Lower Leas Coastal Park
Lower Leas Coastal Park
4.5
Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Playgrounds
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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.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,007 reviews
Excellent
732
Very good
246
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21
Poor
4
Terrible
4
mrsbsouthend
Rayleigh, UK772 contributions
Aug 2022
Coming from Essex (Southend area) I definitely have cliffs park envy. Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant. The planting also beautiful despite recent drought. It appeared wheelchair and pushchair friendly too. I did see some disabled people out with a local counsellor and there was discussion going on about making an accessible route, which I think is a brilliant idea!
The zig zag path was a talking point, as was the absolutely brilliant kids playground. Shady in the hot sun, lots of places to sit for parents, clever design. Even after I'd puffed my way up to the top I still loved it!
What I would say is save yourself serious amounts of money not parking there, £12 for 5 hours plus! I parked up at Sandgate Road and it cost £5.50 for 24 hours up there, and it's all reasonable walking distance (give or take the big hill to climb back up!!!).
The zig zag path was a talking point, as was the absolutely brilliant kids playground. Shady in the hot sun, lots of places to sit for parents, clever design. Even after I'd puffed my way up to the top I still loved it!
What I would say is save yourself serious amounts of money not parking there, £12 for 5 hours plus! I parked up at Sandgate Road and it cost £5.50 for 24 hours up there, and it's all reasonable walking distance (give or take the big hill to climb back up!!!).
Written August 26, 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.
Melody R
5 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.
phatpigeon
London2 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
Super linear park amongst trees on the coast, right by beach. Play areas, toilets, cafe and beach of course. Can walk along to harbour or other direction to Sandgate.
Council have recently increased car parking charges. Reasonable up to an hour stay but anything more you will pay £12 for 1 hour up to 4 hrs then more than 4 is £20, yes £20....
As the activities are free might make it easier to swallow for some visitors
(Note there is no adjacent free parking it's permit zones). Free parking is a (steep walk) up the cliffside.
Its a great council facility, such a pity the crazy car park charges put it out of reach of those who might need it most.
Council have recently increased car parking charges. Reasonable up to an hour stay but anything more you will pay £12 for 1 hour up to 4 hrs then more than 4 is £20, yes £20....
As the activities are free might make it easier to swallow for some visitors
(Note there is no adjacent free parking it's permit zones). Free parking is a (steep walk) up the cliffside.
Its a great council facility, such a pity the crazy car park charges put it out of reach of those who might need it most.
Written December 16, 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.
srn1981
91 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, UK173 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.
Hayley
Canterbury, UK19 contributions
Aug 2020
We really liked our visit here yesterday. It feels like you are abroad. The views from the zig zag path are beautiful. It was dog friendly and dogs are allowed on some of the beaches, not the ones in the middle. There are lots of benches to have a sit down on. I had read there were toilets but didn't see them so maybe some more would be good. Parking is expensive but we went to Sandgate car park which is 5 minutes walk away and was only £2.50 for four hours. We found a nice chip shop up near the pier end. We don't have small children but saw a great park.
Written August 21, 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.
Rustylino
Folkestone, UK53 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.
LucindaRandolph
Folkestone, UK96 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.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK939 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.
Vanessa M
London, UK155 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.
Are you allowed to do bbq’s in folkestone coastal beach at all?
Bogdan R
Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park, UK13 contributions
In the Lower Leas Coastel Park there are some specific areas where you can do BBQ. Directly on the beach, I not that sure.
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 ?
BenLilyTegan
Faversham, UK258 contributions
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.
Can you go sea fishing on the beach near the coastal park
Fernchlu_12
Folkestone, UK133 contributions
Yes.
tamirra65
London, UK4 contributions
Is it suitable for toddlers?
marinal251
London, UK56 contributions
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.
Veronica C
London, UK8 contributions
hi all
can you please let me know if for barbecue i need to book a place or is available on arrival?
thanks
Fernchlu_12
Folkestone, UK133 contributions
You take pot luck but there are quite a few. I think most people take the disposable type and use them on the stands.
anahodges8
Rochester, UK1 contribution
Is it all in the open or quite shaded here
Lollipopsbaby
Marina Romea, Italy353 contributions
Hi there are both open and shaded places. It truly is a beautiful place
Christine S
Blandford Forum38 contributions
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.
Bev
Kent, UK10 contributions
Yes. On lead
Michael L
Strood, UK195 contributions
Can you bring your own BBQ to the park?
Stuart B
Deal, UK1,656 contributions
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.
Lower Leas Coastal Park (Folkestone) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Lower Leas Coastal Park
- Lower Leas Coastal Park is open:
- Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Hotels near Lower Leas Coastal Park:
- (0.11 mi) View Hotel Folkestone
- (0.17 mi) Best Western Plus Burlington Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Westward Ho! Hotel
- (0.11 mi) Penthouse balcony apartment with panoramic sea views
- (0.25 mi) 10to12 Folkestone
- Restaurants near Lower Leas Coastal Park:
- (0.12 mi) The Cliffe Lounge Bar & Kitchen
- (0.05 mi) Mermaids Cafe
- (0.16 mi) Bay Tree Bar & Grill
- (0.33 mi) The Bouverie Tap
- (0.33 mi) Conchitas