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 27 Mar 25, 18:00 - 20:00
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…
Every Friday from 7pm, 19:00 - 23:00
Free
Live Music, Welcome Drink and 3 courses for £29.50pp A great night out doesn't have to break the bank. The Sunset…
Sat 29 Mar 25, 13:00 - 15:00 + more dates
Free
Come along to see short films made by Touchbase Members on the big screen. You'll see drama, documentaries, comedy and …
Sat 29 Mar 25, 18:45 - 20:45
Free
DIVE INTO CREATIVITY WITH 'WALLED COTTAGE FLOWERS' TO CREATE A BEAUTIFUL HAND TIED BOUQUET Learn more and book <a…
Sun 30 Mar 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Northern Soul classics laid over old-school Jamaican Ska/Reggae Grooves The Altones bring you some unique soul/reggae…
Sat 05 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Katie has been recognised nationally in the British Blues Awards for multiple nominations for songwriting and female …
Sat 05 Apr 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Northern Soul classics laid over old-school Jamaican Ska/Reggae Grooves The Altones bring you some unique soul/reggae…
Sun 06 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
One man. Huge Sound. Good vibes. Completely live mix of euphoric music that elevates you using Live Loops, synths,…
Sun 13 Apr 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 19 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Heroes are a 4 piece Kent based band playing tribute to late 70s and early 80s New Wave, Ska and Mod revival.
Sat 19 Apr 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Gumboots Reggae band have been playing on the local Kent music circuit for a while playing Reggae bangers.
Sun 20 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Soul/Blues at it's finest as Samuel Ashton and the Instincts return to Folkestone Harbour. Samuel Ashton's music has…
Sun 20 Apr 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Lucy May Walker is a solo acoustic performer who started her career busking on the streets and train stations of London….
Mon 21 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
What a Belter of a Little Big Band The little big band with a BIG, Big Band Sound. The KD Dance Orchestra are joined by…
Fri 18 Apr - Mon 21 Apr 25, 11:00 - 18:00
Free
Egg-cellent adventures await! The Great Folkestone Egg Hunt is ON! This Easter weekend, the Harbour Bunny is…
Sat 26 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Guitar and organ led 4piece with a funky, soulful, retro feel. Guitar and Organ 4 piece with Funky retro feel
Sat 26 Apr 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
The brand new sound of old school funk This exciting quintet play an unsubtle blend of funk and latin classics,…
Sun 27 Apr 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Ska and Reggae Classics and originals Brad Pittance and the Pirates is a 6 piece Ska and Reggae band performing classic…
Sun 27 Apr 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Killer vocals, pounding drums and jaw dropping guitar playing. The world's most incredible 2-man-band. You will be…
Sat 03 May 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Americana with Country and Blues. Kuschty Rye play Americana with Country and Blues.
Sun 04 May 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Mampama play a mixed bag of African pop songs and fusion music.
Mon 05 May 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Be prepared for original songs mixed with choice covers. Dead Man's Corner is a perfect coming together of Pop, Garage,…
Mon 05 May 25, 15:00 - 17:00
Free
Enjoy authentic Traditional Mexican music and Pop covers with a Mariachi twist. Mariachi Rey has a wide repertoire which…
Mon 05 May 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Come and listen to some wild and original folk-fusion. Contemporary folk-fusion band Lost Revellers captivate audiences…
Sat 10 May 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
One man. Huge Sound. Good vibes. Completely live mix of euphoric music that elevates you using Live Loops, synths,…
Sun 11 May 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Full blown, joyous, brass-heavy, Phatt New Orleans vibes. The Native Oysters Band are a funky, New Orleans style,…
Sat 17 May 25, 10:00 - 18:00
Free
A day of classic Volkswagens A mix of classic VW beetles and campers will be displayed around Folkestone Harbour.
More…
Sun 25 May 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Internationally recognised British blues-rock band from the heart of Kent Described as, "A seriously good, tight-knit…
Sun 25 May 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Rootin, tootin and thigh slapping country. If you like both kinds of music you are in luck. This totally live duo will…
Thu 29 May 25, 19:00 - 21:30
Free
John Woolrich In Conversation with , with Marianne Schofield, Double Bass. The Australian composer Luke Styles…
Sat 31 May 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
3 part harmonies supported by driving folk rhythms and infectious hooks. Hailing from Folkestone and Cantebury but based…
Sun 01 Jun 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Jazzy, upbeat versions of classic hits. The Diane Dunn Trio play up-tempo jazzy mashups of classic songs.
Sat 07 Jun 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Americana with Country and Blues. Kuschty Rye play Americana with Country and Blues.
Sat 07 Jun 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 15 Jun 25, 14:00 - 14:00 + more dates
Free
Miss Holiday and the Swingtones are a 5 piece band with female vocals, sax, piano, double bass and drums. Their mix of…
Sat 21 Jun 25, 14:00 - 16:00 + more dates
Free
Live and Alfresco! Project F are so happy to be bringing the full Funk and Soul outfit to the Harbour Arm for some…
Tue 24 Jun 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Soul/Blues at it's finest as Samuel Ashton and the Instincts return to Folkestone Harbour. Samuel Ashton's music has…
Sun 06 Jul 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Come and listen to some wild and original folk-fusion. Contemporary folk-fusion band Lost Revellers captivate audiences…
Sat 12 Jul 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
A mixed bag of mellow easy blues soul and reggae Big Easy Trio play a selection of old blues and soul classics with some…
Sat 19 Jul 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Horn-powered instrumental skeleton ska, playing originals and old-school classics. The Marching SKAletons were brought…
Sun 20 Jul 25, 12:00 - 18:00
Free
Returning to Folkestone Harbour for its 5th year Get those diaries out and red dresses ready. We are delighted to…
Sun 27 Jul 25, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Eclectic Pop-rock with skilful harmonies Gentlemen of Few play an eclectic blend of indie/pop rock, fusing skilful vocal…
Sun 27 Jul 25, 16:00 - 18:00 + more dates
Free
Gumboots Reggae duo have been playing on the local Kent music circuit for a while playing Reggae bangers.
Sat 16 Aug 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Sunshine Afro-roots duo from UK/Sierra Leone TwoManTing was formed in 2024 when Sierra Leonean percussionist Jah-man…
Sat 23 Aug 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Pop Tock Classics across the decades Nylon Tigers is a pop rock band performing classic covers across the decades from…
Sun 14 Sep 25, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
Internationally recognised British blues-rock band from the heart of Kent Described as, "A seriously good, tight-knit…
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 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…
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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