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 2015, 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 and drink 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 and Beachside in 2021 as two 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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Every Thursday from 7pm, 19:30 - 22:30
Free
A night of free live music, small plates, hot toddies, mulled wine and winter warmers. Running every Thursday from…
Sat 09 Dec 23, 13:00 - 15:00
Free
Jazzy, upbeat versions of classic hits.
Sat 09 Dec 23, 15:00 - 17:00
Free
Gumboots reggae band are a local band playing all the classic Reggae & Ska songs. Gumboots Reggae Band play all the…
Sat 09 Dec 23, 16:00 - 17:30
Free
Home Alone (PG), 1990 When bratty 8-year-old Kevin McCallister (Macaulay Culkin) acts out the night before a family trip…
Sun 10 Dec 23, 13:00 - 14:00
Free
Shepway Voices perform sparkling songs of the season. Brimming with the sound of Christmas sparkle, Shepway Voices…
Sun 10 Dec 23, 14:00 - 16:00
Free
Live looping Guitarist and Vocalist alongside synths and stompbox. Thomas Abrahams has been playing guitar for more than…
Sun 10 Dec 23, 16:00 - 17:15
Free
The Nightmare Before Christmas (PG), 1993 The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown's…
Sat 16 Dec 23, 15:00 - 17:00
Free
Katie has been recognised nationally in the British Blues Awards for multiple nominations for songwriting and female …
Sat 16 Dec 23, 16:00 - 18:00
Free
How The Grinch Stole Christmas (PG), 2000 In this live-action adaptation of the beloved children's tale by Dr. Seuss,…
Sun 17 Dec 23, 13:00 - 15:00
Free
Well-known Christmas favourites in brass. Faversham Mission Brass bringing the festive cheer to Folkestone with…
Sun 17 Dec 23, 16:00 - 17:45
Free
Gremlins (12), 1984 A gadget salesman is looking for a special gift for his son and finds one at a store in Chinatown….
Fri 22 Dec 23, 18:00 - 18:30
Free
Folkestonian soprano performing festive tunes and classical numbers! Emily is a Folkestone born and bred classically…
Sat 23 Dec 23, 12:00 - 14:30
Free
It's a Wonderful Life (U), 1946 George Bailey has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's…
Fri 17 Nov - Sun 24 Dec 23, 16:00 - 16:00
Free
Our Christmassy Oasis Returns Now in its third year, this year's Folkestone Festive Marketplace promises an even greater…
Sun 24 Dec 23, 15:00 - 16:30
Free
The Muppet Christmas Carol (U), 1992 The Muppets perform the classic Dickens holiday tale, with Kermit the Frog playing…
Discover a range of food & drink
From fresh Greek mezze served from a double decker bus, to one of the world’s smallest pubs, to Champagnes in a bar tucked into the Lighthouse at the end of the Arm.

Along the Arm, there are huts serving street food: enormous burritos, gourmet hot-dogs, home-made burgers, 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 and Frenglish (French/English) Bistro.

Then at the vey 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.

  • 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.

    Sign up to our new business newsletter here to get any news about opportunities at Folkestone Harbour Arm delivered to your inbox.

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