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Folkestone named best place to visit in the UK by Time Out magazine

A “colourful” Kent town has been hailed as the best place to visit in the UK.

Time Out magazine ranked its 15 favourite locations to check out in 2025, with Folkestone clinching the number one spot.

Folkestone has been named the best place to visit in the UK in 2025 by Time Out
Folkestone has been named the best place to visit in the UK in 2025 by Time Out

The lifestyle publication commended the area’s nature and cuisine, saying: “For a while, Folkestone was something of an under-the-radar seaside destination – but those days are now long gone.

“In recent years the Kentish town has cemented its rep as a top-tier seaside spot, delightful for its colourful, cobbled Old High Street of indie shops, its ever-growing culinary scene, its balmy, sweeping beach and surrounding areas of natural beauty.”

It added that the Folkestone Triennial, “one of the most prestigious events in the UK art calendar”, will shine an even brighter light on the town.

The public art festival runs from July 19 to October 19, and Time Out urged visitors to plan their trip to coincide with it.

Time Out added: “Don’t miss walking from Sandgate down the seafront all the way to the Warren Nature Reserve, then back along the top; slowly crawling your way through the tiny galleries around Old High Street is a must, as is a pint at harbourside pub the Ship Inn.”

Sir Roger De Haan’s plans for the transformation of Folkestone's harbour arm have been rejected. Picture: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company
Sir Roger De Haan’s plans for the transformation of Folkestone's harbour arm have been rejected. Picture: Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company

Folkestone is the only Kent entry on this year’s list, beating Stratford in second and Stoke-on-Trent in third.

Last year, Ramsgate was ranked 11th, with judges calling it a “walkable gem with a hell of a lot of character”.

Time Out previously lauded Cliftonville, Margate, as the eighth coolest neighbourhood in the world.

Folkestone has been in the spotlight in recent days as Sir Roger De Haan - responsible for the trendy harbour arm’s regeneration - saw his ambitious plans to build new tower blocks rejected by councillors on Tuesday.

The philanthropist had applied to build 410 homes and 54 commercial units at the harbour.

Folkestone was also named as the best place to live in the south east by The Sunday Times last year.

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