long winding, wooden boardwalk running along it connects the harbour with the the Lower Lees Coastal Park. Along the boardwalk you can find a few artworks, a mini golf and a cocktail bar with some unusual seating options.

The first bit of the Lower Lees Coastal Park we come across are a series of paths leading through pine tree shaded, grassy areas that are perfect for picnics and BBQs (which people seem to do even though plenty of signs forbid them). Most of the grocery stores between the trains station and the beach sell disposable BBQs if you fancy joining in. Next up is the adventure playground area which provides plenty entertainment for the tiny, the small and the big kids. Look out for a pirate ship climbing frame sunken into a sea of sand, a sand box with diggers and one with sieves and other sand manipulation tools, and at the centre of it all, a large scale climbing structure with high towers, zip lines and long spiral slides. Next to the toilet building at the western end of the playground is a path that leads down to the Mermaid cafe (check out the local ice cream but I would stay away from the pretty mediocre food) and beach.

Mermaid beach is shingle beach at the top but at low tide the bit by the water is sand – so the best of both worlds for those who don’t like the messiness of sand but have kids who love it. If you don’t fancy dragging your stroller down to the beach there is a concrete path that leads along the side of the beach up to the rocky bit. That’s where I usually park my stroller.

Once you are ready to leave the beach it is time to climb to the top of the cliff via one of two zig-zag paths. Sadly the Lees Lift funicular, originally installed in 1885 to carry passengers between the seafront and the promenade, is currently closed as restoration work is required. There are two options to get back to the top. For option number one continue to head west a bit further until a path goes up and back east. For option 2 head back towards the amphitheater and follow a zig-zag path that leads through some very real looking, but very much man made caves and takes you up to the promenade.

From the top of the promenade one has brilliant views and on a clear day can see the French coast. During the scorching hot days of the summer of 2018 one could forget that one is in the UK and not somewhere along the Mediterranean with these views of golden sand and blue sea framed by pine trees.

In addition to the beaches and harbour, Folkestone has a very cute, cobble stone lined old high street boasting artsy stores, coffee shops and restaurants. You’ll find it on the way from the station to Sunny Sand beach.

While a few of our favorite coffee shops in Folkestone haven't reopened after the pandemic, this one is still around and a place we visit every time. Delivious cakes for breakfast anyone?! Added bonus, there is a bookshelf next to the stairs full of children's books to keep little ones entertainment while enjoying a cuppa in peace.

Tucked between the winding road and a parking lot behind the Quarter House is another one of our 'must stops'. While it doesn't look like much, the steep slide and wooden logs to clamber up to it are always a highlight with the kids and a good way to break up the walk up the hill and back to the station.

Located at the the bottom of the old high street, this place is looking delicious. Sadly we haven't had a chance to try it yet as we always get too distracted by the nearby seafood stalls or are in a rush to get to the beach. One day.