About Folkestone Harbour Arm

THE PLACE TO BE

Originally the railway terminal for the Folkestone-Boulogne Ferry and departure point for soldiers on their way to the Western Front, The Harbour Arm still embraces the town’s working fishing harbour, becoming a pivotal point in the town’s future and its historical past.

Since opening in 2014, Folkestone Harbour Arm has cemented itself as a major destination on the Kent coast. Reaching into the English Channel, offering views of the White Cliffs and glimpses of France, the Harbour Arm is a unique cultural attraction; a place to meet friends, see live music and sample the goods from nearly 30 independent food, drink and retail vendors.

Harbour history Present & Future
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A unique day out in east Kent

The respectfully renovated architecture of Folkestone Harbour Arm provides a unique backdrop for a day out in East Kent. Radiating from the Harbour Arm are splendid walkways in all directions. Take the boardwalk across the beach, the viaduct towards the Old Town or through the beautifully restored Harbour Station. Look out for Folkestone’s myriad of public artworks – and enjoy a truly unique reimagining of the classic British seaside experience.

Folkestone Harbour Arm has quickly become celebrated as a food, drink and entertainment destination...
Championing Independents

Small, independent businesses along the Arm give it its unique flavour, and its reputation is growing as restoration continues along the platform and across the railway bridge and beyond, with the addition of the Goods Yard in 2020, Beachside in 2021 and Harbourside in 2023 as three new, stand-alone areas with very unique offers.

Folkestone’s Harbour Arm has swiftly become the beacon for the regeneration of Folkestone as a destination town.

Explore Independent Outlets
Upcoming Events
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Thu 18 Sep 25, 11:00 - 14:45 + more dates
Free
One of the biggest events in the athletics calendar. The brightest stars of track and field compete to be crowned world …
Every Friday from 7pm, 19:00 - 23:00
Free
Live Music, Welcome Drink and 3 courses for £35pp A great night out doesn't have to break the bank. The Sunset Sessions…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Killer vocals, pounding drums and jaw dropping guitar playing. The world's most incredible 2-man-band. You will be…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 13:00 - 16:30 + more dates
Free
The Pilot Beach Bar invites you to spend your summer Saturdays soaking up the rhythm of the coast. From 1pm to 4:30pm …
Sat 20 Sep 25, 15:30 - 17:30
Free
Women's Rugby World Cup Semi-Final France v England Cheer on the Red Roses as they are one game away from the World Cup…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 15:30 - 17:30
Free
Women's Rugby World Cup Semi-Final France v England Cheer on the Red Roses as they are one game away from the World Cup…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Live at The Lighthouse Spend a Sunday afternoon listening to some live music from the wonderful collective, the Sax…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
An afternoon of funky Blues, Soul and much in between! "The Blues Bandits" are renowned for performing great songs and…
Sat 20 Sep 25, 11:00 - 20:00 + more dates
Free

Back for its third year! Folkestone Harbour's Bavarian Weekenders return for 3 weekends of Brats, Beers and Brass.

The…

Sat 20 Sep 25, 18:45 - 20:45 + more dates
Free
Cocktail Masterclass with Distillery Tastings from Pleasant Land. Price is £50 and includes nibbles, 3 tastings from…
Sun 21 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Americana with Country and Blues. Kuschty Rye play Americana with Country and Blues.
Sun 21 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Live at The Lighthouse Join us at the Tasting Rooms for live music from the brilliantly talented Sam Dunn. One of the…
Thu 25 Sep 25, 19:00 - 21:00
Free
Whether you're a pro or a first-timer, this is your time to shine! Come and join The Board Room Crew for a night fun…
Sat 27 Sep 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Liberators bring the reggae heat! A four piece reggae band from Folkestone bringing a mix of original grooves and choice…
Sat 27 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
is known for her contributions to the modern British Blues scene, she has released 2 well received albums, which …
Sun 28 Sep 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Big Orange Head are a 4 piece band that regularly expands to 6 or 7 piece and plays a rocking mix of classics and …
Sun 28 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Alt- Rockabilly Trio from Kent Alt- Rockabilly Pioneers Bamboozle make a welcome return to the harbour arm, bringing a…
Sun 28 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Enjoy an afternoon with 'The Ricotta Layer!' Two seasoned musicians, Jeannie Clarke vocals & Phil Curry guitar and …
Discover a range of food & drink
From fresh seafood served from a railway carriage, live music in the converted waiting rooms, to Champagnes in a bar tucked into the Lighthouse at the end of the Arm.

Along the Arm, there are venues serving street food: gourmet hot-dogs, deliciously filled bao buns, polenta encrusted fish, and so much more, all with a choice of beers and soft drinks. Venture further and you’ll discover Platform 4; a deeply historic indoor space that’s home to a dessert parlor, Frenglish (French/English) Bistro and handmade wooden gifts and workshop.

Then at the very end sits the Lighthouse Champagne Bar; the jewel in The Harbour Arm’s crown. This historic, fully functioning Lighthouse was faithfully restored as part of our reopening in 2014 and now served a wide variety of quality fizz, English Wines and many other drinks to serve all tastes.

FAQS

  • The Harbour Arm is open for promenading everyday, dawn - dusk.

    Street food kioks on the Harbour Arm are currently open Wednesday - Sunday, 12 - 6.
    From 29th March the site will be open 7 days a week from 12 to 6pm, for the Easter Holidays.

  • Yes, there is a large carpark on site. Find out more about tariffs and online pay-as-you-go here.
  • We will occasionally do callouts for new traders when a new opportunity or space becomes available.

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