A first-hand family trip to Folkestone, Kent: sandy beaches, harbour views, water fountains, fish and chips and our stay at the Grand Burstin Hotel.
Our family break in Folkestone
You don’t need a packed itinerary or a fortune to spend to make lovely family memories. For us, Folkestone meant seaside air, a sandy beach and a harbour to explore. Best of all, we found one spot that kept the kids entertained for hours!
Where we stayed and explored
We stayed at the Grand Burstin Hotel near the harbour and explored the seafront, the town and the area around the water fountains. Our illustrated map below shows the area we explored. It’s a visual guide rather than a precise navigation map.
The beach: sand, sea and a safety concern
I loved that the beach was sandy. We settled closer to the steps while the kids ran around nearer the sea. Meanwhile, we could sit for a bit and enjoy watching them have fun.
One thing I wasn’t happy about was the railings near the water, where there was quite a drop. With children around, that made me nervous. It’s something I’d want other parents to be aware of, without taking away from how much we enjoyed the beach.
The water fountains: the kids’ favourite!
Those water jets that shoot up out of the ground were brilliant! The kids could have stayed there for hours, running about and getting soaked. Meanwhile, we could actually sit down and have a little break. Sometimes the simplest things really are the best.
There were little food huts and stands nearby, places for coffee and ice cream, and a pub too. That made it such a handy spot to stop and enjoy ourselves without feeling we had to rush off. I can’t remember the fountain operating times, so do check before travelling especially for the water jets. Above all, bring a towel and spare clothes!
Exploring the harbour and town
We enjoyed having a mooch around Folkestone, seeing the boats, the harbour and some wonderfully colourful buildings. Better still, it’s the sort of place where you can enjoy a wander without every stop needing to cost money.
Fish and chips: it’s the law!
Well, you can’t go to the seaside and not have fish and chips. It’s practically the law! We found a fish and chip shop close to the hotel and they were delicious. I can’t remember its name, so I won’t guess, but it was definitely one of those little seaside treats that made the trip.
Our stay at the Grand Burstin Hotel
We stayed at the Grand Burstin because it was cheap and conveniently close to the town centre. When we visited, though, the hotel was looking old and tired and could really have done with a revamp. The lift was small and old-fashioned, while the hallways were tight too. Those details are worth knowing if you have lots of luggage or need more space to get around.
It wasn’t luxurious, but the affordable price and location were definite plus points for us. Also, the hotel allowed pets when we stayed, although any future pet policy would need checking directly.
Important update: Grand Burstin Hotel fire, September 2026
Updated 19 October 2026. Since our family visit, the Grand Burstin Hotel was affected by a serious fire on 19 September 2026. Kent Fire and Rescue Service reported that around 280 people were evacuated and said the cause was being treated as suspicious. Kent Police confirmed two arrests in connection with the investigation, with both people released while enquiries continued. This does not establish a final cause or anyone’s guilt.
Britannia Hotels currently lists the hotel as closed. Our hotel comments and photographs describe our experience before the fire, not its present condition. Read the Kent Police update, Kent Fire and Rescue report and official hotel closure notice for the latest information.
More things to do in Folkestone
These are extra ideas for your own visit, not all places we’ve personally tried. Swipe across to explore; check current prices, accessibility and opening times before travelling.
Photo note: Harbour and colourful-building photographs are from our Folkestone trip and illustrate the wider area, not necessarily the individual attraction. Other cards are text-led rather than using unrelated stock photos. Photography © Clarissa’s Corner.
Accessibility: Check step-free routes, gradients, facilities and opening details with each venue.
Getting to Folkestone and getting around
By train: Folkestone Central is the most useful station for the town and harbour. Southeastern runs direct high-speed services from London St Pancras, taking approximately 55 minutes. Check current train times and fares, especially if you’re travelling as a family; Railcards, GroupSave and eligible children’s offers may save money.
From the station to the harbour: Folkestone Harbour Arm advises allowing around 25 minutes on foot from Folkestone Central. Alternatively, buses 102 and 103 normally connect the station with the harbour area. Check Stagecoach live service updates before travelling: road closures following the September 2026 Grand Burstin fire have affected some harbour bus services and stops.
By car: Leave the M20 at Junction 13 and follow signs for Folkestone Harbour. There are paid seafront and town-centre car parks. The harbour uses number-plate-recognition parking; check official parking and visitor details before arriving. Temporary diversions or parking restrictions may apply near the harbour.
Getting around on foot: The harbour, Fountain Square and parts of the seafront are close together, but Folkestone is hilly and some routes involve slopes or steps. The Harbour Arm has an accessible route between Fountain Square and the harbour, plus accessible toilets; however, the boardwalk is not recommended for wheelchairs or mobility scooters. See the harbour accessibility information for current details.
By local bus: Stagecoach serves the town, harbour and nearby areas. A DayRider may be worth comparing with single fares if you plan several journeys. Check current routes and fares rather than relying on older seasonal offers.
Folkestone family visit FAQs
Is Folkestone good for a family day out?
We thought so! The sandy beach, harbour and water fountains were our highlights. There are also free places to explore, including parks and the museum.
Is the beach sandy?
We enjoyed the sandy beach near the harbour. Folkestone has different stretches of coastline, so check which beach suits your plans.
Are the Folkestone harbour fountains free?
The ground-level fountains at Fountain Square are in a public area, but operating times can change and the jets may not be running during every visit. Bring a towel and spare clothes if you’re hoping to let the kids play.
Can you visit Folkestone without a car?
Yes. Folkestone Central has rail connections from London, and local buses serve the harbour. The station-to-harbour walk is around 25 minutes, although hills and steps can make some routes harder.
Is Folkestone accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair?
It depends on the route. The harbour has accessible paths and toilets, but parts of Folkestone are steep, stepped or uneven. Check each attraction’s access information before visiting.
Where can you park near Folkestone Harbour?
There are paid harbour and nearby seafront car parks. Check current tariffs, availability and any temporary access changes before travelling.
Can you currently stay at the Grand Burstin Hotel?
As of our October 2026 update, the hotel is closed following the September fire. Our review describes an earlier family stay; check Britannia Hotels directly for any future reopening information.
Would we recommend Folkestone for families?
Yes! What sticks with me most is the sandy beach, the kids spending ages in the fountains, our wander around the harbour and, of course, those fish and chips. I would keep a close eye on little ones around the waterside drops, and our budget hotel wasn’t without its faults, but we still made some lovely memories. After all, that’s what a family break is all about.
Personal photographs © Clarissa’s Corner. This is a retrospective review of our own visit; details and facilities may have changed.
