Where can you find a tiny touch of France, Greece and Denmark in one little English seaside village… oh and it’s only 54 minutes from London…
With turquoise waters, ocean views all set in a quaint seaside town, Folkestone is a world from the city smog.
From London St Pancras it’s a quick and effortless direct journey to the coast. A short walk from the station, round the cobbled streets and you are in the center within minutes. (You can also jump in a cab which can whisk you in straight down.)
We had pre booked (you can’t risk it not to!) Rock Salt and the pictures hasn’t lied – it was a little oasis of sea views …. could even see over to France!
The restaurant was set right on the waters edge, met with the same warmth and charm of the village, the staff greeted us like royalty. Sadly was a little too windy to be sat outside but floor to ceiling glass doors meant it was just as fabulous inside.
Lunch was long and lazy, fabulous food, great wine and the best service (say hi to Meg – the greatest waitress if you go!).
But it was to be sat staring out into the blues and greens ahead was almost as good as being abroad. (Almost!)
From there we visited ‘Sunny Sands’ and the little mermaid (yes almost like being abroad!!). I found the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen underwhelming and disappointing… but as I wasn’t expecting this mermaid I was impressed! Inspired by the story of the Sea Lady and modelled on a local for a ‘real’ figure, she stands proudly as a symbol of confidence.
Then we went back round to where you can find a little piece of Greece… well a Greek inspired pop up food venue from a bus! The Big Greek Santorini Bus no less!! (Check opening times before you go)
If you still have room after Rock Salt or couldn’t get a reservation then here you can have your very own Greek lunch.
But if you are full and just fancy a tipple then walk all the way round the pier passing the giant seagull (that yes I had to stop for a pic op with) … you will find the Lighthouse champagne bar! Oh yes!!! Not quite the south of France swanky champagne bar, but there’s sea views out to France… and the champagne tastes pretty similar 😉
And bubbles by the beach then call for a wander on the sand where you will find beach huts or hangouts developed as part are a creative extension to the harbour and part of a creative project of Folkestone.
After all that fun it’s back to Rock Salt for some rooftop drinks to watch the sunset before heading home (via a few gorgeous gift shops!)
Oh and don’t worry about finding any classic British seaside rock… Rocksalt have that covered!
If you aren’t quite ready to go home you could stay overnight. I didn’t find anywhere I was happy with in Folkestone so we decided to stay at the famous St Pancras Renaissance Hotel right by the the station. Known for the Spice Girls ‘Wanna Be’ video and with the Searcys Champagne Bar a stones through, it seemed rude not to!
Oh and in the morning the hotel boasts breakfast at its very own rooftop! Or there are quite a few others in this area you could try for brunch.
The perfect end to a miniature mini break at minimum hassle and maximum relaxation.