Sunny Sands Beach
Folkestone, Coast
Photo of Folkestone: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0Photo of Folkestone: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0
Sunny Sands is a sandy beach in Folkestone, and the sand here is good enough to host the town's annual sandcastle competition. Bring a bucket and spade, look out for the Folkestone Mermaid statue on the shore and pick up ice cream or fish and chips nearby. It suits families with young children and is perfect for a relaxed afternoon.
Highlights
- Sandy beach, unusual on this stretch of coast
- The Folkestone Mermaid statue overlooking the shore
- Home of the annual Folkestone sandcastle competition
- Short walk to the Lower Leas Coastal Park and its adventure playground
Good to know
- Toilets are available and the beach is suitable for swimming
- Check local signage for any seasonal dog restrictions before you go
Getting there
Sunny Sands Beach, Sunny Sands, Folkestone, Kent, CT19 6AAParking: Parking is available nearby; Folkestone Central is the nearest railway station.
Get directionsChecked on 15 October 2026 against explorekent.org. Details change, so please confirm with the venue before you travel. How we check
Nearby
Image: Folkestone Harbour ArmFolkestone Harbour Arm
Folkestone's restored Harbour Arm is a promenade out to sea lined with independent food stalls, bars and small shops, including a champagne bar in the lighthouse. It hosts live music, film screenings and markets through the year, including a festive market before Christmas. It is free to stroll and a good base for exploring the harbour and beaches.
Image: Creative FolkestoneFolkestone Quarterhouse
Quarterhouse is a performing arts venue at the cultural heart of Folkestone, run by Creative Folkestone. Its programme mixes theatre, music, film and comedy with classes and workshops, and The Clearing café bar on the first floor is a striking spot for a drink before a show. It suits an evening out or a creative daytime session.
Photo of Folkestone: Oast House Archive, CC BY-SA 2.0Folkestone Museum
Folkestone Museum, in the town's neo-classical Town Hall at the bottom of Sandgate Road, traces Folkestone from the dinosaurs to the Second World War. Displays cover its days as a coastal community and fashionable seaside resort, with interactive areas for children. It is free and works well as a one or two hour visit in the town centre.