DAYSOUT
FOLKESTONE HARBOUR ARM PEARLY COW
CALM COASTAL EVENINGS
Spending a summer evening in Kent, you will see the end of the day marks a shift, a moment to unwind, while also having the chance to explore some of the county’ s iconic locations in a relaxed setting.
Starting off on the county’ s north-east coastline, the vibrant seaside town of Margate offers afternoon adventures, which transition into slow evenings. When you arrive, make your way to the seafront, which is adorned with stretching views across the North Sea and colourfully painted beach huts.
From the seafront, Dreamland( dreamland. co. uk)- Margate’ s much-loved amusement park and entertainment centre- is only a few steps away. Throughout August, it’ s possible to grab tickets for a number of events here including performances from The Kooks, Bastille and Nile Rodger & CHIC, which are all happening alongside a choice of food vendors and thrilling fairground rides, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the iconic Big Wheel.
After discovering Dreamland, make your way to the Pearly Cow( pearlycow. co. uk). Only a few steps away from the beach, this brilliant restaurant offers the perfect evening pairing of a glorious Turner sunset and a modern take on a sundowner of your choice. Sitting on the terrace, you can indulge in one( or two) of Pearly Cow’ s signature cocktails, from the sharp taste of Italian Rhubarb, with sweet vermouth and rhubarb liqueur, to Nineteen Twenty, serving Select Aperitivo with fresh orange juice for a botanical twist.
Heading 40 miles south along the Kent coastline, you will arrive in the vibrant seaside town of Folkestone, a town known for its contemporary art scene and community of indie creatives.
Start your afternoon off by heading to the Creative Quarter( creativefolkestone. org. uk); widely considered the cultural heart of Folkestone, the area is made up of an eclectic group of independent shops, galleries and studios stacked up along The Old High Street. Discover vintage clothes at Bounce Vintage( bouncevintage. com) and contemporary art in an array of open studios including Kollectiv( kollectivfolkestone. org)- with an artisan coffee shop and bar, here you can browse world-class art.
As the evening sets in, it is a short walk to the Folkestone Harbour Arm( folkestoneharbourarm. co. uk), a historic promenade stretching into the English Channel. Walking to the end, you will see a picturesque lighthouse which is home to The Lighthouse Champagne Bar( thelighthousechampagnecompany. co. uk), a stylish bar with panoramic views across the White Cliffs of Dover and, most notably, the closest Champagne bar to France. Enjoy an evening sundowner with the bar’ s signature Champagne or choose from one of the award-winning sparkling wines; paired with live music evenings, this is the perfect spot to relax, all while drinking in the serene coastal views.
If you’ re more in the mood for a rest and reset than a tipple or two( alcohol and saunas are not recommended!), continue your evening with a walk along Folkestone Beach to Sea Scrub Sauna( seascrubsauna. co. uk). The UK’ s biggest beach spa, here you can unwind with the choice of two woodfired saunas, a cold plunge tank, hot tubs and warm showers to end the evening right with the perfect sunset activity.
60 • www. insidekent. co. uk