Latest news with #FolkestoneMermaid
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Charming UK town where the French loved to holiday named top place to visit
A pretty UK seaside town is a popular destination for many - including French travellers and it's easy to see why so many people flock to the coastal area during the summer The UK has many charming towns - including this one, once thought to be a 'prestigious' holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food, local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors. With beautiful beaches and independent shops it's a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie - which can all be found at the Folkestone museum. According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area's maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture. With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it's an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It's home to the world's first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach. It's also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid's tail. There's loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach. There's also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family. Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There's the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town. Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape - while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including: Animal lovers should head straight for the Port Lympne Wild Animal Park. It's a great place to see dozens of exotic and rare species. The nearby Kent Battle of Britain Museum has the best collection of Battle of Britain memorabilia of any war museum in the UK (including dozens of aircraft). Take a ride on the miniature steam trains Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: "Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant." While another chimed: "This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there."
Daily Mirror
24-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I visited hidden UK beach with picturesque views and sand that feels like Spain'
With summer in full swing, it can be tempting to book all the holidays you want, but it could sometimes come at a price. Luckily one UK beach feels like Spain and it's really close Summer is here and it's safe to say we've been blessed with some decent weather in the UK. After a few days of torrential rain, a UK weather map revealed when the sunshine is finally coming back – and it's soon. And with the summer holidays in full swing, it can be tempting to book the next flight out for sun, sea and sand. But what can you do if you no longer have many annual leave days left? Well luckily for you, one hidden UK beach that "feels like Spain" is quite local and it's just one hour away from London, so have you been yet? In a post with her 11,700 followers on Instagram, user @wonder_lesea revealed the ultimate day trip. It's so pretty it can make you feel like you're in the Mediterranean and it's located in Folkestone, Kent. The video shows a little glimpse of the gorgeous blue sea with picturesque views and smooth sands. Whether you fancy a relaxing beach trip, or a little walk, this place has it all. Mermaid Beach also boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid's tail. In the social media post, it read: "Feels like Spain, but it's UK. Mermaid Beach. CT20 2DZ "A hidden beach with turquoise water and a walking trail through cliffs and lush parkland. "Like a slice of the Mediterranean – but just an hour from London. "1 hour by train from London to Folkestone Central, then a 25-minute scenic walk through Lower Leas Coastal Park." The Instagram post then claimed it's also a "place you'll want to come back to". There's loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach. There's also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family. Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There's the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town. And nearby is the Folkestone Museum, which offers details about the local history and culture.
