Ferries from Folkestone

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Folkestone is exceptionally well-connected to the rest of the UK via the M20 motorway, making it easily accessible by car from London in approximately 90 minutes. High-speed trains from London St Pancras reach Folkestone in just 55 minutes, offering a convenient alternative to driving. The town sits just 12 miles from Dover and about 70 miles from London. Regular bus services connect the town center with the harbor area, and ample parking is available near the ferry terminal for those arriving by car. Consider using the Park and Ride facilities during peak summer months to avoid potential congestion in the harbor area.

Perched on the scenic Kent coastline, Folkestone blends historic charm with contemporary coastal living. This vibrant port town offers stunning views across the English Channel to France on clear days. As a key ferry connection point to the continent, Folkestone serves as both a gateway to Europe and a destination worth exploring in its own right, with its creative quarter, magnificent seafront, and rich maritime heritage.

Folkestone enjoys a mild maritime climate, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 15-23°C (59-73°F) and winter temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. The prime time to visit is between May and September when the weather is warmest and outdoor attractions can be fully enjoyed. August brings the vibrant Folkestone Harbour Festival, celebrating the town's maritime heritage with food, music, and entertainment. June hosts the renowned Folkestone Book Festival, drawing literary enthusiasts from across the country. Consider visiting in May or September to enjoy pleasant weather with fewer crowds and more competitive accommodation rates.

Folkestone serves as an excellent starting point for European adventures via ferry connections. Cross the Channel to Calais in just 90 minutes, opening the door to northern France's charming villages and delectable cuisine. From Folkestone, you can also access routes to Dunkirk, approximately 2 hours away by sea, providing another gateway to explore the historic battlefields and Belgian border region. The nearby port of Dover, just 12 miles east, offers additional ferry routes to Boulogne and other French coastal towns. Folkestone's strategic position makes it ideal for travelers planning multi-destination European tours or weekend escapes to the continent.

Stroll along The Leas, a mile-long clifftop promenade offering spectacular sea views and beautifully maintained Edwardian gardens. Explore the Creative Quarter in the Old Town, where cobbled streets house artist studios, quirky boutiques, and independent cafés serving fresh local seafood. Don't miss the Folkestone Harbour Arm, a renovated pier featuring food stalls, bars, and live music events with panoramic views across the Channel. History enthusiasts should visit the Battle of Britain Memorial just outside town, commemorating the crucial aerial battle fought in Folkestone's skies. For nature lovers, the nearby Lower Leas Coastal Park offers winding paths through pine avenues, adventure playgrounds, and secluded picnic spots overlooking the sea.

Folkestone was home to H.G. Wells, who wrote many of his famous works while living at Sandgate, just west of the town. The town features the world's first submarine telegraph cable, laid in 1851, which connected England to France and revolutionized international communication. Folkestone hosts the Triennial, one of the UK's most ambitious public art projects, leaving permanent installations throughout the town from internationally acclaimed artists. The mysterious Folkestone Sea Monster, spotted numerous times since the 1940s, has become a beloved local legend, with some comparing it to a sea serpent or prehistoric creature.