ADVERTORIAL
ADVENTURE GOLF COURSE THE HARBOUR SCREEN
FOLKESTONE HARBOUR STATION BEFORE FOLKESTONE HARBOUR STATION AFTER
This same year saw the completion of the restoration works to Folkestone Harbour Station and the Folkestone Harbour Viaduct- an incredible walkway with views across the inner and outer harbour. Sensitively restored with multiple nods to its extensive heritage throughout, Harbour Station would go on to win Best Overall Entry at the National Railway Heritage Awards. Connected to this was a new boardwalk, meandering across Folkestone’ s shingle beach.
Turning Challenge into Change What makes Folkestone Harbour truly special is the pioneering spirit and continuous creativity of the local, independent traders who give this space its unique character. Nowhere was this more evident than during the Covid years. In response to lockdown, the Harbour Team reimagined the visitor experience, launching a new drive-in cinema by dismantling and relocating the Harbour Screen to the west side of the site, creating space for over 100 cars.
It was Covid that inspired the innovation of The Goods Yard, a sheltered area of the harbour designed to help traders extend the outdoor dining season. What began as a makeshift setup of hay bales, scattered furniture and small wooden huts has since evolved into a thriving, year-round streetfood plaza
Today, 10 independent businesses call The Goods Yard home and it has become the beating heart of Folkestone Harbour’ s event calendar. Visitors enjoy a completely free programme of summer and festive cinema, live sports and memorable one-off events including the now-iconic Wünder Harbour, Folkestone’ s playful twist on Oktoberfest.
Extending the Season Establishing Folkestone Harbour’ s reputation as a year-round destination was the first ever Festive Marketplace, held in 2021. This Christmassy oasis has grown enormously in popularity and was ranked by The Times newspaper in 2024 as one of the seven‘ loveliest, boutique’ Christmas markets in the UK.
Alongside the launch of an Adventure Golf course built directly into the beach, this period saw the creation and development of 11 large-scale restaurants and bars. The first to open was The Pilot Beach Bar and Little Rock( cover image), from The Rocksalt Group. They were soon joined by Brewing Brothers, a lively pizza pub on the beach; Sailbox, a waterside brunch hotspot; The Boardroom, a competitive socialising hub and The Tasting Rooms, a Frenglish( French-English) bistro known for its live music programme. By late 2024, two restaurants opened in beautifully restored
train carriages: Cavells( Mediterranean) and Shesells Seashells( seafood).
Join the 10th Anniversary Celebrations Folkestone Harbour’ s 10th anniversary celebrations will run from 23 May to 1 June with a free-to-attend fireworks extravaganza closing proceedings on the evening of Sunday 1 June. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of art, culture, food and sport, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Head to folkestoneharbourarm. co. uk for more details.
FstoneHbourArm folkestoneharbour www. insidekent. co. uk • 99