New restaurants, bars, cafes & pathways

One of the most striking of Folkestone’s new network of walkways is the Boardwalk that meanders westward from the harbour towards the Lower Leas Coastal Park. 800m long and made from old railway sleepers, it continues the landscaped pedestrian route that begins at The Stade, follows the viaduct and restored station and links the bars and cafes of the Harbour Arm to the Lower Leas Coastal Park and the historic Leas Lift.

Much of the shingle beach is made of material naturally washed along the coast line and which has been captured by the Harbour and Harbour Arm since its construction in the 19th century.

Architects ACME used the railway sleepers as a link to the harbour’s heritage. Conversely the landscaping of the Harbour Arm and viaduct has introduced shingle between existing rails and sleepers that have been repurposed for seating and platforms. The hardwood is also durable enough to withstand the harsh marine environment.

The Boardwalk not only takes people between the coastal park and harbour, but brings them closer to the water’s edge. Close to the route of the Boardwalk you’ll find a number of public artworks, originally created for various editions of the Folkestone Triennial. These include: AK Dolven’s suspended bell ‘Out of Tune’ (2011); Lubaina Himid’s, ‘Jelly Mould Pavilion’ (2017); and Sol Calero’s ‘Casa Anacaona’ (2017).

Photography courtesy of Shane Records and Alan F. Taylor, Folkestone & District Local History Society