Creative Folkestone Artworks
Folkestone's Creative Quarter and seafront transform into an open-air gallery, showcasing inspiring public art and a vibrant arts scene.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Galleries and shops are open
Creative Folkestone Artworks
Best Time
Galleries and shops are open
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Folkestone's Creative Quarter and seafront transform into an open-air gallery, showcasing inspiring public art and a vibrant arts scene.
"Amazing place to visit! Don't miss the Antony Gormleys."
🗺️ Get an Art Map
Download a map from the Creative Folkestone website to find all the artworks easily.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover the art scattered around town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Antony Gormley Sculptures
Various locations, including the seafront
Iconic human figures that blend seamlessly with the coastal landscape, offering thought-provoking perspectives.
Creative Quarter
Around Tontine Street and Rendezvous Street
A vibrant hub of galleries, studios, and independent shops showcasing local and international art.
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Folkestone Triennial Artworks
Throughout the town
Temporary and permanent public art installations that transform Folkestone into an open-air gallery.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Art Trail
Check Event Schedules
+2Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗺️ Get an Art Map
Download a map from the Creative Folkestone website to find all the artworks easily.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover the art scattered around town.
☕ Explore the Creative Quarter
Don't miss the independent galleries and cafes in this lively arts district.
🖼️ Check for Exhibitions
Look out for special exhibitions and events like the Folkestone Triennial.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗺️ Get an Art Map
Download a map from the Creative Folkestone website to find all the artworks easily.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to discover the art scattered around town.
☕ Explore the Creative Quarter
Don't miss the independent galleries and cafes in this lively arts district.
🖼️ Check for Exhibitions
Look out for special exhibitions and events like the Folkestone Triennial.
👀 Look Up and Around
Art is everywhere, from street art to sculptures on the seafront.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Folkestone's vibrant art scene, particularly the Antony Gormley sculptures and the lively Creative Quarter. Many find it an inspiring and accessible destination for art discovery, with a good mix of permanent and temporary installations. Some note that the art is spread out, requiring comfortable shoes and a map for full exploration.
"Amazing place to visit! Don't miss the Antony Gormleys"
Paloma Gardiner
"I visited Folkestone and really enjoyed the artworks - would recommend"
Yasmin Ozkan
"AMAZING INSPO FOR ART STUDENTS!!"
Rukewe Onomor (Rukyy)
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Folkestone is easily accessible by train from London St Pancras International, taking about 50 minutes. From the train station, many artworks are within walking distance, especially in the Creative Quarter. You can also drive, with parking available around the town.
Yes, Creative Folkestone provides maps online and at visitor points to help you navigate the various art installations spread across the town, from the harbour to the Creative Quarter.
Absolutely! Folkestone is a popular day trip destination from London due to its convenient train links and compact, walkable art trail.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Most of the public artworks are free to view as they are part of the town's landscape. Some galleries within the Creative Quarter may have entry fees or specific exhibition tickets.
The outdoor public artworks are accessible 24/7. Galleries and studios in the Creative Quarter typically have their own opening hours, often Wednesday to Sunday.
Yes, Creative Folkestone sometimes offers guided tours, especially during events like the Folkestone Triennial. Keep an eye on their website for schedules.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the Antony Gormley sculptures along the coast. The Creative Quarter is also a highlight, filled with galleries and street art.
Yes, many of the outdoor installations are engaging for all ages. The interactive nature of some pieces and the open spaces make it a fun experience for families.
You can see many highlights in a few hours, but to truly appreciate the art and explore the Creative Quarter, a full day or even a weekend is recommended.
The artworks are generally well-maintained, with local volunteers often monitoring them.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Creative Quarter and the harbour area offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants, from casual bites to more formal dining.
Yes, the Creative Quarter is dotted with independent coffee shops perfect for a break while art spotting.
📸 📸 Photography
The Antony Gormley sculptures against the sea, the colourful streets of the Creative Quarter, and the harbour offer fantastic photo opportunities.
The public art is integrated into the environment, providing unique angles. Consider the time of day for lighting, especially for the coastal sculptures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look for interactive installations or pieces that are visually striking. The open spaces around the artworks, like the seafront, also provide room for kids to move and play.
Consider downloading an art map to turn your exploration into a treasure hunt, making the art discovery process more fun and engaging for younger visitors. 🎨 Art Enthusiasts & Students
+1 The Antony Gormley sculptures are iconic and provide a profound connection between the human form and the natural landscape. The Creative Quarter is your hub for discovering emerging and established artists, with numerous galleries and studios to explore.
+1 It's an excellent place for inspiration, research, and even finding unique pieces to add to a collection. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Folkestone Triennial Experience
This event, which occurs periodically, brings a significant buzz and a fresh wave of art to the town, often sparking conversations and drawing larger crowds. Visitors can expect a diverse range of installations, from the subtle to the monumental, integrated into the urban and coastal landscape. It's an excellent opportunity to see contemporary art in an unconventional setting, making the entire town an exhibition space. During the Triennial, Creative Folkestone often curates specific routes and provides maps to help visitors discover all the participating artworks.
Some events, like sensory movement tours, are also organized to offer unique ways to engage with the art. The Triennial is a key driver of Folkestone's reputation as a creative hub and is a major draw for art enthusiasts and tourists alike. +1Beyond the Triennial, Creative Folkestone actively supports a year-round arts scene. This includes permanent public art commissions, like the notable Antony Gormley sculptures, and a thriving Creative Quarter filled with galleries, studios, and independent shops.
Exploring the Creative Quarter
Wander through streets like Tontine Street and Rendezvous Street to discover a diverse array of art, from paintings and sculptures to mosaics and crafts. This area is a testament to Folkestone's transformation into a cultural hotspot, offering a more intimate and accessible art experience compared to larger institutions. Many of the galleries here are run by local artists, providing a direct connection to the creative community.
+1 You might find colourful art for your home, unique handmade gifts, or simply enjoy browsing the eclectic displays. The atmosphere is often described as having a great buzz, with events and exhibitions frequently taking place. It's the perfect place to soak in the local artistic talent and perhaps even chat with the artists themselves. Beyond the art, the Creative Quarter is also home to charming cafes and eateries, making it an ideal spot to spend an afternoon.
Grab a coffee, admire the street art, and immerse yourself in the creative energy that defines this part of Folkestone. 
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