On what must have been the windiest day of the year—cheers, Storm Bert—we forged ahead with our weekend seaside adventure to Folkestone
This wasn’t some impulsive whim; we’d pencilled it in and weren’t about to let a bit of howling wind and horizontal rain spoil the fun. After all, what’s a coastal trip without a little weather drama? With a coffee firmly in hand, we hopped on a train at Stratford and found ourselves in Folkestone just 45 minutes later. Easy peasy. And what better way to embrace a blustery weekend than by heading straight for the shore?
A Place to Stay: Shoreline Folkestone
After being buffeted about on the 20-minute walk down to the shore, we arrived at Shoreline Folkestone, an ultra-modern apartment complex perched right on the beach. The two-bedroom apartment was impeccably dressed, with enormous windows and the plushest sofa you could hope to sink into while watching the waves go wild. There was also an en-suite in the master bedroom sporting luxurious toiletries, all the mod cons, and an outside terrace for when the weather doesn’t threaten to blow you out to sea. This new addition to Folkestone’s staycation scene firmly plants itself as an ideal base for exploring everything the town has to offer, and that we did.
bloomstays.com
Lunch at Little Rock
A brisk stroll along the storm-lashed promenade led us to Little Rock, a restaurant in a shipping container serving up fresh, local seafood. Inside was a cocoon of warmth and hospitality. Our starter of seared local scallops, sitting on whipped sweet potato and sprinkled with bacon and lemon crumbs, was sweet, salty perfection. Meanwhile, shell-on chilli and garlic prawns proved messy but marvellous, requiring unapologetic finger-licking.
For mains, a generous bowl of Cornish mussels bathed in a white wine, tarragon, and fennel sauce delivered a big comforting hug in seafood form. The fish pie “en croute,” stuffed with local white fish, prawns, mussels, and smoked salmon, was rich, indulgent, and topped with a golden puff pastry crown. Dessert? A vanilla rice pudding with caramel and caramelised walnuts that felt like an upgrade on your childhood favourite. Service was spot on—helpful, quick, and full of local pride. We fell a little in love with this place.
littlerockfolkestone.co.uk
Wine at John Dory
Next stop, John Dory Wine, a laid-back wine shop and tasting room. It’s got a refreshing, unfussy vibe and a selection that encourages you to step off the beaten path. With knowledgeable staff on hand, we sipped our way through a few by-the-glass recommendations tailored to what we fancied. Keep an eye out for their foodie evenings and Sunday lunches, which bring in extra culinary treats. This is the sort of place that makes you feel at ease, like you’ve discovered a local secret rather than a tourist haunt.
johndory.wine
Dinner at Rocksalt
As evening fell, we turned our attention to Rocksalt perched right over the harbour. It’s the grown-up sister to Little Rock and brings a certain elegance to the table. Watching waves crash beneath floor-to-ceiling windows as you sip Simpsons Canterbury Sparkling Rosé NV sets the tone nicely. Oysters from Maldon and baked mussels with shallots, garlic, and curry cream provided a rich, briny start.
The standout main: a shareable Folkestone cod loin fish & chips, with minted peas, tartar sauce, and a subtle curry sauce. At £50, it’s a treat, but one that elevates a classic to something special. This is refined coastal fare with all the comfort you crave and plenty of local character.
rocksaltfolkestone.co.uk
Breakfast at Sailbox
The next morning brought calmer skies, so we wandered over to Sailbox by Harbour Coffee Co. Busy, buzzing, and jam-packed with folk who know a good breakfast when they see one, we miraculously nabbed a table. The Harbour Breakfast was hearty and honest, and the bacon pretzel bun hit just the right spot. With steaming tea and generous portions, this was the fuel we needed before diving into more exploration.
Strolling the Creative Quarter
Folkestone’s Creative Quarter is a maze of cobbled lanes peppered with galleries, record shops, quirky boutiques, and artisan cafés. One moment you’re admiring contemporary art, the next you’re chatting to a shopkeeper about a hand-thrown ceramic mug you never knew you needed. It’s all about slow discoveries here: enjoying a leisurely coffee, thumbing through vinyl rarities, and absorbing a creative energy that’s reshaping the town’s identity.
The Verdict
In just 24 hours, Folkestone managed to marry coastal drama and cultural flair in a way that felt genuinely refreshing. It’s close enough to London for a spontaneous weekend trip (storm or no storm), but far enough removed that you can forget city pressures. With Shoreline Folkestone as your base, you’re perfectly placed to sample local seafood, sip surprising wines, browse artistic nooks, and soak up that fresh sea air. Folkestone’s got something to shout about—and it’s not just the wind.