Photographing Folkestone - A Hidden Gem of Southern England
Folkestone is one of the UK’s best-kept secrets for photographers—with a perfect mix of iconic coastal landscape, 19th Century charm and dynamic street scenes.
Cities like Brighton and Bournemouth often steal the spotlight, while Folkestone remains refreshingly under the radar, offering an authentic and less crowded experience.
My personal connection to Folkestone runs deep—my mum lived here for over a decade, and I’ve watched the town begin to evolve from a quiet seaside retreat into an exciting creative hub. As more people escape the hustle of London for the peaceful seaside lifestyle, the town has been revived with new cafes, bars, and businesses. This blend of history, emerging culture, and stunning natural beauty makes Folkestone a dream destination for both street and travel photography.
In this post I’ll share some of my favourite photo locations to capture the essence of Folkestone. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or just starting out, I hope there’s something here to inspire you.
A black and white photo of the Antony Gormley Statue: Another Time XVIII 2013 - at the Loading Bay underneath the Harbour Arm at Folkestone
1. Beach and Seafront: Landscape and Minimal Heaven
The beach and seafront in Folkestone are fantastic for landscape and minimal photography.
The newly developed shoreline property area provides a striking contrast between modern architecture and the natural beauty of the coast.
The sleek, modern buildings set against the backdrop of the English Channel create compositions that really stand out, especially in the golden hours around sunrise or sunset.
The light at sunrise and sunset casts warm hues over the sea and shoreline which brings nice texture and depth to images. It could be something about the misty sea air along this coastline but the light at morning and evening times is incredible for landscape photography. On a clear day you can see across to the coast of France too.
Folkestone seafront offers some of the best sunset views on the south coast. As the sun sets over the English Channel, the sky lights up with warm golden hues, casting a beautiful glow across the sea and coastline.
2. Boats at the Harbour
The Folkestone Harbour area is great for both street and landscape photography. The Boats at the Harbour are especially photogenic with colorful fishing boats and yachts creating a lively contrast against the backdrop of the marina and cliffs or the Harbour arm.
Boats sitting on Folkestone Harbour floor at low tide
Harbour Photography tip - Check the tide times:
For the best shots at Folkestone Harbour, check the tide times—high tide offers floating boats and reflections, while low tide reveals exposed boats and textures on the Harbour floor.
This can help you plan your photography schedule in Folkestone, especially if you want to capture the boats during the golden hours, as tide levels will differ between morning and evening.
3. Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Folkestone Harbour Arm, with its mix of historic architecture and modern touches provides fantastic views of the sea and the Harbour.
A boat drifts towards Folkestone Harbour Arm in calm evening water
The iconic lighthouse at the end of the Harbour Arm, combined with the golden light of sunset or the blue tones of twilight, creates perfect opportunities for dramatic shots. The area tends to be quieter early in the morning or just before sunset, so plan your visit during these times to avoid crowds and get the best light.
Address: Folkestone Harbour Arm, Folkestone CT20 1QW, UK
Hours: The Harbour Arm is open daily, but check individual businesses for specific opening times
Admission: Free to visit the Harbour Arm and surrounding areas
How to Get There: Folkestone Harbour is just a short walk from the town centre. If you're coming by train, Folkestone Central Station is around a 10-minute walk away.
Dont forget to check out the Antony Gormley artwork/ statue that’s tucked away underneath the Harbour Arm.
4. Old Train Station at the Harbour
Located by the Harbour, Folkestone’s old train station has a historical charm that’s perfect for moody, atmospheric shots. The station’s weathered architecture contrasts beautifully with the surrounding water and boats, creating a timeless scene. Play with angles here to capture leading lines from the tracks or use the station as a backdrop for people walking by, bringing a human element to the story of this historic spot.
The curved lines of the winding train platform offer great photo compositions.
5. Old High Street
The Old High Street in Folkestone is fun to photograph before or after visiting the Harbour area, as it’s close by and offers a very different photography style. I like how the shops and cafes have embraced bright, colorful facades and unique designs, creating a variety of photo opportunities within its tight streets and alleys.
6. List of Other Locations and Useful Info
Additional Photography Locations:
The Leas: Folkestone’s scenic promenade offers panoramic sea views, perfect for landscape shots and street photography. The open space, cliffside benches, and horizon views create stunning compositions.
Sunny Sands and the Arches: This beautiful beach on the Southeast Coast is ideal for capturing both natural landscapes and architectural shots of the arches.
Wear Bay Road: A walk up to the cliff above Sunny Sands provides breathtaking views of the coastline, the Harbour Arm, and, on a clear day, the French coastline—depending on the weather and the reach of your camera lens.
A few photos from Wear Bay road and the Leas.
Getting to Folkestone:
Folkestone is easily accessible via direct trains from London stations to Folkestone Central. If you’re driving, be aware that parking can be challenging during the busy summer months, so allow extra time if your schedule is tight.
Food and Drink:
No visit to Folkestone is complete without trying the local fish and chips or visiting a traditional pub. For take-away, I recommend Sandy’s at the Harbour, while The Pullman at the top of the Old High Street is great for dining in. For a classic pub experience, head to The Ship Inn, where you can enjoy a beer outside while watching boats in the Harbour. Another must-see is The Samuel Peto Wetherspoons, a stunningly decorated pub that’s worth visiting for its unique interior (While I wouldn’t always include Wetherspoons as a top pub recommendation… The Samuel Peto is a worthy exception).
Shopping:
For artistic and unique finds, photographers and creatives will love Kitty McCall’s flagship store on Tontine Street, featuring vibrant textiles and graphic designs. The Old High Street is also home to charming shops offering high-quality local products—Shane Record’s art gallery and shop is a particular favorite of mine.
Photography Supplies and Advice:
Nik & Trick’s photography shop is a must-visit for analogue photography enthusiasts. Specializing in film photography, the shop also stocks a range of other photography items and accessories. Whether you’re looking for film, a unique camera find, or advice about capturing Folkestone’s best photo spots, the knowledgeable staff are always happy to help. It’s also a great place to know if you have any photography emergencies while in the area.
Summary and Closing Thoughts
Folkestone is a South Coast hidden gem for photographers, packed with coastal beauty, historic charm, and dynamic street scenes.
Whether you’re capturing the boats in the Harbour, experimenting with minimalist shots on the seafront, or framing architectural details like the Harbour Arm or Sunny Sands arches, Folkestone wll have something for every photographer. Be sure to check tide times and plan around golden hours for the best light and conditions.
Leave enough time during your visit for some fish and chips or a pint at the Harbour, and check out the local art shops like Kitty McCall and Shane Record.
What are your favorite photography spots in Folkestone and are the some photo spots that I should have included? Let me know via the Social links below!
