I spent the weekend at a stunning holiday home in Folkestone with wonderful views and direct access to the beach.
Shoreline recently joined Folkestone after being completed earlier this year, following a four-year construction project, and is the work of architects acme.
Shoreline recently joined Folkestone after being completed earlier this year, following a four-year construction project. (Image: Emily Davison)
This modern build consists of predominantly apartments and home lets, however some of these newly built properties are also available for lets.
We stayed in one of the two apartments you can currently book in Shoreline, which is an impressive four-floor townhouse with a rooftop terrace, balcony and access to the numerous floors via lift – which was definitely a novel experience.
We stayed in one of the two apartments you can currently book in Shoreline, which is an impressive four-floor townhouse. (Image: Emily Davison)
The property sleeps eight people, with four bedrooms on offer, and is a popular place for families and large friendly get-togethers.
It’s also dog-friendly and one of its best features is its close proximity to the beach, which is literally just outside your front door, making it a great place for a relaxing beachside staycation.
The property sleeps eight people, with four bedrooms on offer. (Image: Emily Davison)
We recently visited for a weekend away this December, and although you may think a trip to the coast isn’t the first thing on your bucket list in the winter, it’s certainly no less refreshing.
The great thing about staying in Folkestone is that it’s accessible by car from London or train, with a train from Charing Cross station taking just 1 hour 40 minutes to Folkestone Central.
although you may think a trip to the coast isn’t the first thing on your bucket list in the winter, it’s certainly no less refreshing. (Image: Emily Davison)
The rooms are all kitted out with mod cons and conveniences, giving them a hotel-like feel, including en-suite bathrooms with under floor heating, and large smart TVs where you can chill out in bed to watch a film.
The rooms are all kitted out with mod cons and conveniences, giving them a hotel-like feel, including en-suite bathrooms with under floor heating. (Image: Emily Davison) The views from the living room were also very scenic, with a small balcony if you fancy kicking back with a drink to watch the sunrise and sunset in the comfort of the indoors.
The views from the living room were also very scenic, with a small balcony if you fancy kicking back with a drink to watch the sunrise and sunset. (Image: Emily Davison)
Things to do
Folkestone isn’t an incredibly massive or lively town, however if seaside walks, good food and shopping is your thing then Folkestone is well worth a visit.
One of Folkestone’s most popular and photogenic beaches is Mermaid Beach, a sandy beach recognisable by its striking coastline, surrounding greenery and cliffs.
f seaside walks, good food and shopping is your thing then Folkestone is well worth a visit. (Image: Folkestone & Hythe District Council) On a pleasant day you can take a walk along Folkestone Pier, reaching the end where you’ll find The Lighthouse Champagne Bar situated within a former lighthouse.
Also worth a visit is its Creative Quarter, a vibrant high street made up of colourful shop fronts, where you can shop for gifts from a range of independent sellers or have a drink at one of the many coffee shops and bars.
Also worth a visit is its Creative Quarter, a vibrant high street made up of colourful shop fronts. (Image: Folkestone & Hythe District Council)
If you fancy a cocktail, visit Folklore cocktail bar where you’ll find a variety of speciality and unusual cocktails, with prices ranging between £7.50 and £8.50.
Here you’ll also find a Banksy tucked around the side of a shop, which is just one of Folkestone’s famous art installations, alongside the Anthony Gormley statue on the seafront.
If you fancy a cocktail, visit Folklore cocktail bar where you’ll find a variety of speciality and unusual cocktails. (Image: Emily Davison)
But if you’re looking to do some shopping, head over to Folkestone Harbour Arms, where you’ll find its popular market with a variety of street food stalls and independent sellers to shop for gifts.
Next to the market you’ll find a repurposed vintage railway station that was formerly Folkestone Harbour station, and was once part of an exclusive route in the 1920s that took the wealthy from Charing Cross to Folkestone where they’d catch a boat to France.
Places to eat
In Folkestone you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat, whether you are looking for something to grab on the go at Folkestone Harbour Arms to eat on the beach, or a meal at one of its many eateries.
In Folkestone you’ll be spoilt for choice for places to eat. (Image: Emily Davison)
For breakfast, head over to Sailbox, a small but popular brunch spot on the seafront housed in an old shipping container, where you can have breakfast with seaside views.
Some of my recommendations would be the Eggs Royale along with their incredibly addictive Hash Brown Bites.
For breakfast, head over to Sailbox, a small but popular brunch spot on the seafront housed in an old shipping container. (Image: Emily Davison)
For lunch, stop by Little Rock, a seafood restaurant on the beach front where you can get delicious seafood dishes like Mussels and Soft Shell Crab, as well as cocktails for under £10.
For lunch, stop by Little Rock, a seafood restaurant on the beach front where you can get delicious seafood dishes like Mussels and Soft Shell Crab. (Image: Emily Davison)
For dinner, Rocksalt is a popular dinner spot in Folkestone with a seasonal menu that is heavily inspired by local ingredients found in Kent.
Currently their festive menu features dishes like Bacon Wrapped Stuffed Turkey Breast and Christmas Sticky Toffee Pudding with rum and raisin ice cream.
For dinner, Rocksalt is a popular dinner spot in Folkestone with a seasonal menu. (Image: Emily Davison)
You can book a stay at Shoreline’s Beach House via Bloom Stays, which sleeps eight people and also has on-site parking for your stay.