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Offered languages
- English
- French
Folkestone grew from a sleepy harbour town into a major passenger port & railway link to the continent during the early part of the 19th Century. High-society had already discovered the town's charms and local landowner Lord Radnor employed Decimus Burton (of Regent's Park & Tunbridge Wells fame) to develop the seafront & the grand Leas cliff-top promenade was born.
The 2 World Wars completely changed the fortunes of the town and during WW1 most of the seafront buildings were requisitioned & the local population evacuated.
Over 10 million troops & personnel left for the front lines in France via Folkestone between 1914 & 1918!
Today, The Leas retains its grandeur & beauty, but now has added poignant memorials to these momentous events which we will explore in depth.
More recently, the Old Town & Harbour have had a huge regeneration & are a great destination for shopping and eating.
Come and discover this gem on the East Kent coast with your local Blue Badge tourist guide.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Itinerary
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1The Leas Promenade
Laid-out by Decimus Burton, The Leas Promenade was THE place to be seen during Victorian & Edwardian times. During the First World War, Folkestone transformed in to the main embarkation point for over 10 million troops and personnel heading to the front lines. Today The Leas pays homage to these dramatic times with poignant memorial. Every 3 years Folkestone hosts a major art festival (the Folkestone Triennial) and the Leas is home to an ever growing number of art installations thanks to the huge success of this event.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Folkestone's old village centre with its historic church St Eanswythe's.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Leading down to the Harbour the Old High St and Creative Quarter have become a centre of artisan shops and great food.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Embarkation point for millions during WW1 and latterly car ferries to France, Folkestone's Harbour Arm has been transformed into and arts, entertainment and food venue.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
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Additional info
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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