Folkestone, a Victorian seaside town, offers a captivating walking tour led by a knowledgeable Blue Badge guide. Over two hours, visitors can explore the town’s rich history – from its days as a bustling port during the World Wars to its current regeneration. The tour promises an immersive experience, exploring the architectural gems along the seafront and the rejuvenated Old High Street and Harbour Arm. With a customizable itinerary tailored to individual interests, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover Folkestone’s vibrant past and present.

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Key Points

Private 2-hour walking tour of Folkestone with a Blue Badge guide, covering the town’s history as a Victorian seaside resort and its role in both World Wars.
Explore monuments and memorials related to World Wars, including the fact that over 10 million troops departed from Folkestone during WWI.
Discover the regenerated Old High Street and Harbour Arm, showcasing Folkestone’s transformation from a historic seaside resort to a vibrant cultural hub.
Enjoy a customizable itinerary to suit your specific interests, with detailed historical context provided throughout the tour.
Flexible booking options, including a "Reserve now & pay later" option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

A private 2-hour walking tour of Folkestone is available, priced at Kč 5,204 for the entire group (up to 16 participants).

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment using the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour covers Folkestone’s history as a Victorian seaside resort and its role in both World Wars, with visits to monuments, memorials, the regenerated Old High Street, and the Harbour Arm.

The itinerary is customizable to suit specific interests.

Looking for more options in Folkestone? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Highlights of the Folkestone Walking Tour

The tour highlights Folkestone’s evolution from a harbor town to a major passenger port and railway link in the 19th century, as the town attracted high society drawn to its seaside charms.

Visitors will discover monuments and memorials related to Folkestone’s role in both World Wars, including the fact that over 10 million troops and personnel departed for the front lines in Northern France via the town during WWI.

The tour also explores the regenerated Old High Street and Harbour Arm, as well as notable art installations from the Folkestone Triennial festival.

Throughout, the Blue Badge guide provides detailed historical context.

Exploring Folkestone’s Victorian Seaside Heritage

As visitors stroll along Folkestone’s picturesque seafront, they’ll be transported back to the town’s heyday as a Victorian-era seaside resort for high society.

Wealthy vacationers flocked here, drawn by the grand architecture, landscaped gardens, and bustling harbor. The Leas, an iconic clifftop promenade, still retains its elegant charm, with monuments commemorating the town’s role in both world wars.

Wandering the regenerated Old High Street and Harbour Arm, guests will discover the remnants of Folkestone’s illustrious past, from ornate buildings to public art installations celebrating its cultural renaissance.

Folkestone’s Role in the World Wars

During the World Wars, Folkestone played a vital role as a crucial transit point for millions of troops and personnel departing for the frontlines in Northern France. Over 10 million soldiers passed through the town’s port and train station on their way to the trenches. Memorials and monuments along The Leas commemorate this history, including the Battle of Britain Memorial and the Gurkha Memorial. The town’s prime location and transportation infrastructure made it an indispensable part of the war effort, forever etching Folkestone’s legacy into the annals of history.

| Memorial | Significance | Location |

| — | — | — |

| Battle of Britain Memorial | Honors the pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain | The Leas |

| Gurkha Memorial | Pays tribute to the Gurkha soldiers who served in both World Wars | The Leas |

| Canadian Memorial | Recognizes the contributions of Canadian troops during WWI | Clifton Gardens |

| RNLI Memorial | Commemorates the RNLI volunteers who lost their lives at sea | Folkestone Harbour |

| RAF Memorial | Honors the Royal Air Force personnel who died serving their country | The Leas |

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Discovering the Regenerated Old High Street and Harbour Arm

While exploring the regenerated Old High Street and Harbour Arm, visitors uncover Folkestone’s remarkable transformation from a historic seaside resort to a vibrant hub of art, culture, and modern development.

The once-neglected areas now bustle with independent shops, galleries, and restaurants. Landmark art installations from the Folkestone Triennial festival dot the landscape, adding a contemporary touch.

The revitalized Harbour Arm, once a commercial port, now offers stunning views, a promenade, and a lively food and music scene. This renewed energy captures Folkestone’s spirit of innovation and community.

Experiencing the Folkestone Triennial Art Festival

The Folkestone Triennial, a renowned public art festival, captivates visitors with its diverse collection of thought-provoking installations scattered throughout the town.

As part of the walking tour, guests will have the opportunity to explore these remarkable artworks, which often reflect the town’s history and character.

Key highlights include:

"The Ledge" by Antony Gormley, a striking sculptural work perched on the cliff’s edge
"A Certain Sense of Order" by Richard Woods, a vibrant and colorful intervention in the urban landscape
"The Clearing" by Shezad Dawood, a contemplative installation using light and sound
"Folkestone Mermaid" by Cornelia Parker, a mythical figure keeping watch over the harbor.

Accessibility and Group Details

As the tour is wheelchair accessible, it caters to a diverse range of participants.

The maximum group size is 16 people, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

The small group size of 16 people ensures an intimate and personalized tour experience.

The itinerary can be customized to suit specific interests, allowing visitors to tailor the tour to their preferences.

Whether you’re interested in the town’s rich history or its modern art installations, the local Blue Badge guide is equipped to provide detailed historical explanations throughout the tour, making it an engaging and informative experience for all.

What to Expect and Prepare for the Tour

Visitors can expect a leisurely, yet informative, 2-hour walking tour that covers Folkestone’s captivating history and highlights. The local Blue Badge guide will provide detailed historical explanations throughout the tour.

To prepare, guests should wear:

Comfortable, weather-appropriate shoes and clothing
Warm layers and rain gear, as needed
Waterproof footwear for the Harbour Arm
Any mobility aids if required

The tour covers mostly easy terrain, suitable for all participants.

With the customizable itinerary, guests can tailor the visit to their specific interests and ensure an engaging and memorable experience in Folkestone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Food and Drink Included in the Tour Price?

No, the tour price does not include food or drink. The tour focuses on a guided walking experience exploring Folkestone’s history and highlights. Participants are responsible for bringing or purchasing any desired refreshments during the tour.

Can We Take Photos During the Walking Tour?

Yes, participants are encouraged to take photos during the walking tour. The guide will provide opportunities to capture the historical sights and landmarks along the way. Photography is permitted throughout the 2-hour experience.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes for the Tour?

There are no additional fees or taxes for the tour. The price of Kč 5,204 per group covers the 2-hour private walking tour with a Blue Badge guide in Folkestone.

Is It Possible to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour duration. The tour price is Kč 5,204 for up to 16 participants, and the duration can be extended at an additional cost per hour agreed upon with the tour guide.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets for Any Attractions Visited?

No, tickets for any attractions visited are not required. The tour price covers the guided walking tour itself, and there are no additional fees to pay for accessing the sites along the route.

The Sum Up

Folkestone’s captivating history, from its Victorian seaside roots to its crucial role in the World Wars, comes alive on this private walking tour. Guided by a knowledgeable Blue Badge expert, visitors will explore the town’s architectural gems, regenerated areas, and vibrant arts scene. With a customizable itinerary and an accessible, small-group format, this tour offers an enriching and tailored experience for those eager to uncover Folkestone’s rich heritage.