Where?

Folkestone, Kent

Why now?

One of the gritter members in Kent‘s
family of seaside towns, Folkestone is a town that prides itself on
creativity and a resilient, two-fingers up confidence – after all,
someone here did spray paint a penis over a Banksy mural. You’ll
find a fierce artistic energy running through its independent
galleries, stores and workshops that line Folkestone’s streets.

Explore the Creative Quarter where you’ll find rainbow-hued
galleries and artists’ showrooms huddled together on steep lanes;
stroll down to The Leas, a cliffside promenade designed by the same
architect behind Kew Gardens’ Palm House; or slip away to Sunny
Sands, a rugged beach backed by fields of wildflowers and thyme. As
far as UK seaside
towns goes, Folkestone’s got buckets and spadefuls to
offer.

You’ll also find the largest urban outdoor collection of
contemporary art in the UK here. Wander from Cornelia Parker’s
mermaid sculpture poised on a rock at Sunny Sands, past the
nostalgic, giant jelly mould on the site of Folkestone’s former
playground by Lubaina Himid and be sure to tick off seeing Richard
Wood’s six bungalows that are scattered across town. It’s kind of
like an artist scavenger hunt.

Don’t miss

Antony Gormley’s Another Time XVIII. You’d be forgiven for
getting carried away scoffing oysters and champagne served from a
double-decker bus on the Harbour Arm, but venture down one of its
discreet stairways and you’ll stumble upon one of the artist’s
lonesome iron men gazing towards France on the horizon.

Where to stay

Try the Wes Anderson-esque The Grand
for art-deco vibes – it’s where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the
Orient Express too. We’re hoping we can channel all this creativity
into fixing our WFH writer’s block.

Where to go for dinner

Chummys for fresh lobster, crab, cockles et al. Sure,
it’s not as fancy as award-winning Rocksalt, but have you even visited the seaside if you
haven’t eaten seafood out of a paper cup?

And for a drink…

Folkestone
Wine Company or, if you want to hunker down in a proper pub,
The
Pullman (just next door) will charm with its summer-ready beer
garden and the inviting fire that’s lit when the sea breeze gets a
bit nippy.

Who to take with you

Your friend that had their city breaks to Berlin/ Belgrade/
Warsaw cancelled this year – they’ll appreciate Folkestone’s
punkish creativity.

Essentials to pack

Bring some streetwear cool to your staycation with a pair of
kicks from cutting-edge
F_WD. Pioneers of sustainability, the brand is quickly
garnering a repuation for its futuristic creations that combine
sophistication and sport. The name on everyone’s lips as they pave
the way for a brighter future in fashion, they’re perfect for
striding along the seafront.

How to get there

Catch the train from King’s Cross to Ashford, then change to
bring you straight into Folkestone Central.