Sculpture
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Folkestone Mermaid

4.5
·186 reviews·, United Kingdom

Discover the Folkestone Mermaid, an engaging art piece on a unique pebble beach, offering coastal charm and nearby harbor delights.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & secure parking

CrowdLow
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Sculpture

Folkestone Mermaid

Best Time

Early mornings

Beat the crowds & secure parking

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover the Folkestone Mermaid, an engaging art piece on a unique pebble beach, offering coastal charm and nearby harbor delights.

4.5
(186 reviews)

"I'm not generally a great liker of this kind of marine statue and yet I did like this and find it engaging."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited, especially on the harbor side. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to snag a spot.

☀️ Check the Weather

This beach is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Pack accordingly for a pleasant coastal experience.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.5 · 186 reviews

Type

Sculpture

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Folkestone Mermaid Statue

Folkestone Mermaid Statue

Mermaid Beach

An engaging marine statue perfectly scaled and positioned, offering a unique artistic seaside experience.

Mermaid Beach

Mermaid Beach

Folkestone

A hidden pebble cove offering peaceful moments and a different vibe from other Folkestone beaches.

Steampunk Sauna

Steampunk Sauna

Mermaid Beach

A unique portable sauna experience right on the beach, perfect for a warm-up after a sea dip.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Parking

Parking near Folkestone Mermaid can be tricky, especially during peak times. Arrive early in the morning or consider visiting on a weekday to secure a spot. The area is best enjoyed with good weather, so check the forecast before you go.

Embrace the Coastal Vibe

Folkestone Mermaid is part of a charming coastal town with a lot to offer. Beyond the statue, explore the harbor, enjoy fresh seafood, and take in the scenic views. It's a great spot for a relaxing day trip.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Less busy, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny days
Why
Best for beach enjoyment
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this is how I started my morning today 🥹 #coastalliving #coastaltown #londontiktok #londonhotspots #folkestone #margate #londonfood
@bethanyexplores
466K likes • 3.4M views

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited, especially on the harbor side. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to snag a spot. Reddit

☀️ Check the Weather

This beach is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Pack accordingly for a pleasant coastal experience. TikTok

After a two year hiatus, @steampunksauna is back in Folkestone. The portable sauna has a new permanent home on Mermaid beach, just a little along from Bill Woodrow’s Inuit art piece. The sauna seats up to five people at a time and can be shared by individuals or booked out for a private session. With temperatures getting up to 90 degrees, it’s ideal to warm up between sea dips - and especially wel...
coolasfolke
227 likes • 7K views
STEAM PUNK SAUNA @steampunksauna IS LIVE! On mermaid beach once again! FOLKESTONE X Follow link in bio to book 📕 we are here Wednesday-Sunday doing sauna and sea dips where possible. Keeping it simple and fun 🤩 AS ALWAYS 💖✊💖 We are located just past the Eskimo statue towards the new builds along the promenade. Come say hi and sweat away your worries ❤️‍🔥
prisonstyle_brb
266 likes • 6.9K views

🧖‍♀️ Try the Steampunk Sauna

Experience a unique sauna session right on Mermaid Beach for a truly memorable seaside treat. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Harbor Area

Wander around the harbor for seafood, ice cream, and fish and chips after visiting the mermaid. Reddit

Mermaid beach Folkestone 13.08.2025
rukez21
26 likes • 571 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking

Parking is limited, especially on the harbor side. Aim for early mornings or weekdays to snag a spot. Reddit

☀️ Check the Weather

This beach is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Pack accordingly for a pleasant coastal experience. TikTok

🧖‍♀️ Try the Steampunk Sauna

Experience a unique sauna session right on Mermaid Beach for a truly memorable seaside treat. Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Harbor Area

Wander around the harbor for seafood, ice cream, and fish and chips after visiting the mermaid. Reddit

📸 Capture the Art

The mermaid statue is surprisingly engaging. Take time to appreciate its scale and perfect positioning. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.5
(186 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Folkestone Mermaid to be an engaging and well-placed piece of art on a unique pebble beach. While parking can be a challenge, the charming harbor area offers plenty of dining options. The Steampunk Sauna adds a novel experience to the seaside visit.

"Cool with the right weather but parking is limited on that side of the harbour."

Mike Goldstein

"Lovely little beach and nice area to wander around"

Chris Hodges

"Best early."

Bhavin Gohil

What People Like

Engaging art installation
Unique pebble beach
Harbor dining options

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Pebble beach (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Folkestone Mermaid is located on Mermaid Beach in Folkestone. You can drive and park nearby, though parking can be limited. Public transport options to Folkestone are also available, followed by a walk or local bus to the beach area. TikTokInstagram

Yes, you can reach Folkestone by train. From the station, you can take a local bus or enjoy a walk to Mermaid Beach. Check local bus routes for the most direct access. Reddit

Many visitors opt for a day trip from London. Trains are a convenient option, offering a relatively quick journey. TikTokInstagram

Parking is available near the harbor, but it can get very busy. Arriving early, especially on weekdays or during off-peak hours, is highly recommended to find a spot. Reddit

Mermaid Beach is a bit of a hidden gem, often described as a pebble cove. It's located along the promenade, past the Inuit statue towards the newer developments. Instagram+1

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to see the Folkestone Mermaid statue. It is a public art installation located on Mermaid Beach, accessible to everyone. Instagram

Mermaid Beach itself does not have an entry fee. It's a public beach where you can enjoy the scenery and the art. Instagram

Mermaid Beach is accessible at all times, as it is a public beach. However, the Steampunk Sauna operates on specific hours, typically Wednesday to Sunday. Instagram

Yes, the Steampunk Sauna is a paid service. You can book sessions individually or for private groups. Check their booking link for current pricing. Instagram+1

The mermaid statue is a permanent fixture and can be viewed at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the Folkestone Mermaid statue, relax on the pebble beach, and enjoy the coastal views. The Steampunk Sauna offers a unique hot tub experience. Instagram+1

Mermaid Beach is primarily a pebble cove. While some reviews mention it as sandy, it's generally described as a pebble beach. Instagram+1

Facilities are limited directly on Mermaid Beach itself. However, the nearby harbor area offers amenities like cafes, restaurants, and public restrooms. Reddit

It can be a pleasant spot for families, especially on a nice day. However, it's a pebble beach, so be mindful of footwear for young children. The nearby Sunny Sands beach is more family-friendly with sand. Instagram

The Folkestone Mermaid is a marine statue, described as engaging and well-positioned. It's part of the town's artistic landscape. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The harbor area near Mermaid Beach has numerous options for seafood, fish and chips, ice cream, and drinks. InstagramReddit

Yes, Folkestone is known for its seafood. You'll find plenty of places offering fresh catches, especially around the harbor. Reddit

Absolutely! Ice cream shops are a common sight along the coast, perfect for a treat after exploring the beach. Reddit

Yes, the harbor and promenade areas are dotted with cafes and pubs where you can relax and grab a drink or a bite to eat. Instagram

Popular choices include fresh seafood, traditional fish and chips, and various casual dining options available along the waterfront. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the mermaid statue against the sea backdrop. The surrounding pebble beach and coastal views also make for great shots. Instagram+1

Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. TikTok

Drone regulations vary. It's essential to check current local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone in the area. Instagram

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a wide-angle lens to capture the expanse of the sea and a telephoto lens for details of the statue. Instagram

Try to capture the mermaid statue in different moods, perhaps with dramatic waves or a sunset. The Steampunk Sauna also offers a quirky photo op. Instagram+1

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