As a resident of Folkestone I must say, our local billionaire Roger Dehann (owned Saga holidays) has invested absolute bucket loads into our town, our regeneration is purely down to him and his investment.
@jan viljoen Do you want it to be a big industrial estate like Slough or something? Just look at Slough on the map, it's basically a town wrapped around an industrial estate. Like Karl said, there's more to operating these new commercial outlets than the waiter or waitress that serves you! As long as Folkestone remains an attraction for tourists, there'll be people that will visit and keep the local economy going. That can become self-reinforcing, too, since it attracts more businesses.
My Dad was born and raised in folkestone we still have family there our family name is Pilcher. We took pop back for his last visit and he came alive with his birth place the leas water lift and St George's school where he attended. His uncle had a chicken farm on top of the cliffs and even showed us where was bombed in the war and where he lived on Dover Road ❤😊 I miss him
The local Oligarch you refer to is quite happy leaving people on the streets homeless and hungry,all but very few are in his pocket or are at least most certainly influenced by his immense wealth... I simply say this....If you accept gold from a king you must humour him. ❤️ For the people above the profit.
The iron bridge used to spin 90° to allow taller vessels into the harbour. But no longer it's fixed in closed position. I was lucky to be involved in the restoration and met Mr Roger De Haan while there. What a genuinely descent gentleman. Very down to earth. Came over. Spoke with us about how we worked and thanked us. Some great days and memories there.
As someone who's lived on folkestone their entire life its great to get positive reviews like this! I left for uni in 2014 and the town was a complete dive. Came back from uni in 2017 and it'd been completely turned around. The love and care from the De Haans is clear to see.
I was there in 2004 and 2005 for a few weeks each via a student program (i'm from Germany, was 15/16 at the time). I had a wonderful stay each time but i do remember seeing a lot of empty shops, rundown houses, "for sale" signs everywhere... It's great to see how much things have turned around there!
Great video, there’s so much more too (you walked past a few hidden gems). The sand beach is the ‘Sunny Sands’ not sunny side. The east Cliff on the top of the sands has wonderful views and France is very clear from there when the weather is right. The Warren too is an amazing rustic beach, never looks the same each week. Lots of art around the harbour and town, it’s a wonderful town and improving every year.
The tunnels are in fact a breakwater, there to protect the cliffs. At high tide in rough weather the waves enter the tunnel’s and get redirected upwards through the “flutes” at the back. Quite a sight on a rough day.
Lived here all my life and still love it, my family had arcade / bingos here in the 70,s. We also had a coach company which served the Orient Express. The fish stall called Chummys is special to Folkestone. Chummy was a true cockney, he trained with the infamous Henry Cooper at the Thomas a becket in London . He was a beloved character and I used to wash his car for him everyday as an apprentice at my dads coach company. Anyway thanks for the great video .
I'm 45 now and live in Derbyshire but spent a lot of time in Folkestone as a child, playing on the beach and in the 'tunnels'. Can't believe the Shell Shop is still there!
As a non-resident Folkestonian, it is nice to see my hometown presented in such a positive way. My memories are from the early 60's. Some have been mentioned. In the Old Hight Street, Rowlands Rock shop at the top and the wet fish shop towards the bottom where we would collect whelks for tea. The sands in the harbour area had no name as they do today. There were many large hotels and The Leas was the usual Sunday Promenade past the band playing on the bandstand. The Rotunda, boating pool and other beach side attractions were busy, and you could return to the Leas via the water operated cliff lift. I learnt to swim in the open-air saltwater pool. That was bracing. I have been back to visit and it is pleasant to see the regeneration. The harbour Station into the Harbour Arm is refreshing. I remember doing first aid exercises at the active station in the 1970's. Third rail was switched off. Folkestone is always in heart.
Many a happy childhood and later memories of Folkestone. Loved it. We used to use the tunnels for somewhere to change our costumes and have picnics. Remember how the water on the Sunny Sand side was so shallow, you could go out a long way. Also watched rock being made up the narrow street.
The cliffs you can see are indeed the start of the White Cliffs of Dover. I live in a village called Capel le Ferne which is on the cliffs, my house is one street off the edge. Its from this area that many of the cross channel swims start/finish. So proud that Folkestone has reinvented itself and is becoming a popular weekend destination for Londoners and many others from the SE. Yes I do miss the Rotunda and the fun fair but hey times change.
I use to live in Folkestone and I haven’t been there for years and it got really run and I went down there last weekend and I was really overwhelmed how they are starting regenerate it again and the harbour is starting to have a load of potential it was a joy to go down there
Wow, what a change. We were last here about 16 years ago and stayed overnight before a ferry daytrip to Cite-de-Europe shopping centre near Calais. Seem to remember how sad and tired everything looked, so it's brilliant to see it reborn and thriving again. Looks like some big money and well planned regeneration work has been implemented well. Hope it goes from strength to strength, will have to try and check it out sometime. Really enjoyed that Tim, great presenting style and easy to watch. Well done m8.
Brings back memories of long Sunday walks. I was at boarding school and used to catch the ferry back to France. Seeing the French coastline used to make me homesick…. Shame the saltwater pool and arcade disappeared… we were banned from the arcade and not allowed down Tontine street…. Remember summer of 76 …the pebble beach was packed it was so hot. My old school was knocked down… you could see the building from the train.
Lived in Folkestone and Hythe 1950 to 1963/4. At one time lived on the Bail Steps which are on the mid point of the Old High Street. Used to try a race the trains going to and from the harbour. Saturday mornings were spent either in the roller skating rink, or the outdoor swimming pool in the amusement park area. When the tide was high in the harbour would dive off the harbour wall for pennies, from the visiting holiday makers. Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe were great for a childhood. Made the big mistake of going back to town to visit old childhood haunts approx 6 years ago. It was such a run down, depressing, derelict town at that time. Looks from your video that things are changing for the better. Thanks for a little restoration work on my memories.
It's changed so much (and for the better). Lived in Kent as a child & often visited Folkstone. Shocked that the Rotunda amusement park has gone. The Leas used to be a great vantage point for watching the air show. Planes would be on your level. Never forget the Harrier jump jet just hovering in front of us. Thank you for bringing back some memories
I remember the harrier jump jet too, the way it bowed to the audience on the Leas. Stunning. What I miss most is the Sunday. That used to be really fun, but it's luxury flats now 🙄
Folkestone resident here. Born here and lived here all my 18 years. Feels so surreal to watch someone walk around and comment on the streets I've known my whole life. The stairs behind the beach that you walked down was made as a back entrance, dug out by smugglers long ago, my family and i once used it to escape the rising tide. I remember throwing stones at that bell when i was younger... This is bringing back so much wholesome nostalgia :3 No comment on the new skate park though, first ever multi-story skate park that was a scrapped car park. The houses and other bits of artwork dotted around are from the Folkestone Art Triennial which is an art festival ran every 3 years. Locals around here are in love with art for a reason i don't actually know, maybe it's because we once had banksy's art buff pop up in 2014, maybe it's something else. I don't remember us always having the triennial, but the love for art in combination with the insane history in the town has really started to put us on the map in a good light. Found your channel today with this video and your review of the Grand Burstin. Love the content
Thank you for this great video walk through the Folkestone seafront area. Having been born and bred in Folkestone (many, many years ago)! I have fond memories of the Harbour Station when it was operational. I have only been able to revisit the town occasionally so I found this video of great interest. The sandy beach(?), used to be known as the East Cliff sands and was a place where we spent many summers swimming and dodging the additional ‘objects’ that used to sometimes appear floating after stormy weather! The arches provided good jump off points when the tide was high too and there was also a busy fishing fleet that used to unload it’s catches on the Esplanade slipway. Happy days!
This bought back so many memories for me, I was born in England and spent so many days with my parents on folkstone Beach and as I grew up so many more great Saturdays Dancing the night away at the leas cliff hall, I couldn't even begin to count the number of times I've walked down the old high street with the cobbled stones. I left England in 1971 and have never been back so these memories are very, very treasured so thank you so much for this walk down memory way. ❤
I was born in Folkestone, grew up there in the sixties. . Spent lovely summers on the sunny sands with my family. Used to visit the rotunda and go roller skating at the Marine Pavilion. Moved to Dorset 29 years ago with my husband and children. My how the seafront area has changed. Must visit again, such happy memories of my childhood.
I'd not been to Folkestone for years, and was pleasantly surprised to find out how much had been done to improve a town that holds so many childhood memories for me. I remember the boat train pulling up at that platform, and the passengers getting onto the Sealink Ferries, Horsa, Hengist and Vortigern (the first two, Germanic brothers who led the Angles and Jutes in the 5th century invasion of England, and the latter, a 5th Century English warlord). I had a fly over the bay with my drone, and the town looks pretty good. 😎👍🏻
went as a kid tim in the 70s and 80s loved the sea front and the pleasure beach sadly all gone now,my father says its because it used to be a very busy ferry port.
Great vid. I’ve lived in Folkestone for last 11 years. Could tell it was up and coming and the last 5 years haven’t disappointed. Defiantly old high street worth more of a deep dive. No privatisation just sole traders and their own businesses and passion put in to it fantastic. Plus market and bars and pubs at harbour arm area at weekends and holidays amazing. Get live music down their and outdoor screen for movies and sports with seats and beanbags for kids. Markets on train station at weekend and high street and mini golf it’s great place to be and just fun. Can come down at weekend enjoy a bit of sunny sands then go get some munchies of local grub at harbour arm and nice walk along top or lower lease. Great place to be
Wow that brought back so many memories, my grandparents moved there from London’ when I was a kid, spent so much time on that beach and around that area it still looks lovely. Those arches were great to play in as kids especially when the tide comes in and fills them up some mad echos as the waves crashed. I live in Australia now so this was lovely to see, thanks for posting it, great little video cheers.
I too .moved to Australia from England, stayed there for 34 yrs and now live in New Zealand. It really is amazing when someone captures you're dearest memories and throws you back to the past, happy days
Wow, never knew Folkestone was like this, great for a family day out. Will definitely now go and visit as I'm not too far in North Kent. Thanks for the video, and RUclips's algorithm for bringing it to me.
Not been to Folkstone for fifty years or more, but always remember going to a traditional fish and chip shop in the old high street (approx half way up on the right hand side) where they cooked over coal and produced the most amazing f&c. Took them down to the fish market area to eat while looking out on the harbour. Amazing times.
I lived in Folkestone between 1973 and 1975. It was lovely to see your video of the town. I worked as a postman for a time and I can remember doing letter collections from the postboxes in the harbour area. I also did a letter delivery starting from Capel Le ferne just outside of town and finishing up in Acrise Place. I can honestly say it was one of the best periods of my life. But for personal reasons it was a short stay, so it was nice reminising about the old place.
@@WalkWithMeTim I have been back a couple of times since. Like any seaside towns, it has deteriorated due to lack of fundings. People go abroad for their holidays and the once popular seaside towns have lost their revenue they so totally relied on. The trouble now they are now one day attractions where as people used to spend a week or maybe two, it's such a shame. Sign of the times.
I have only spent couple of days in Folkestone when me and Mum were there they had the Gaffiti knitters it was so cool. It really is a lovely town their sea front gardens are amazing you can walk the path for miles .Great fernicular railway all maintained by volunteers its emmaculate .Great little town for mooching about not doing anything in particular ,people, watching window shopping, ambling about getting great food .Just a lovely town with great people
Turns out the Orient express used to pull in at Folkestone. You forget how affluent this town was in the victoriana era, most of the huge Manor houses have been broken up into flats and such. Really glad they started pooring money into folkestone, it's unrecognisable from 10 years ago
Wow, I used to go Folkestone as kid, for day trips with family in the 70s. Went back in the 80s and it seemed pretty rundown then. Not been much since but your video has inspired me to make a well overdue visit! Thanks Tim. Really enjoyed this, and your other videos.
I went to Folkestone twice last year for my A Level studies and the regeneration that has taken place is wonderful to see. It really made me think about the importance of local investment with business like Folkestone Harbour and Seafront co., Folkestone Creative and Saga, but also interest from people in London and the growth of the housing market. It’s wonderful to see you explore it from a different point of view :)
What a dramatic change from thirty years ago, the whole place is unrecognisable compared with last time. We swore that we would never go back but this short video has changed our mind and if we lived in London we would definitely go back and investigate. We must applaud the local authority for their vision.
Tim i am getting a bit addicted to your channel. I have only spent a few years living in uk in the last 20 but i am returning in january and you have completely changed my view of returning. I cant wait to come home now and that is all thanks to you. I will be returning to buy and rent out a few motorhomes. Lets me know in a few months if you want to rent one for free xxxx
My Grandad used to have a holiday mobile home on top of the white cliffs of Dover in the 70's...On a clear night you could see the lights of Calias....When there was a thunderstorm we would go and watch it to see it light up the sea ....We used to walk all the way down the cliff have a paddle in the sea and then walk all the way back again....Used to sleep like a log after that....lol...Them tunnels on Folkstone beach was a good place to change into your swimming costume...Some of them were dark....We also used to go and watch the hovercrafts come in and out....Fond memories.....Bet it has changed so much now....Thanks so much for taking me down memory lane
Spent my childhood in Folkstone, every holiday because my dad came from there, when I was a kid, the sandy beach was called sunny sands, it has changed quite a bit
In 2004 I worked at Rene's Cafe Bar which, along with Indigo nightclub, was housed in the old Marine Pavilion right on the seafront, but facing inland. The fun fair was still operational and the Sunday market used to be set up alongside. I lived in Sandgate and my walk to work followed the coastal path - sweet birdsong, the calling of gulls, the gentle lapping of waves and a view of France. Fabulous! After that I was lucky enough to get a job with Saga Holidays working abroad for fifteen years as a rep, but Brexit and Covid sadly put paid to that, and I am now retired and living in Wales.
Unfortunately Folkestone is nowhere as good as it used to be , this place used to be such a joy to visit , but due to certain things in life it’s just not the same any more, such a shame. Great vid though Tim👍👍👍
I grew up in Folkestone wonderful childhood looking back we had the best days. It's a shadow of itself the hearts been ripped out, now it's being "reinvented" by those leaving London.
I totally agree with you I was born here and lived here all my life. I hate it now. You can't enjoy a warm day by the seaside because its rammed with hoardes of people and you have to queue for everything for ages just to be ripped off when you buy whatever it is you've been queueing for. Suddenly thanks to a sudden influx of city workers everywhere charges London prices. No fun or social life unless you're a commuter on London wages. Dress it up all you like there is nothing here for locals.
I suppose it's good now compared to how it was say 15 years ago, compared to how it was in the 80s, when you had the Rotunda, the roller rink, the Fabulous Sunday Market and cheap day trips to France on the ferries, it's nowhere near as good. It is, however, very charmimg in places still. When I arrive to in 1975 the town was quite Bohemian. The art revival is turning it that way again.
I have so many fond memories of that place. Used to holiday there for the best part of the summer holidays as a kid in the 80's with my grandparents. I remember the Rotunda theme park and arcade that used to be on the seafront, so probably rode in that waltzer when it was working. Was sad to see the place pretty much get left to fall in to wrack and ruin in the early 2000's, so it's great to see it all up and coming again. I intend to visit with my brother soon, see the sights, the Warren, zig-zag path and all the rest... Thanks for tugging on the old heart strings
Born in Folkstone at The Royal Victoria Hospital in 1965 and is the town where my heart is..... went back to visit last year after many years.. so many happy childhood memories.....
Tim i dont want to blow to much smoke up your arris and i am guessing that you have alot of experience outside your youtube channel but i have to say that you are bloody good in front of the camera. Much more entertaining than some of the personality vacuums i remember watching on tv back home.
@@WalkWithMeTim you are very welcome. P.s my thumbnail is one of my portraits ( michael caine of course) free family portrait for your family (again about june july) i used to be a pet portrait artist but now i paint anything but just as a hobby.
@@WalkWithMeTim Good regarding the old town looked freshly painted and the planting you was looking at, that wasn't there. The harbour arm was just starting to take off so that looks even more entertaining. So looking at Folkestone now it's had a massive improvement from the 90's
Folkstone is down the road from me. I absolutely love that café you said about when you walk down the old high street called Steep Street, it use to be a book shop back in them days and they made it to look like a small café on books around. They do the lovey hot chocolate, but the annoying thing is as there are quite a lot of people like to come in and work and not really buying anything, then it's taking up space. The act sculptures you see around Folkstone was done by Creative Folkstone who are run by the Folkstone Quarterhouse witch is in Tontine Street, down at the bottom of the old high street, left side road. There was one I don't think you see, it was on the harbor pier. It's down some a few steps and sometime close off because of the tied coming in, but you can see it from the back. It is a man sculpture called Antony Gormley and I believe they is one in Margate as well. I walk on that Folkstone Harbor arm so many times and it does get to get busy and a lot of the time when the weather is nice they is music going on. Yes they are building flats and they been working on it since 2020. The Leas Cliff road is lovely.
Well done Folkstone council,its not easy keeping anything by the sea nice in fact its damn hard work ,its a shame some other towns have not followed your example !
Tim I used to live in folkestone I moved aged 25 due to drugs and violence and all run dwn...now I see watching ur video I love what they done to the pier and sea front..I remember the big fair that was there and open air swimming pool....It also used to have a massive sunday market biggest in Kent at one time..I was sad to see all the places disappearing...now its starting to look good again...I wld like to see you do a video on the leas which is up the top ov the beach the old cliff lift and leas cliff Hall alot ov memory's there...thanku for the video Tim 10/10❤
my boyfriend’s home town is folkestone and whenever we visit i absolutely love walking around and seeing all of the art. it’s bustling with life now that it’s summer! going there for the weekend tomorrow :)
Great review of Folkestone. I only live about an hour away but came here with my parents and stayed at a lovely little campsite in the hills / cliffs, called Little Switzerland. Amazing views and a warm welcome there so I'd recommend it. The food and bars on the Harbour Arm are way too expensive but at the weekend it is really thriving and a great atmosphere, plus great for families.
Great video brought back many memories, used to regularly go to Folkestone from Essex for our holidays in the 1960’s as a young lad. Last time I visited was with my wife in 1969 we departed by ferry from Folkestone to France for our honeymoon in Switzerland (although we actually married in 1965) . We caught a train from London to Folkestone train station, then took the Ferry from Folkestone pier to Boulogne in France, then from Boulogne caught a train to Interlaken in Switzerland.
i visited this week and had a walk for an hour at lunchtime after a meeting. What a smashing surprise. Such a nice place around Harbour and Old Station.
I'm lucky enough to live in Folkestone. So many wonderful things to see. The newest thing is a multi storey building called F51. It's a worlds first. It's for skate boarders, BMX, climbing wall, bouldering and boxing. Folkestone is also the worlds first Music Town. There are lots of venues that have live music of all types. In summer there is usually music on the harbour arm, on weekends, plus the outdoor cinema. It's a friendly place to live, I've found, especially after living in London for years.
If it was a music town would have saved the little theatre. What hell were they thinking allowing that eyesore development to attach & dwarf. We used to go to see shows all the time there when I was a child now it's just residents lounge. Rather it had even knocked down than that death. Pulling down Debenhams next don't even get me stated on the seafront development, sadly happening across all UK, bland boxes going up.
@@JustMe-nj6dp My doctor is at Guildhall Street surgery, which is one of the surgeries that is going in to Debenhams. The surgery is literally falling to bits and is not fit for purpose, and has thousands of patients due to other surgeries closing. We can't get any doctors to work there, even with an offer of a £20,000 golden hello. We desperately need a new surgery. There were plans for a new medical centre in Bradstone Road, by the viaduct, but we couldn't afford it. They were going to try to keep the outside of Debenhams as it was, but the truth is it is in great disrepair, more than it appears, and would cost a lot more to do it up than to pull it down. It's sad but we do need a bigger and better health centre, especially as a lot of new homes are being built close by. It would be nice if they don't make it look boxy and build something with a bit of character, but we'll just have to wait and see. It is a shame about the Little Theatre. I wish they could still keep it for public use and not just for residents.
As a child in the 1960s, we used to holiday here for three weeks of the summer. For a child it was a wonderful place, with a huge number of fond memories and of course watching rock being made at the top of the hill in Rowlands rock shop. There's been some abysmal brutalist buildings replace fine Victorian and Edwardian hotels and of course, the ghastly Grand Burstin Hotel. Glad to see it's back on the up, it can only get better.
Nice that you to came to feature our little town! It's a lovely little video which I'm thoroughly enjoying because it saves me taking the dog for a walk. Just a few little comments though. Nobody's going to build a beach hut or a little rooms under the arches because it's all underwater when the tide's in and it's a good idea to get out before that, which is why there are a couple of little escape routes. To the locals it's "sunny sands", not sunny side. The "big old hotel" that's being built is actually big old luxury flats. Nice video though. Thanks. 👍
The Leas? The path going down to the beautiful park? And most important the heightened awareness of Folkestone's part in absorbing other nationals and the use of the Harbour Arm as a boarding point for so many soldiers going to Europe. A wonderful array of benches and plaques that tell Folkestone's history. I think you ought to do a Folkestone part 2!
Reading all the comments on this video, I’m just amazed how many people don’t know how to spell Folkestone correctly, even people that apparently live there. Really enjoyed your video Tim. 👍
Wow, it looks like they have done a fine job with seafront there - the waltzer seats are inspired! The railway station has been beautifully restored. In its last few years (until 2009), the orient express used to use the station and the passengers were then taken by coach to the channel tunnel to continue their onward journey to the continent!
I remember the time in the 50's when the cross channel boats were running. Where the tunnels were was a favourite spot for our day out when We lived in Maidstone. My Mum and Aunty were not noticing the tide coming in. and the wash from one of the boats suddenly caused a high wave and they were swamped with sea water while they were sitting in deck chairs. We also lost our food and sandels.
Wow, really enjoyed that video, thankyou. I,m 56 now but as a youngster my parents used to take me to that beach. Really glad to hear about the water quality now. If you look back on the video at 6.31 you will see some hatches and openings to the left of the slip. Lets just say at high tide it was an interesting swim when some of them opened. Then when I was older I used to go out in Folkestone on a Friday night and remember the fair well,(pretty sure I,ve ridden one of those wurlitzers). Very happy memories. Last time I visited by pure fluke was on the day of the last train which was pulled out by a steam loco (think it was the Oliver Cromwell). I live in Wales now so a bit of a trip down for me but if your doing more of these please consider Ramsgate my place of birth. Once again thankyou so much.
The waltzers are a look back to the time when Folkestone had the Rotunda theme park on the seafront. Unfortunately it's long since gone think it closed down in the mid 00s. This video does look great it highlights how different the town is these days.
We used to go to Folkestone to grandparents every year in the 60's. The seafront amusement arcade was called The Rotunda and there was a boating lake with small motorised boats for 2 people.
Hi Wendy, all gone - what disgusts me mostly was the demolition of the Rotunda - a listed building, pulled down for what ? It laid dormant for donkeys years. The huge Sunday market was another victim - all because a certain person [who shall remain anonymous] had delusions of grandeur, delusions of becoming rich which never happened. All gone - for what ? 😠
It was sad to see that the Rotunda amusement arcade ia gone i used to work there in the 80s as a maintenance engineer. if i remember the Rotunda was the largest unsupported concrete dome structure in the country and indeed it was a listed building. At the time i worked there there was a new dome arcade built at the opposite end of the market site. I used to enjoy the work there as it was great fun having the keys to all those arcade games so was able to play them andvi had the perfect excuse to play them as i was testing them. 😀 fond memories of my start of my working life. also when I was a kid we would visit Folkestone quite regularly as we lived in Maidstone ad it was only an hour on the train from our home.
@@peterensinger1770 I believe it was the largest concrete dome in the world at the time of its construction. Jimmy Godden (for it was he) had a lot of questions to answer regarding his attitude to planning permission and listed buildings. He also demolished the listed pub that was opposite what is now Chummy's whelk stand. Ginger tosser! 😉
A great video (as always Tim). I grew up in Kent SO lots of memories of Folkestone before the Channel Tunnel arrived! I remember Folkestone Harbour Station open with it's many trains, including the Orient Express. Also the ferry sailing in and out. Folkestone had a great funfair with a boating lake and a massive Sunday and B H Monday Market! There used to be a great rock shop in the Old High St where you could watch them cut and pack the rock. It's looking good now too. So many great memories, thank you for sharing Tim. 👍🙂
Brian - the whole lot have gone - disappeared, never to be seen again - due to sheer ignorance back then of the SDC. Folkestone, in the summer used to be heaving with tourists - not any more ! All the 'fun' stuff long gone ! 😠
Ah yes! The ol’ rock shop… and of course the pottery next door with the potter’s wheel in the window… they both gathered quite a crowd. But my favourite shop was further down the hill… the joke shop 😁 always spent loadsa time in there haha. I remember way back before the market… there was a little zoo and a roller skating rink and of course an open air swimming pool. Roller skating in the pavilion too on Saturday mornings… aah good times
@@BasherBrookes I learned to swim in the open air pool, back in the 60s. Believe it or not, they actually used to play 5-a-side football in the skating rink, despite the pillars in the middle of the pitch. I have to admit that the Joke Shop was a favourite of mine, too. I spent a lot of my pocket money there. 😁 I also worked on the ferries out of Folkestone in the 80s. The Hengist, Horsa, and the Vortigern. Sadly just a distant memory these days. The closing of the port was the beginning of the end for the local tourist industry. Big thanks to Roger de Haan for all he has done for the town. What a star!
My Grandparents ran the the Folkstone Rowing Club when I was kid (late 70's early 80's), and would pay be 10p, to collect glasses and wash them up. I also got a proper bollocking one Christmas for driving my new RC car across his snooker table !! I've not been back since the mid 90's, so I was amazing to see the old place again.
Folkestone looked surreal with a distinct lack of customers on the harbour arm. I remember going down to that station on a trip to Switzerland in 1971. It looks very strange frozen in time. Thanks for uploading.
It’s The Grand Burstin and Sunny Sands Beach. The huge structure going up on the beach are luxurious apartments. You really should go back on a weekend, it’s a completely different place. I LOVE FOLKSTONE ! ❤️
All the men in my family and close friends visit Folkestone every year, it’s our Jolly Boys Outing. We pub crawl all day, finish off with a curry in the Curry Garden, 10/10, and stay in the not so Grand Burstin Hotel 6/10. We really rate Folkestone 10/10.
Wow, they have really, really done some great work in tidying up this part of the town, I note other people's comments about the rest of the town being so run down, hopefully this will be addressed at some point in the near future - the tourism side of things is so important these days and should bring some well deserved funds to the place, which some should be put into regenerating the town centre. I (and my family) were fairly regular visitors to Folkestone in the 1970s' and 1980s'; having caught the ferry across to France several times and catching trains to the station from London, plus also staying for longer periods in the area on holiday. Lots of fond memories, going to the beaches, walking down the cobbled street, along to the Leas Cliffs and travelling on the funicular railway, getting local seafood from the little stalls, such as mussels, cockles and winkles - plus the one time I stood and ate jellied eels in front of my mum who turned a distinct shade of green! I also remember getting a lovely water ice (similar to sorbet) cone, only to see it drop just around the corner when we were walking past the Grand Burstin hotel It's fantastic that they have restored the railway station to such a high standard, it was so derelict when I last saw it, it could have easily just been bulldozed and another part of history would be lost for ever, it has a new lease of life. I was shocked to see that the fairground has been totally cleared, it was always busy when we were there. My hopes and wishes to this town for the future.
That’s the trouble the Internet is going to kill all impatiences and always gonna be left is fast food rubbish there’s a government don’t want no one to enjoy yourself no more
Folkestone is going down the more creative enclave feel and I was impressed when I went a few years back. I love the kitsch British seaside resort feel but it’s good to have some variety. I just hope the locals are at the front of the queue for business opportunities.
I've walked from Seaford to Eastbourne, and I love to do it all over again, I've started from 11.00 and reached the final destination at around 18.00 the seven sisters walk
Definitely onto my "to do list" and the town is not as I remember it when I lived and visited from Ashford in the 1960's! Thanks for an interesting video and to the De Hanns for their generosity .
Just discovered your videos and I love this one Tim. I'm from up north but I left home in the 70s for my fist job, that was in Folkestone and had the time of my life. I was always on the funfair and probably sat in that waltzer that you sat in when it was being used on the fair. Great Times but it looks to have changed a lot. ❤
Had a stroll round the town the other day - plenty of arty, farty shops in business, but the real town centre is decidedly sad - so much for the prosperous south!!
I think that de Haan is shaping Folkestone to attract a certain class of people who in reality do not reflect the majority of the population, but nevertheless the town has a certain appeal to not only those with deeper pockets, but as a coastal resort with the attractive beaches. - the prices on the Harbour arm I understand are almost prohibitive, though. As a shopping centre, with the passing of M & S and Debenhams, forget it! I still prefer Bournemouth, but don't stay at the Royal Bath Hotel, it is on a par with the Burstin! Same owners.
Folkestone's real hidden gem is the Warren. Nowhere quite like it! Nice to see my home town on the rise. 15 years ago it was mostly all derelict and run down.
We love Folkestone and have lived nearby for 15 years and 6 years ago moved to Marine Crescent, this is our playground and it is getting better and better.
My late dad used to take me to Folkestone all the time as a kid. I loved that amusement park and they had a really great market in the car park on a Saturday. I remember the wooden rollercoaster (though never went on it, it was always closed and I was told someone died on it?!) Also I remember some green grass stairs on the cliff and some kind of pirates playground? Thanks for this vid, I’ll be going back there soon 😊
Thanks for the interesting walk Tim. It looks like somewhere I'd enjoy exploring, especially all those little shops. Plenty of places to get a coffee too!
During the 80s this place was buzzing when I used to come here on holidays with the parents. Getting rid of the funfair was a major mistake as whoever made that decision wiped out What Folkestone meant to so many back in years gone by. It also had a smashing Sunday market that even attracted in many from London on specially charted London buses. Fair play to them trying to re-invent the place but it has no longer got the same atmosphere it once had.
Unfortunately, decline set in from the late 1960s, as overseas package holidays took off. The emptying hotels and boarding houses started taking in people who were on DSS, which then brought in massive drug problems and a destructive social demographic. It's a very sad story, as in the 1960s Folkestone was a vibrant, friendly place to be.
Exactly it's so fake now and trying too hard to be trendy. Loved the Rotunda, Little Theatre, Sunday Market and watching Orient Express arrive. Was buzzing in the 80s, growing up we'd often go across to France on Sealink or Melin Park in Belgium on a one day passport. We won't be back to see it as it is now, ancestors go back 300+ years in the town nothing is left took over by those relocating or commuting and their visions like all along Kent coast.
Hello Tim. Great video, no matter if you missed parts, it doesn’t matter. From memory I think the end of the harbour wall railway section was where the boat train came in. Folkestone used to be a horrible hub where the main business was the boats to and from France. What you have here now looks great. I still prefer your neck of the woods, it’s easier to get to Norfolk and Suffolk than travelling to Folkestone through the Blackwall tunnel or over the Dartford Bridge then onto the over crowded awful roads through Kent to reach the coast. This video is great for those that want to explore Kent and you have quite rightly put Folkestone on the map.
Good video! My grandparents live here I’m about 20 minutes down the road, but Folkestone always brings back memories from when my granddad used to take me down the beach and to the harbour arm. As the time it was fenced off but we used to sneak in to see the old train tracks. I like what they have done now though
I have just visited this town recently and was delighted to see all the positive changes. Well done !
As a resident of Folkestone I must say, our local billionaire Roger Dehann (owned Saga holidays) has invested absolute bucket loads into our town, our regeneration is purely down to him and his investment.
@jan viljoen people always look at jobs as "shop workers or retail workers" what about the hundreds involved in building it? Like me...
@jan viljoen Do you want it to be a big industrial estate like Slough or something? Just look at Slough on the map, it's basically a town wrapped around an industrial estate. Like Karl said, there's more to operating these new commercial outlets than the waiter or waitress that serves you! As long as Folkestone remains an attraction for tourists, there'll be people that will visit and keep the local economy going. That can become self-reinforcing, too, since it attracts more businesses.
My Dad was born and raised in folkestone we still have family there our family name is Pilcher. We took pop back for his last visit and he came alive with his birth place the leas water lift and St George's school where he attended. His uncle had a chicken farm on top of the cliffs and even showed us where was bombed in the war and where he lived on Dover Road ❤😊 I miss him
those who relyed on the councih housing in Folkestone are falling to drugs due to the housing prices
The local Oligarch you refer to is quite happy leaving people on the streets homeless and hungry,all but very few are in his pocket or are at least most certainly influenced by his immense wealth... I simply say this....If you accept gold from a king you must humour him.
❤️ For the people above the profit.
The iron bridge used to spin 90° to allow taller vessels into the harbour. But no longer it's fixed in closed position. I was lucky to be involved in the restoration and met Mr Roger De Haan while there. What a genuinely descent gentleman. Very down to earth. Came over. Spoke with us about how we worked and thanked us. Some great days and memories there.
As someone who's lived on folkestone their entire life its great to get positive reviews like this! I left for uni in 2014 and the town was a complete dive. Came back from uni in 2017 and it'd been completely turned around. The love and care from the De Haans is clear to see.
thanks for watching Joe
It's a beautiful town now!
I was there in 2004 and 2005 for a few weeks each via a student program (i'm from Germany, was 15/16 at the time). I had a wonderful stay each time but i do remember seeing a lot of empty shops, rundown houses, "for sale" signs everywhere... It's great to see how much things have turned around there!
Great video, there’s so much more too (you walked past a few hidden gems). The sand beach is the ‘Sunny Sands’ not sunny side. The east Cliff on the top of the sands has wonderful views and France is very clear from there when the weather is right. The Warren too is an amazing rustic beach, never looks the same each week. Lots of art around the harbour and town, it’s a wonderful town and improving every year.
Exactly what I was going to say!
thanks for the info Paul
Bet you didn't know it used to be called sunny bay
The correct name is Sunny Side but us locals do call it Sunny Sands which was the name of a (now gone) cafe on the corner of the beach.
The tunnels are in fact a breakwater, there to protect the cliffs. At high tide in rough weather the waves enter the tunnel’s and get redirected upwards through the “flutes” at the back. Quite a sight on a rough day.
thanks Phil
Sounds exciting. I'd love to see it.
Lived here all my life and still love it, my family had arcade / bingos here in the 70,s. We also had a coach company which served the Orient Express. The fish stall called Chummys is special to Folkestone. Chummy was a true cockney, he trained with the infamous Henry Cooper at the Thomas a becket in London . He was a beloved character and I used to wash his car for him everyday as an apprentice at my dads coach company.
Anyway thanks for the great video .
I'm 45 now and live in Derbyshire but spent a lot of time in Folkestone as a child, playing on the beach and in the 'tunnels'. Can't believe the Shell Shop is still there!
Lol best she'll shop anywhere
As a non-resident Folkestonian, it is nice to see my hometown presented in such a positive way. My memories are from the early 60's. Some have been mentioned. In the Old Hight Street, Rowlands Rock shop at the top and the wet fish shop towards the bottom where we would collect whelks for tea. The sands in the harbour area had no name as they do today. There were many large hotels and The Leas was the usual Sunday Promenade past the band playing on the bandstand. The Rotunda, boating pool and other beach side attractions were busy, and you could return to the Leas via the water operated cliff lift. I learnt to swim in the open-air saltwater pool. That was bracing. I have been back to visit and it is pleasant to see the regeneration. The harbour Station into the Harbour Arm is refreshing. I remember doing first aid exercises at the active station in the 1970's. Third rail was switched off. Folkestone is always in heart.
Thanks Michael
I love Folkestone too..but my heart belongs to Dover..im a bit of a tart when it comes to places..
Many a happy childhood and later memories of Folkestone. Loved it. We used to use the tunnels for somewhere to change our costumes and have picnics. Remember how the water on the Sunny Sand side was so shallow, you could go out a long way. Also watched rock being made up the narrow street.
Oh really
The cliffs you can see are indeed the start of the White Cliffs of Dover. I live in a village called Capel le Ferne which is on the cliffs, my house is one street off the edge. Its from this area that many of the cross channel swims start/finish. So proud that Folkestone has reinvented itself and is becoming a popular weekend destination for Londoners and many others from the SE. Yes I do miss the Rotunda and the fun fair but hey times change.
yes times change but why get rid of it just update it
I use to live in Folkestone and I haven’t been there for years and it got really run and I went down there last weekend and I was really overwhelmed how they are starting regenerate it again and the harbour is starting to have a load of potential it was a joy to go down there
Wow, what a change. We were last here about 16 years ago and stayed overnight before a ferry daytrip to Cite-de-Europe shopping centre near Calais. Seem to remember how sad and tired everything looked, so it's brilliant to see it reborn and thriving again. Looks like some big money and well planned regeneration work has been implemented well.
Hope it goes from strength to strength, will have to try and check it out sometime.
Really enjoyed that Tim, great presenting style and easy to watch. Well done m8.
Thanks Andy , hope u subscribed to see more
That channel tunnel is it disaster waiting to happen how can I take responsibility when it collapses
Cite Europe it's called NO de
Brings back memories of long Sunday walks. I was at boarding school and used to catch the ferry back to France. Seeing the French coastline used to make me homesick…. Shame the saltwater pool and arcade disappeared… we were banned from the arcade and not allowed down Tontine street…. Remember summer of 76 …the pebble beach was packed it was so hot. My old school was knocked down… you could see the building from the train.
Lived in Folkestone and Hythe 1950 to 1963/4. At one time lived on the Bail Steps which are on the mid point of the Old High Street. Used to try a race the trains going to and from the harbour. Saturday mornings were spent either in the roller skating rink, or the outdoor swimming pool in the amusement park area. When the tide was high in the harbour would dive off the harbour wall for pennies, from the visiting holiday makers. Folkestone, Sandgate and Hythe were great for a childhood. Made the big mistake of going back to town to visit old childhood haunts approx 6 years ago. It was such a run down, depressing, derelict town at that time. Looks from your video that things are changing for the better. Thanks for a little restoration work on my memories.
Thanks for watching 😃
It's changed so much (and for the better). Lived in Kent as a child & often visited Folkstone. Shocked that the Rotunda amusement park has gone. The Leas used to be a great vantage point for watching the air show. Planes would be on your level. Never forget the Harrier jump jet just hovering in front of us. Thank you for bringing back some memories
you are welcome ;-)
I remember the harrier jump jet too, the way it bowed to the audience on the Leas. Stunning. What I miss most is the Sunday. That used to be really fun, but it's luxury flats now 🙄
@@Flick14 yes it is but we don't get the variety of planes that. Still, mustn't grumble! Lol.
Folkestone resident here. Born here and lived here all my 18 years. Feels so surreal to watch someone walk around and comment on the streets I've known my whole life. The stairs behind the beach that you walked down was made as a back entrance, dug out by smugglers long ago, my family and i once used it to escape the rising tide.
I remember throwing stones at that bell when i was younger... This is bringing back so much wholesome nostalgia :3
No comment on the new skate park though, first ever multi-story skate park that was a scrapped car park. The houses and other bits of artwork dotted around are from the Folkestone Art Triennial which is an art festival ran every 3 years. Locals around here are in love with art for a reason i don't actually know, maybe it's because we once had banksy's art buff pop up in 2014, maybe it's something else. I don't remember us always having the triennial, but the love for art in combination with the insane history in the town has really started to put us on the map in a good light.
Found your channel today with this video and your review of the Grand Burstin. Love the content
Thanks, means alot hope I did your town proud
The trial is quite a recent. I think it's started this century. The triangle last year was the best I've ever. So well organised and well thought out.
Thank you for this great video walk through the Folkestone seafront area. Having been born and bred in Folkestone (many, many years ago)! I have fond memories of the Harbour Station when it was operational.
I have only been able to revisit the town occasionally so I found this video of great interest. The sandy beach(?), used to be known as the East Cliff sands and was a place where we spent many summers swimming and dodging the additional ‘objects’ that used to sometimes appear floating after stormy weather!
The arches provided good jump off points when the tide was high too and there was also a busy fishing fleet that used to unload it’s catches on the Esplanade slipway. Happy days!
Thanks Gerry
This bought back so many memories for me, I was born in England and spent so many days with my parents on folkstone Beach and as I grew up so many more great Saturdays Dancing the night away at the leas cliff hall, I couldn't even begin to count the number of times I've walked down the old high street with the cobbled stones. I left England in 1971 and have never been back so these memories are very, very treasured so thank you so much for this walk down memory way. ❤
I was born in Folkestone, grew up there in the sixties. . Spent lovely summers on the sunny sands with my family. Used to visit the rotunda and go roller skating at the Marine Pavilion. Moved to Dorset 29 years ago with my husband and children. My how the seafront area has changed. Must visit again, such happy memories of my childhood.
It's not what it used to be but it's changing
The Big Greek Bus looked fantastic. Actually, everything did. Folkestone looks like it could be an example for a lot of other coastal towns.
yes its changed so much
I agree..so many holiday towns don’t give this much thought and ingenuity to upgrades, just ends up a garish mess.
This was great.
The big Greek bus food is amazing!
I'd not been to Folkestone for years, and was pleasantly surprised to find out how much had been done to improve a town that holds so many childhood memories for me. I remember the boat train pulling up at that platform, and the passengers getting onto the Sealink Ferries, Horsa, Hengist and Vortigern (the first two, Germanic brothers who led the Angles and Jutes in the 5th century invasion of England, and the latter, a 5th Century English warlord).
I had a fly over the bay with my drone, and the town looks pretty good. 😎👍🏻
went as a kid tim in the 70s and 80s loved the sea front and the pleasure beach sadly all gone now,my father says its because it used to be a very busy ferry port.
I know such a shame
Great vid. I’ve lived in Folkestone for last 11 years. Could tell it was up and coming and the last 5 years haven’t disappointed. Defiantly old high street worth more of a deep dive. No privatisation just sole traders and their own businesses and passion put in to it fantastic. Plus market and bars and pubs at harbour arm area at weekends and holidays amazing. Get live music down their and outdoor screen for movies and sports with seats and beanbags for kids. Markets on train station at weekend and high street and mini golf it’s great place to be and just fun. Can come down at weekend enjoy a bit of sunny sands then go get some munchies of local grub at harbour arm and nice walk along top or lower lease. Great place to be
Yep I love it here
I grew up in Folkestone and this brings back great memories of my childhood but it looks so much nicer than how it looked last time I was there
Wow that brought back so many memories, my grandparents moved there from London’ when I was a kid, spent so much time on that beach and around that area it still looks lovely. Those arches were great to play in as kids especially when the tide comes in and fills them up some mad echos as the waves crashed. I live in Australia now so this was lovely to see, thanks for posting it, great little video cheers.
thanks! means a lot
I too .moved to Australia from England, stayed there for 34 yrs and now live in New Zealand. It really is amazing when someone captures you're dearest memories and throws you back to the past, happy days
I went to Folkstone last year it was really nice and they have done a great job of regentration
Wow, never knew Folkestone was like this, great for a family day out. Will definitely now go and visit as I'm not too far in North Kent. Thanks for the video, and RUclips's algorithm for bringing it to me.
ya hope you subscribed
Not been to Folkstone for fifty years or more, but always remember going to a traditional fish and chip shop in the old high street (approx half way up on the right hand side) where they cooked over coal and produced the most amazing f&c. Took them down to the fish market area to eat while looking out on the harbour. Amazing times.
I lived in Folkestone between 1973 and 1975. It was lovely to see your video of the town. I worked as a postman for a time and I can remember doing letter collections from the postboxes in the harbour area. I also did a letter delivery starting from Capel Le ferne just outside of town and finishing up in Acrise Place. I can honestly say it was one of the best periods of my life. But for personal reasons it was a short stay, so it was nice reminising about the old place.
wow I bet it was so different then
@@WalkWithMeTim I have been back a couple of times since. Like any seaside towns, it has deteriorated due to lack of fundings. People go abroad for their holidays and the once popular seaside towns have lost their revenue they so totally relied on. The trouble now they are now one day attractions where as people used to spend a week or maybe two, it's such a shame. Sign of the times.
I have only spent couple of days in Folkestone when me and Mum were there they had the Gaffiti knitters it was so cool. It really is a lovely town their sea front gardens are amazing you can walk the path for miles .Great fernicular railway all maintained by volunteers its emmaculate .Great little town for mooching about not doing anything in particular ,people, watching window shopping, ambling about getting great food .Just a lovely town with great people
iv been there twice and fell in love with the place, always people to chat to on the wall
I am from Morocco. I visited folksong last year.i love it beautiful seaside. Small rues .it remind me of essaouira in Morocco.
Turns out the Orient express used to pull in at Folkestone. You forget how affluent this town was in the victoriana era, most of the huge Manor houses have been broken up into flats and such. Really glad they started pooring money into folkestone, it's unrecognisable from 10 years ago
Amazing properties!
Wow, I used to go Folkestone as kid, for day trips with family in the 70s. Went back in the 80s and it seemed pretty rundown then. Not been much since but your video has inspired me to make a well overdue visit! Thanks Tim. Really enjoyed this, and your other videos.
Thanks so much Nellie
I went to Folkestone twice last year for my A Level studies and the regeneration that has taken place is wonderful to see. It really made me think about the importance of local investment with business like Folkestone Harbour and Seafront co., Folkestone Creative and Saga, but also interest from people in London and the growth of the housing market. It’s wonderful to see you explore it from a different point of view :)
Thanks andrea
What a dramatic change from thirty years ago, the whole place is unrecognisable compared with last time. We swore that we would never go back but this short video has changed our mind and if we lived in London we would definitely go back and investigate. We must applaud the local authority for their vision.
The Amusements and Market plus Ferries to France were great.
Folkestone is not the same anymore.
I know shame
Tim i am getting a bit addicted to your channel. I have only spent a few years living in uk in the last 20 but i am returning in january and you have completely changed my view of returning. I cant wait to come home now and that is all thanks to you. I will be returning to buy and rent out a few motorhomes. Lets me know in a few months if you want to rent one for free xxxx
always wanted to but they are expensive PM my Facebook page near the time :-)
My Grandad used to have a holiday mobile home on top of the white cliffs of Dover in the 70's...On a clear night you could see the lights of Calias....When there was a thunderstorm we would go and watch it to see it light up the sea ....We used to walk all the way down the cliff have a paddle in the sea and then walk all the way back again....Used to sleep like a log after that....lol...Them tunnels on Folkstone beach was a good place to change into your swimming costume...Some of them were dark....We also used to go and watch the hovercrafts come in and out....Fond memories.....Bet it has changed so much now....Thanks so much for taking me down memory lane
Thanks Sharon for sharing 😊
@@WalkWithMeTim You are most welcome :0)
Spent my childhood in Folkstone, every holiday because my dad came from there, when I was a kid, the sandy beach was called sunny sands, it has changed quite a bit
In 2004 I worked at Rene's Cafe Bar which, along with Indigo nightclub, was housed in the old Marine Pavilion right on the seafront, but facing inland. The fun fair was still operational and the Sunday market used to be set up alongside. I lived in Sandgate and my walk to work followed the coastal path - sweet birdsong, the calling of gulls, the gentle lapping of waves and a view of France. Fabulous! After that I was lucky enough to get a job with Saga Holidays working abroad for fifteen years as a rep, but Brexit and Covid sadly put paid to that, and I am now retired and living in Wales.
Thanks fir sharing martin
Looks like i have found another RUclips channel i’m in love with!!
yay! thanks Alex :-)
Unfortunately Folkestone is nowhere as good as it used to be , this place used to be such a joy to visit , but due to certain things in life it’s just not the same any more, such a shame. Great vid though Tim👍👍👍
Totally agree
it's boring run down hole
I grew up in Folkestone wonderful childhood looking back we had the best days. It's a shadow of itself the hearts been ripped out, now it's being "reinvented" by those leaving London.
I totally agree with you I was born here and lived here all my life. I hate it now. You can't enjoy a warm day by the seaside because its rammed with hoardes of people and you have to queue for everything for ages just to be ripped off when you buy whatever it is you've been queueing for. Suddenly thanks to a sudden influx of city workers everywhere charges London prices. No fun or social life unless you're a commuter on London wages. Dress it up all you like there is nothing here for locals.
I suppose it's good now compared to how it was say 15 years ago, compared to how it was in the 80s, when you had the Rotunda, the roller rink, the Fabulous Sunday Market and cheap day trips to France on the ferries, it's nowhere near as good. It is, however, very charmimg in places still. When I arrive to in 1975 the town was quite Bohemian. The art revival is turning it that way again.
I have so many fond memories of that place. Used to holiday there for the best part of the summer holidays as a kid in the 80's with my grandparents. I remember the Rotunda theme park and arcade that used to be on the seafront, so probably rode in that waltzer when it was working. Was sad to see the place pretty much get left to fall in to wrack and ruin in the early 2000's, so it's great to see it all up and coming again. I intend to visit with my brother soon, see the sights, the Warren, zig-zag path and all the rest... Thanks for tugging on the old heart strings
Born in Folkstone at The Royal Victoria Hospital in 1965 and is the town where my heart is..... went back to visit last year after many years.. so many happy childhood memories.....
:-)
The RVH is now gone! They're building (expensive) flats on the land.
Tim i dont want to blow to much smoke up your arris and i am guessing that you have alot of experience outside your youtube channel but i have to say that you are bloody good in front of the camera. Much more entertaining than some of the personality vacuums i remember watching on tv back home.
wow thats a kind thing to say .. yes I did work on tv and radio :-)
@@WalkWithMeTim you are very welcome. P.s my thumbnail is one of my portraits ( michael caine of course) free family portrait for your family (again about june july) i used to be a pet portrait artist but now i paint anything but just as a hobby.
Lovely to see Folkestone's improvement. We left Kent three years ago and can see changes from this
good or bad
@@WalkWithMeTim Good regarding the old town looked freshly painted and the planting you was looking at, that wasn't there. The harbour arm was just starting to take off so that looks even more entertaining. So looking at Folkestone now it's had a massive improvement from the 90's
Sir Roger de Haan has done all of this. He is such a great man.
@@WalkWithMeTim Can you do Ramsgate next please :) it's my home town
Folkstone is down the road from me. I absolutely love that café you said about when you walk down the old high street called Steep Street, it use to be a book shop back in them days and they made it to look like a small café on books around. They do the lovey hot chocolate, but the annoying thing is as there are quite a lot of people like to come in and work and not really buying anything, then it's taking up space.
The act sculptures you see around Folkstone was done by Creative Folkstone who are run by the Folkstone Quarterhouse witch is in Tontine Street, down at the bottom of the old high street, left side road. There was one I don't think you see, it was on the harbor pier. It's down some a few steps and sometime close off because of the tied coming in, but you can see it from the back. It is a man sculpture called Antony Gormley and I believe they is one in Margate as well.
I walk on that Folkstone Harbor arm so many times and it does get to get busy and a lot of the time when the weather is nice they is music going on. Yes they are building flats and they been working on it since 2020. The Leas Cliff road is lovely.
Only there two weeks ago , didn’t realise half of this was there. Well done Tim , will visit again on motorcycle and have proper walk around .
thanks Stuart
Well done Folkstone council,its not easy keeping anything by the sea nice in fact its damn hard work ,its a shame some other towns have not followed your example !
agree
It's not the Council, it's the vision of one wealthy man who has made all the investment! Good for him - and for the town.
Tim I used to live in folkestone I moved aged 25 due to drugs and violence and all run dwn...now I see watching ur video I love what they done to the pier and sea front..I remember the big fair that was there and open air swimming pool....It also used to have a massive sunday market biggest in Kent at one time..I was sad to see all the places disappearing...now its starting to look good again...I wld like to see you do a video on the leas which is up the top ov the beach the old cliff lift and leas cliff Hall alot ov memory's there...thanku for the video Tim 10/10❤
Awww thanks Claire , glad you liked it , hope you subscribed too :-)
Tim, thank you for your tour guide in Folkestone Kent. Great and lovely place to visit
my boyfriend’s home town is folkestone and whenever we visit i absolutely love walking around and seeing all of the art. it’s bustling with life now that it’s summer! going there for the weekend tomorrow :)
have fun
Great review of Folkestone. I only live about an hour away but came here with my parents and stayed at a lovely little campsite in the hills / cliffs, called Little Switzerland. Amazing views and a warm welcome there so I'd recommend it. The food and bars on the Harbour Arm are way too expensive but at the weekend it is really thriving and a great atmosphere, plus great for families.
Great video brought back many memories, used to regularly go to Folkestone from Essex for our holidays in the 1960’s as a young lad. Last time I visited was with my wife in 1969 we departed by ferry from Folkestone to France for our honeymoon in Switzerland (although we actually married in 1965) .
We caught a train from London to Folkestone train station, then took the Ferry from Folkestone pier to Boulogne in France, then from Boulogne caught a train to Interlaken in Switzerland.
Thanks for sharing Derek
i visited this week and had a walk for an hour at lunchtime after a meeting. What a smashing surprise. Such a nice place around Harbour and Old Station.
I'm lucky enough to live in Folkestone. So many wonderful things to see. The newest thing is a multi storey building called F51. It's a worlds first. It's for skate boarders, BMX, climbing wall, bouldering and boxing. Folkestone is also the worlds first Music Town. There are lots of venues that have live music of all types. In summer there is usually music on the harbour arm, on weekends, plus the outdoor cinema. It's a friendly place to live, I've found, especially after living in London for years.
Agree Vanessa
If it was a music town would have saved the little theatre. What hell were they thinking allowing that eyesore development to attach & dwarf. We used to go to see shows all the time there when I was a child now it's just residents lounge. Rather it had even knocked down than that death. Pulling down Debenhams next don't even get me stated on the seafront development, sadly happening across all UK, bland boxes going up.
@@JustMe-nj6dp My doctor is at Guildhall Street surgery, which is one of the surgeries that is going in to Debenhams. The surgery is literally falling to bits and is not fit for purpose, and has thousands of patients due to other surgeries closing. We can't get any doctors to work there, even with an offer of a £20,000 golden hello. We desperately need a new surgery. There were plans for a new medical centre in Bradstone Road, by the viaduct, but we couldn't afford it. They were going to try to keep the outside of Debenhams as it was, but the truth is it is in great disrepair, more than it appears, and would cost a lot more to do it up than to pull it down. It's sad but we do need a bigger and better health centre, especially as a lot of new homes are being built close by. It would be nice if they don't make it look boxy and build something with a bit of character, but we'll just have to wait and see. It is a shame about the Little Theatre. I wish they could still keep it for public use and not just for residents.
As a child in the 1960s, we used to holiday here for three weeks of the summer. For a child it was a wonderful place, with a huge number of fond memories and of course watching rock being made at the top of the hill in Rowlands rock shop. There's been some abysmal brutalist buildings replace fine Victorian and Edwardian hotels and of course, the ghastly Grand Burstin Hotel. Glad to see it's back on the up, it can only get better.
Nice that you to came to feature our little town! It's a lovely little video which I'm thoroughly enjoying because it saves me taking the dog for a walk.
Just a few little comments though. Nobody's going to build a beach hut or a little rooms under the arches because it's all underwater when the tide's in and it's a good idea to get out before that, which is why there are a couple of little escape routes.
To the locals it's "sunny sands", not sunny side.
The "big old hotel" that's being built is actually big old luxury flats.
Nice video though. Thanks. 👍
lol thanks Tammy
The Leas? The path going down to the beautiful park? And most important the heightened awareness of Folkestone's part in absorbing other nationals and the use of the Harbour Arm as a boarding point for so many soldiers going to Europe. A wonderful array of benches and plaques that tell Folkestone's history. I think you ought to do a Folkestone part 2!
maybe ;-)
Reading all the comments on this video, I’m just amazed how many people don’t know how to spell Folkestone correctly, even people that apparently live there. Really enjoyed your video Tim. 👍
Thanks john , hope u subscribed
Wow, it looks like they have done a fine job with seafront there - the waltzer seats are inspired!
The railway station has been beautifully restored. In its last few years (until 2009), the orient express used to use the station and the passengers were then taken by coach to the channel tunnel to continue their onward journey to the continent!
It's very different
I remember the time in the 50's when the cross channel boats were running. Where the tunnels were was a favourite spot for our day out when We lived in Maidstone. My Mum and Aunty were not noticing the tide coming in. and the wash from one of the boats suddenly caused a high wave and they were swamped with sea water while they were sitting in deck chairs. We also lost our food and sandels.
Omg
Oh god! The panic stations… remember it too well haha
Tim this is such a gorgeous little place. Those shops and the flowers are beautiful… such colors . Such a pretty day to visit. 🌷🌷
It really is!
Wow, really enjoyed that video, thankyou. I,m 56 now but as a youngster my parents used to take me to that beach. Really glad to hear about the water quality now. If you look back on the video at 6.31 you will see some hatches and openings to the left of the slip. Lets just say at high tide it was an interesting swim when some of them opened. Then when I was older I used to go out in Folkestone on a Friday night and remember the fair well,(pretty sure I,ve ridden one of those wurlitzers). Very happy memories. Last time I visited by pure fluke was on the day of the last train which was pulled out by a steam loco (think it was the Oliver Cromwell). I live in Wales now so a bit of a trip down for me but if your doing more of these please consider Ramsgate my place of birth. Once again thankyou so much.
You are welcome Nigel
WOW ! ..never knew folkestone Harbour had so much going for it !...absolutely blown away !..Great video Tim!
Glad you enjoyed it Peter , thanks for watching
Thanks for showing us around. I'll be headed there soon. Keep up the great work. Love your vids
Bring back the Sunday market it was the best in Kent and it’s a shame the rock shop has closed
The waltzers are a look back to the time when Folkestone had the Rotunda theme park on the seafront. Unfortunately it's long since gone think it closed down in the mid 00s. This video does look great it highlights how different the town is these days.
yep i know changed so much
We used to go to Folkestone to grandparents every year in the 60's. The seafront amusement arcade was called The Rotunda and there was a boating lake with small motorised boats for 2 people.
great fun fair
Hi Wendy, all gone - what disgusts me mostly was the demolition of the Rotunda - a listed building, pulled down for what ? It laid dormant for donkeys years. The huge Sunday market was another victim - all because a certain person [who shall remain anonymous] had delusions of grandeur, delusions of becoming rich which never happened. All gone - for what ? 😠
It was sad to see that the Rotunda amusement arcade ia gone i used to work there in the 80s as a maintenance engineer. if i remember the Rotunda was the largest unsupported concrete dome structure in the country and indeed it was a listed building. At the time i worked there there was a new dome arcade built at the opposite end of the market site. I used to enjoy the work there as it was great fun having the keys to all those arcade games so was able to play them andvi had the perfect excuse to play them as i was testing them. 😀
fond memories of my start of my working life. also when I was a kid we would visit Folkestone quite regularly as we lived in Maidstone ad it was only an hour on the train from our home.
@@peterensinger1770 I believe it was the largest concrete dome in the world at the time of its construction. Jimmy Godden (for it was he) had a lot of questions to answer regarding his attitude to planning permission and listed buildings. He also demolished the listed pub that was opposite what is now Chummy's whelk stand. Ginger tosser! 😉
A great video (as always Tim). I grew up in Kent SO lots of memories of Folkestone before the Channel Tunnel arrived! I remember Folkestone Harbour Station open with it's many trains, including the Orient Express. Also the ferry sailing in and out. Folkestone had a great funfair with a boating lake and a massive Sunday and B H Monday Market! There used to be a great rock shop in the Old High St where you could watch them cut and pack the rock. It's looking good now too. So many great memories, thank you for sharing Tim. 👍🙂
you are welcome Brian , thanks for watching
Brian - the whole lot have gone - disappeared, never to be seen again - due to sheer ignorance back then of the SDC. Folkestone, in the summer used to be heaving with tourists - not any more ! All the 'fun' stuff long gone ! 😠
Ah yes! The ol’ rock shop… and of course the pottery next door with the potter’s wheel in the window… they both gathered quite a crowd. But my favourite shop was further down the hill… the joke shop 😁 always spent loadsa time in there haha.
I remember way back before the market… there was a little zoo and a roller skating rink and of course an open air swimming pool. Roller skating in the pavilion too on Saturday mornings… aah good times
@@BasherBrookes I learned to swim in the open air pool, back in the 60s. Believe it or not, they actually used to play 5-a-side football in the skating rink, despite the pillars in the middle of the pitch.
I have to admit that the Joke Shop was a favourite of mine, too. I spent a lot of my pocket money there. 😁
I also worked on the ferries out of Folkestone in the 80s. The Hengist, Horsa, and the Vortigern. Sadly just a distant memory these days. The closing of the port was the beginning of the end for the local tourist industry.
Big thanks to Roger de Haan for all he has done for the town. What a star!
My Grandparents ran the the Folkstone Rowing Club when I was kid (late 70's early 80's), and would pay be 10p, to collect glasses and wash them up. I also got a proper bollocking one Christmas for driving my new RC car across his snooker table !!
I've not been back since the mid 90's, so I was amazing to see the old place again.
Councils seem to think a seaside town is a cash cow. Wrongly, often allowed to go downhill with silly policies, excessive parking charges for a start.
Yes David, and some parking places accept payment by phone only. What about those who don't possess one ?
@@jeanlilymanwaring7125 can’t cater to everything eh.
Yes parking an issue
Last time I was there I found a Tenner on the pavement and the car park ticket machine was out of order - great memories.
Nice
Great video. What an eye opener. The last time I went to Folkstone it was like a derelict area. It certainly looks worth a visit now
I was born there and remember the Rotunda and outdoor pool
Folkestone looked surreal with a distinct lack of customers on the harbour arm. I remember going down to that station on a trip to Switzerland in 1971. It looks very strange frozen in time. Thanks for uploading.
Your welcome
did my army training in folkestone in 89/90 and i loved it.great to see the place again and igot my first tattoo on steep street
The ‘steep street’ is /was called The Old High Street Mick
very creative guys changing all these places into wonder world
It’s The Grand Burstin and Sunny Sands Beach.
The huge structure going up on the beach are luxurious apartments.
You really should go back on a weekend, it’s a completely different place. I LOVE FOLKSTONE ! ❤️
Me too
All the men in my family and close friends visit Folkestone every year, it’s our Jolly Boys Outing. We pub crawl all day, finish off with a curry in the Curry Garden, 10/10, and stay in the not so Grand Burstin Hotel 6/10. We really rate Folkestone 10/10.
It's not sunny side beach, it's the sunny sands beach. But I enjoyed your blog as I live here in folkestone
My bad I dont know why I said that
Hopefully we'll have a good summer and these coastal resorts will do well.
lets hope
Wow, they have really, really done some great work in tidying up this part of the town, I note other people's comments about the rest of the town being so run down, hopefully this will be addressed at some point in the near future - the tourism side of things is so important these days and should bring some well deserved funds to the place, which some should be put into regenerating the town centre. I (and my family) were fairly regular visitors to Folkestone in the 1970s' and 1980s'; having caught the ferry across to France several times and catching trains to the station from London, plus also staying for longer periods in the area on holiday. Lots of fond memories, going to the beaches, walking down the cobbled street, along to the Leas Cliffs and travelling on the funicular railway, getting local seafood from the little stalls, such as mussels, cockles and winkles - plus the one time I stood and ate jellied eels in front of my mum who turned a distinct shade of green! I also remember getting a lovely water ice (similar to sorbet) cone, only to see it drop just around the corner when we were walking past the Grand Burstin hotel It's fantastic that they have restored the railway station to such a high standard, it was so derelict when I last saw it, it could have easily just been bulldozed and another part of history would be lost for ever, it has a new lease of life. I was shocked to see that the fairground has been totally cleared, it was always busy when we were there. My hopes and wishes to this town for the future.
Oh agree
That’s the trouble the Internet is going to kill all impatiences and always gonna be left is fast food rubbish there’s a government don’t want no one to enjoy yourself no more
People should just face it it’s too many children being born
Folkestone is going down the more creative enclave feel and I was impressed when I went a few years back. I love the kitsch British seaside resort feel but it’s good to have some variety. I just hope the locals are at the front of the queue for business opportunities.
I totally agree!
I've walked from Seaford to Eastbourne, and I love to do it all over again, I've started from 11.00 and reached the final destination at around 18.00 the seven sisters walk
Definitely onto my "to do list" and the town is not as I remember it when I lived and visited from Ashford in the 1960's!
Thanks for an interesting video and to the De Hanns for their generosity .
Thanks for the video Folkestone, always go down Ramsgate never crossed my mind, Folkestone can’t believe sandy beach wow amazing thank you 😊
Just discovered your videos and I love this one Tim. I'm from up north but I left home in the 70s for my fist job, that was in Folkestone and had the time of my life. I was always on the funfair and probably sat in that waltzer that you sat in when it was being used on the fair. Great Times but it looks to have changed a lot. ❤
Had a stroll round the town the other day - plenty of arty, farty shops in business, but the real town centre is decidedly sad - so much for the prosperous south!!
It's on the way up
I think that de Haan is shaping Folkestone to attract a certain class of people who in reality do not reflect the majority of the population, but nevertheless the town has a certain appeal to not only those with deeper pockets, but as a coastal resort with the attractive beaches. - the prices on the Harbour arm I understand are almost prohibitive, though. As a shopping centre, with the passing of M & S and Debenhams, forget it! I still prefer Bournemouth, but don't stay at the Royal Bath Hotel, it is on a par with the Burstin! Same owners.
Folkestone's real hidden gem is the Warren. Nowhere quite like it! Nice to see my home town on the rise. 15 years ago it was mostly all derelict and run down.
I used to live at hollands avenue and my playground was the Warren...absolutely brilliant times and memories....and summer on the apron🤣👍
All thanks to Sir Roger De Haan. Very grateful to this great man.
When you walked on the grilled floor on the pier there is a Gormley statue below, access down stairs.
We love Folkestone and have lived nearby for 15 years and 6 years ago moved to Marine Crescent, this is our playground and it is getting better and better.
My late dad used to take me to Folkestone all the time as a kid. I loved that amusement park and they had a really great market in the car park on a Saturday. I remember the wooden rollercoaster (though never went on it, it was always closed and I was told someone died on it?!) Also I remember some green grass stairs on the cliff and some kind of pirates playground? Thanks for this vid, I’ll be going back there soon 😊
Thanks for the interesting walk Tim. It looks like somewhere I'd enjoy exploring, especially all those little shops. Plenty of places to get a coffee too!
yes it lovely for that Wendy
During the 80s this place was buzzing when I used to come here on holidays with the parents. Getting rid of the funfair was a major mistake as whoever made that decision wiped out What Folkestone meant to so many back in years gone by. It also had a smashing Sunday market that even attracted in many from London on specially charted London buses. Fair play to them trying to re-invent the place but it has no longer got the same atmosphere it once had.
Yes it's a shame
Unfortunately, decline set in from the late 1960s, as overseas package holidays took off. The emptying hotels and boarding houses started taking in people who were on DSS, which then brought in massive drug problems and a destructive social demographic. It's a very sad story, as in the 1960s Folkestone was a vibrant, friendly place to be.
Exactly it's so fake now and trying too hard to be trendy. Loved the Rotunda, Little Theatre, Sunday Market and watching Orient Express arrive. Was buzzing in the 80s, growing up we'd often go across to France on Sealink or Melin Park in Belgium on a one day passport. We won't be back to see it as it is now, ancestors go back 300+ years in the town nothing is left took over by those relocating or commuting and their visions like all along Kent coast.
Fascinating!
I visited a few years ago and missed all the interesting stuff you've shown - thanks for opening my eyes about Folkestone!
Thanks for watching
Hello Tim. Great video, no matter if you missed parts, it doesn’t matter. From memory I think the end of the harbour wall railway section was where the boat train came in. Folkestone used to be a horrible hub where the main business was the boats to and from France. What you have here now looks great. I still prefer your neck of the woods, it’s easier to get to Norfolk and Suffolk than travelling to Folkestone through the Blackwall tunnel or over the Dartford Bridge then onto the over crowded awful roads through Kent to reach the coast. This video is great for those that want to explore Kent and you have quite rightly put Folkestone on the map.
:-)
Good video! My grandparents live here I’m about 20 minutes down the road, but Folkestone always brings back memories from when my granddad used to take me down the beach and to the harbour arm. As the time it was fenced off but we used to sneak in to see the old train tracks. I like what they have done now though
Thanks for watching