Folkestone

A vibrant arty port town that has transformed into one of the UK's coolest coastal destinations.

Folkestone is a tale of two towns: the Victorian elegance of The Leas and the buzzing, bohemian vibe of the Harbour Arm and Creative Quarter. It's incredibly dog-friendly, with water bowls on every corner, art installations to sniff, and wild beaches to explore. The town sits at the point where the North Downs meets the sea, which means the walking options are unusually diverse — from the manicured cliff-top promenade of The Leas to the wild, undulating landscape of The Warren, one of the best off-lead beaches in the county. The Warren is a Site of Special Scientific Interest that stretches between Folkestone and Dover: a tumbled landscape of chalk cliffs, scrub woodland, and beach boulders created by landslips. Dogs can roam off-lead across most of it, and the remoteness means it never gets overcrowded even in summer. The Harbour Arm — a Victorian pier converted into a street food and bar destination — is the best place in Folkestone to sit with a dog and watch the cross-Channel ferries. Most of the food traders have water bowls, and dogs are welcome on the open sections of the pier. The Creative Quarter, a steep cobbled street running up from the old high street, houses artists' studios, independent cafes, and vintage shops — most of which have a 'dogs welcome' sign or equivalent. Folkestone also hosts the Folkestone Triennial, Britain's largest free outdoor art exhibition: over 20 permanent installations are scattered across the town, and walking the art trail with a dog is an excellent way to spend an afternoon.