Folkestone
Sheltered by the South Downs on the edge of the English Channel. The elegant Leas with its attractive squares and gardens dating from 1843. A grassy mile-long promenade and walks along the cliff-top provide stunning views, whilst the picturesque harbour is alive with fishing boats and pleasure craft.
In contrast to the white cliffs at Dover further to the east, the cliffs at Folkestone are composed of Greensand and Gault Clay. A small stream, Pent Brook, cuts through the cliffs, and provides a haven for fishermen and cross-channel boats.
Aside from the harbour and the Leas, a major landmark is the Martello Tower which still stands on the cliff above Copt Point. Built in 1806 as a defence against Napoleon, it has a flat parapet roof which was once mounted with a cannon. The round shape of the building allowed it to rotate 360°, able to defend all directions. It has also been a Coast Guard lookout, a family home, a golf clubhouse and a Second World War Naval mine control post. It now houses a visitor centre, where you can learn all about its fascinating history.
Folkestone is complete with everything a trip to the seaside should involve: arcades, funfairs, and pebble beaches, pleasant promenades and a quaint fishing harbour. To top it off you must visit the Church of St. Mary and St. Eanswythe for the astonishing stained glass windows.
We offer 6 tours to Folkestone and the surrounding areas in 2019, from winter warmers in February and March, to festive breaks at Christmas and New Year, and self-drive breaks in between it’s not hard to see why it is one of our most popular seaside destinations.
The Grand Burstin Hotel
This hotel is superbly located on the seafront, overlooking Folkestone's picturesque harbour and the perfect location for getting out and about.
The hotel is large and has 550 cosy bedrooms, but with 4 lifts within the hotel and plenty of staff on hand everything is well managed.
Most of the bedrooms have sea views, but all rooms are equipped with a flat screen TV, ironing board, tea, coffee, milk, a kettle and comfy beds with plenty of storage space.
Customer Tip* Request a room on the 12th floor as they have lovely sea view rooms.
There are two restaurants, the Victorian that comes at an additional supplement offering a variety of dishes on a la carte menu, made up by the chef’s specialities.
Then you have the Harbour restaurant which is included in your half board basis. A buffet style for breakfast and dinner, with a range of dishes that are freshly prepared and restocked regularly, there is plenty for everyone.
A delightful highlight is the selection of deserts and sweets such as trifles, hot pudding and custard, cake and more are on offer to sooth your sweet tooth.
Breakfast Times
Monday - Saturday: 6:00am - 10:00am
Sunday: 6:30am - 10:30am
Dinner Times
Daily: 5.30pm - 8.00pm
The hotel is renowned as one of the UK's top entertainment hotels. The Ocean bar hosts nightly live entertainment from 5pm, with music from the resident band and even bingo. There are fruit machines in the lounge area and if you have your dancing shoes, you can dance the night away at the late night disco in the ball room. As for your evening drinks, the bars are well priced and have daily offers such as 2-4-1 on drinks.
Excursions
Each of our holidays include different excursions in the cost, self-drive breaks do not include these, but all the destinations are accessible to do on your own.
Canterbury
Canterbury is encircled by a medieval city wall and dominated by its historic Cathedral, with pretty parks, gardens and historic buildings around almost every corner it’s a UNESCO heritage site steeped in history and not to be missed.
Battle of Britain Memorial
The Kent Battle of Britain Museum is in an old armoury and features the RAF Room, the Luftwaffe Room, the Aircraft Armaments Room, and an art gallery. There is a Spitfire and a Hurricane on static display, a highlight of the memorial is a short film that shows interviews from some of the fighter pilots with their recollection of events and a very informative display of how the events of the Battle of Britain unfolded and played out.
This National Memorial to the Few is also in a glorious location atop the famous white cliffs and offering superb views across the Channel to France.
Ramsgate
At the very edge of the Garden of England, Ramsgate is a Georgian and Victorian resort, this harbour town, with miles of low chalk cliffs, shelters a string of secluded, unspoilt sandy bays. It’s an idyllic area, if you have the time take a boat trip to spot seals basking on the Goodwin Sands. Alternatively, enjoy sitting at one of the waterfront bars or restaurants and people watch.
Rye
Rye is one of England’s best-preserved medieval towns. With names like Mermaid Street, Watchbell Lane, and Wish Street you will be enchanted by a town where time stands still.
Like something from an old time movie the crooked half-timbered houses line a muddle of cobbled lanes, a castle hosts a rare smuggler’s lamp and a medieval herb garden, for views of the town and river Rother estuary head to the towers of the caslte. If that wasn’t enough there are beach walks, ancient inns and independent shops to peruse.
Deal
This little gem of a town is surrounded by buzzing cafes and pubs that sit alongside a photogenic seafront and sweeping pier. Not only is it a seaside resort it has two castles of importance:
Deal Castle built by Henry VIII, it was one of three fortresses constructed by Henry along this coast line.
Walmer Castle this was the former command post to the Duke of Wellington and even features an original pair of Wellington boots.
Hythe
Hythe, meaning haven or landing place, is a small but quaint coastal town, lined with medieval and Georgian buildings, as well as a Saxon/Norman church on the hill. It is the perfect location for walking along the Victorian seafront which is situated next to the shingle beaches.
Dymchurch Railway
Dymchurch Railway is a fabulous experience taking you back in time on a narrow gauge steam railway running from Hythe all the way across the Romney marshes to the sea and lighthouses at Dungeness.
The railway is well-run by very friendly local people, mostly who volunteer and there is a great exhibition at New Romney, with a model railway and a good café with a nice choice of menu.
Rochester Dickensian Christmas Market
This Christmas market is like no other, here you can uncover a feast of Victorian delights, get dressed up and enjoy some familiar costumed characters. Parades and open air carol concerts are on offer and of course you can browse the stalls for some festive shopping. There was even guaranteed snowfall, all framed by Rochester's fairytale castle and cathedral.