CHRISTMASINKENT
CHRISTMAS ON THE COAST
COMBINE THE BEAUTY OF KENT ’ S COASTLINE WITH THE ENCHANTMENT OF CHRISTMAS AND THE RESULT IS DESTINED TO BE MAGICAL .
© Heritage Coast Images
KENT DOWNS AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY
Romantic walks along the seafront , sublime dining , quirky independent shops and festive markets , whatever brings you to Kent ’ s coast at Christmastime , the new memories you make are sure to be cherished for a lifetime . Taking up 350 miles of England ’ s glorious coastline , Kent is home to a plethora of enchanting seaside towns , magnificent beaches and winding coastal paths . Although sharing many similarities with one another , each of these towns embodies a wonderfully unique identity , coming all the more alive throughout the festive season .
Kent ’ s heritage coast , which was featured as the fourth best destination in Lonely Planet ’ s Best in Travel 2022 , is celebrated for its awe-inspiring countryside , enthralling history and miraculous regeneration projects . Part of the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty , the towns of Folkestone and Dover are surrounded by craggy cliffs that blend into flat seaside paths , perfect for blustery , bracing walks at this time of year . Walk along the famous White Cliffs of Dover , from one iconic pub to another , starting at Kingsdown ’ s Zetland Arms sitting right on the pebble bay . A popular spot for both locals and tourists alike , the atmosphere is certain to be alive both inside and out , whatever the weather . Fuel yourself up from their brilliant ‘ beach ’ menu before embarking on a walk which encompasses breathtaking views , enviable houses and rare wildlife along the cliff top . As the cliff descends into St Margaret ’ s Bay , you will find Britain ’ s closest pub to France : The Coastguard . Another spot with incredible views of the channel to absorb as you eat , enjoy a menu of seasonal produce from brilliant local suppliers including Jenkins & Son Fishmongers in Deal and Stour Valley Butchers , Canterbury .
A vibrant seaside town that thrives with art and culture is Folkestone . At Christmastime , visitors to Folkestone must visit the celebrated Harbour Arm . With its annual Festive Marketplace , the harbour becomes a Christmassy oasis of independent market stalls , festive films , snow blizzards , live music , carol services and delicious food and drink . insideKENT spoke to Dan Johannsen , communications manager at Folkestone Harbour Arm , who told us what visitors can expect this year : “ We ’ re building on the success of the past two years and bringing in much more . More decorations , more free films , more entertainment , longer opening hours and even an opportunity to meet Father Christmas himself . We also have more dining options than ever before , so the Harbour Arm really is the place that will ignite that festive feeling like nowhere else .”
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