The Folkestone Harbour is a famous tourist destination for locals and tourists alike. This seaside town in South East England is known for its picturesque waterfront area and the famous Folkestone Harbour Arm.

In this post, I'll go over Folkestone Harbour's important history and how its redesign has made it one of Kent's most popular tourist attractions, also giving you a list of various things to do in the incredible harbour.

History of Folkestone Harbour

Folkestone was originally a tiny fishing village, which eventually saw significant growth during the 19th century due to its strategic location as a gateway to continental Europe via the English Channel. Constructing a railway connection to the harbour in the mid-19th century accelerated the development by facilitating passenger and freight transportation. The newly added railway connection industrialized the small fishing town, and the harbour was crucial in this industrialization.

Coal, wood, and ice were imported into the harbour throughout the 19th century and were unloaded there. Exports of chalk for burning limes were also produced. In this export-import trade, a large number of ships were using Folkestone as their port of registry and in 1849 it is said that approximately 49,000 passengers were using the Folkestone Harbour.

The harbour later played a vital role during World War I as a departure point for troops bound for the Western Front. However, in the late 20th century, the harbour saw a decline in use due to larger ships being commercialized, although this trend was common amongst the smaller ports of the United Kingdom. Over the years, various redevelopment and conservation efforts have been aimed at preserving the historical aspects of the harbour while adapting it to modern needs.

Experience the Folkestone Harbour Railway Station

The Folkestone Harbour Railway Station is no longer in use, but what has taken its place is just as incredible, and it is one of my favourite sites in Folkestone. The area where the railway terminal once stood has been redeveloped into a seaside park.

Located just next to Folkestone Harbour, the railway station is easy to visit and allows tourists to walk the old tracks and the platforms which were once used to industrialize the seaside town.

Although not much of the old railway remains here, and most of it has been replaced, I still find it fascinating to walk the tracks and stroll around. It is a unique sight, allowing visitors to understand Folkestone's history.

Things to Do on the Folkestone Harbour Arm

Folkestone's Harbour Arm is a magnificent pier that stretches far into the ocean. It was initially established as a vital pier for ferry and cargo services, although the Harbour Arm has undergone significant transformations throughout history.

Compared to its early days as a practical structure supporting trade and transportation, it has evolved into a vibrant cultural and recreational hub. In recent years, thoughtful redevelopment efforts have turned the Folkestone Harbour Arm into a bustling promenade with charming cafes, galleries, boutiques, and seasonal events.

This revitalization project not only honours the area's historical significance but also offers residents and visitors a fantastic pier to enjoy panoramic views of the seafront whilst savouring local foods and enjoying the cultural events that have become part of the traditions of the town. The Folkestone Harbour Arm is now seen by many as an event destination that offers multiple events throughout the year.

Some of these events host live music, whilst others are traditional street food markets or even exhibitions. The Folkestone Harbour Arm offers a bit of everything, and you can expect to see these events take place on the Folkestone Harbour Arm throughout the year. If you are interested in what's going on at the Folkestone Harbour Arm, check out their website for updates here.

The Goods Yard Bar

The Goods Yard bar is a trendy bar on the Folkestone Harbour Arm, it accommodates a load of seaside dwellers daily, and its harbour arm location makes it one of the most popular bars in Folkestone. It is little more than a stand which sells great beer with load of seating where you can watch the beautiful ocean.

The simplicity, great beer and spectacular views are what draws visitors here. The Goods Yard Bar also has an outdoor cinema which sometimes plays football, shows and movies on the big screen.

Wood fired pizza

The Harbour Arm wouldn't be complete without some great food, and a place with excellent food should certainly offer pizza! The Wood Fired Pizza stand offers incredible pizzas that you can eat whilst enjoying the beautiful seafront from the Harbour Arm.

Folkestone's Lighthouse

The Folkestone Harbour Arm is connected to the main harbour area of Folkestone Harbour. It stretches out into the English Channel, with the end of the Harbour Arm hosting Folkestone's lighthouse. Today, the lighthouse is still functioning and is one of the most iconic architectural structures in the seaside town. 

Many visitors walk to the end of the pier's lighthouse to view the beautiful seafront cliffs which overlook Folkestone Harbour. The lighthouse is the furthest point of the Harbour Arm, and it hosts a bar called The Lighthouse Champagne Bar, which is a great place to grab a drink and spend the afternoon boat-watching.

Visit the Folkestone Harbour waterfront

The Folkestone Harbour's main area, which hosts the small fishing boats and ships, is one of my favourite parts of the seaside town. The historic waterfront offers visitors the English seaside experience at its finest. Many boats are still moored in these rustic docks, and the harbour has a historic charm with its cobblestoned promenade, where visitors can take a stroll and see Folkestone's maritime finesse.

I enjoyed walking in this area and it is fascinating when the tide goes out as you can see the boats stuck in the muddy seabed. Take advantage of this unique area of the harbour and try to have a good stroll here whilst visiting Folkestone.

When is the best time to visit the Folkestone Harbour?

The best time to visit would be during the summer season; the warm weather will make it much more inviting to sit outside and watch the sea views whilst enjoying some food and drink. Outdoor festivals with live music are likely more common during that time.

The Folkestone Harbour Arm and Folkestone Harbour are fantastic destinations in this seaside town. They are packed with entertainment and history and provide some incredible views. Folkestone is one of Kent's most enjoyable coastal towns; for me, it is the harbour that makes this a must-see destination.