Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Leas Coastal Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
About
New measures have been introduced by Folkestone & Hythe District Council in response to the sheer numbers of people visiting the Lower Leas Coastal Park. These measures include: Banning barbecues in the Coastal Park with immediate effect. BBQ pods have been removed. Refreshing the double yellow lines along Radnor Cliff Road. Installing a lockable barrier on the Coastal Park car park and close this overnight from 8pm - 8am to discourage groups from staying late into the evening. We are unable to release any vehicles over night. Installing additional signage and exploring the use of large electronic signage located at various points in the district/access points to the park areas. Increasing the amount of enforcement and advisory officers to give a higher visual presence. We will be issuing warnings - and potentially fines - to anyone acting in a way that negatively impacts on others.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,008 reviews
Excellent
732
Very good
247
Average
21
Poor
4
Terrible
4
srn1981
204 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
I’ve been looking forward to coming here for a long time but was disappointed.
The parking is very, very expensive at £12 for 4 hours.
The park was extremely busy and very difficult to social distance, there were large gatherings on the grass areas so was difficult to move around. We didn’t get to experience the whole park due to this.
The bins were all overflowing (I know people should take their rubbish home) but at the cost of parking the council should empty them more frequently. There was rubbish all down the steps on the way to the beach that we had to step over.
Getting to and from the park/parking was difficult as 2 cars were unable to pass so lots of reversing was neeeded to leave at the end of the day.
Positives are the children loved the beach, the playground and The Mermaid Cafe is lovely and even had vegan choices.
Unfortunately, I won’t be rushing back. There are far better country parks.
The parking is very, very expensive at £12 for 4 hours.
The park was extremely busy and very difficult to social distance, there were large gatherings on the grass areas so was difficult to move around. We didn’t get to experience the whole park due to this.
The bins were all overflowing (I know people should take their rubbish home) but at the cost of parking the council should empty them more frequently. There was rubbish all down the steps on the way to the beach that we had to step over.
Getting to and from the park/parking was difficult as 2 cars were unable to pass so lots of reversing was neeeded to leave at the end of the day.
Positives are the children loved the beach, the playground and The Mermaid Cafe is lovely and even had vegan choices.
Unfortunately, I won’t be rushing back. There are far better country parks.
Written August 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SJC94
Ashford, UK215 contributions
May 2021 • Friends
Shady gardens stretching along the coast between Sandgate and Folkestone.
Generally well maintained with play and quiet areas . Signs explaining what renovations are being done.
At the moment the tranquility is slightly spoilt by building work noise at the Folkestone end.
Also the council have felt the need to put poles up with all the banned activities listed everywhere. It is disappointing they feel they need to do this.
Generally well maintained with play and quiet areas . Signs explaining what renovations are being done.
At the moment the tranquility is slightly spoilt by building work noise at the Folkestone end.
Also the council have felt the need to put poles up with all the banned activities listed everywhere. It is disappointing they feel they need to do this.
Written June 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rustylino
Folkestone, UK47 contributions
Jun 2020 • Solo
Stop Press -Effective June2nd 2020
The Park has introduced strict measures due to constant abuse of the site. No BBQs are permitted effective 2 June. Additional enforcement of theses measures are in place. The place is no longer an attraction for large groups. Parking will be more stringently controlled.
The Park has introduced strict measures due to constant abuse of the site. No BBQs are permitted effective 2 June. Additional enforcement of theses measures are in place. The place is no longer an attraction for large groups. Parking will be more stringently controlled.
Written June 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Melody R
6 contributions
Sep 2021
Folkestone is very lucky to have this wonderful playground. Entering the Coastal Park either from the Sandgate end or the Folkestone Harbour end, the park is beautiful in itself, with picnic spots dotted around, and some stunning plant displays. The playground is roughly in 4 parts. 1. A pirate ship. 2. A large climbing web. 3. A network of wooden climbing frames, bridges and towers, with two zip wires. 4. large sandpits with equipment. The park is just above Mermaid beach, and the Mermaid Cafe sells very good quality snacks. There are toilets within the park.
Written April 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK1,375 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Parked in a side street in Sandgate, (2hours free), headed to the sea turned left and just followed the path in the direction of Folkestone. Path is smooth, well maintained and wide enough for walkers and cyclists. Some very colourful beach huts line part of the route. Beaches are formed in crescent shapes with piles of boulders forming breakwaters. There is a cafe along the path called The Mermaid Cafe. You can walk all the way to Folkestone Harbour, or you can take a path back up to The Leas. Our route was about 5kms.
Written February 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LucindaRandolph
Folkestone, UK92 contributions
Dec 2021
It's the greatest honour to have this as my local park, a mere 4 minutes away. And with the sea running alongside it.
I moved to Folkestone in March 2017, and I still thank Archangel Michael et al daily for my "one flat viewing" and then move to the seaside! I've never lived by the sea before. It's a huge honour!
This park is divine! It really is beautiful. Stunning and unusual plants and flowers. A huge credit to those upkeeping the place.
The dog walkers, on the whole are very good, and pick up their doggy doo. Very thankful.
Fun, and unusual Pirate themed kids playground. And there is an Amphitheatre there with free events during the summer.
The Mermaid Cafe has lovely ice creams. The inside looks inviting, funky and snug. Must go there for a drink one day.
Either way, blessed to live next door to this gorgeous park!
I moved to Folkestone in March 2017, and I still thank Archangel Michael et al daily for my "one flat viewing" and then move to the seaside! I've never lived by the sea before. It's a huge honour!
This park is divine! It really is beautiful. Stunning and unusual plants and flowers. A huge credit to those upkeeping the place.
The dog walkers, on the whole are very good, and pick up their doggy doo. Very thankful.
Fun, and unusual Pirate themed kids playground. And there is an Amphitheatre there with free events during the summer.
The Mermaid Cafe has lovely ice creams. The inside looks inviting, funky and snug. Must go there for a drink one day.
Either way, blessed to live next door to this gorgeous park!
Written December 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vanessa M
London, UK179 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
This is one of my favourite walks in Kent. Along the Leas, down the zig zag, along the lower Leas and then along the Harbour Arm. Beautifully maintained with stunning sea views and a clear sight to France!
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KentEnglandLife
Chatham, UK2,970 contributions
Jul 2020
Everything is just right, It was clean and looked fantastic. the different plants and trees, the zig zag path and lots of seating areas just to relax. you can easily spend a few hours here. Also the cafe and children's play area are good too.
Written July 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul S
Aylesford, UK115 contributions
Aug 2019 • Family
We were recommended to visit here by friends and on reading the reviews decided to give
it a go.
Unfortunately I was left feeling a bit disappointed, yes it was clean and tidy and yes it had a good play park but that was it, there’s no cafe and little in the way of amenities plus parking isn’t great and expensive.
In my opinion the other parks around Kent like Brockhill near Hythe are a far better bet with better facilities.
This place left me feeling rather under whelmed ☹️.
it a go.
Unfortunately I was left feeling a bit disappointed, yes it was clean and tidy and yes it had a good play park but that was it, there’s no cafe and little in the way of amenities plus parking isn’t great and expensive.
In my opinion the other parks around Kent like Brockhill near Hythe are a far better bet with better facilities.
This place left me feeling rather under whelmed ☹️.
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CHINCH43
Rodersdorf, Switzerland49 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
One of the most beautiful walking and recreational areas that we know anywhere. Something for everyone there. Like a little bit of the Med. Coast in the UK>
Written November 28, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Does the coastal park have a designated car park please? Thanks
Written September 19, 2020
Are you allowed to do bbq’s in folkestone coastal beach at all?
Written September 12, 2020
In the Lower Leas Coastel Park there are some specific areas where you can do BBQ. Directly on the beach, I not that sure.
Written September 13, 2020
Wanting to take grandson to play area but I have mobility issues and find walking difficult . Where is it best to park and how far and steep to the play area please ?
Written August 28, 2019
You can park very close to the park (on the same level as it), but you’d have to type the park into your satnav to direct you as it’s not easy to find.
If you did this then it’s a very short walk to the playground on a flat path.
Written August 28, 2019
Wij zijn een werkstuk aan het maken over het verenigd staten leuk om dit te doen
Written June 3, 2019
I’m afraid the main playground wouldn’t be suitable for young children. There is a smaller playground, which I’d presume was designed for younger children, however there’s no age restrictions and older kids also play there.
Written August 10, 2018
hi all
can you please let me know if for barbecue i need to book a place or is available on arrival?
thanks
Written July 7, 2018
You take pot luck but there are quite a few. I think most people take the disposable type and use them on the stands.
Written February 6, 2019
Is it all in the open or quite shaded here
Written June 25, 2018
Hi there are both open and shaded places. It truly is a beautiful place
Written June 26, 2018
Hi all, could you let me know if dogs are allowed. We are staying not far from Folkestone with our Westie and love the sea (we're from Dorset) so would really like to visit the Park.
Written May 22, 2018
Can you bring your own BBQ to the park?
Written August 7, 2017
Hi, I have seen lot's of people using their own BBQ's here so I would assume that you are OK to do so. There are also some fixed BBQ's in the area, but obviously you can't rely on one of these being available. There are lots of benches/seating areas, so this is a lovely spot for a BBQ.
Written August 18, 2017
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