Folkestone Mermaid
Discover the Folkestone Mermaid, an engaging art piece on a unique pebble beach, offering coastal charm and nearby harbor delights.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Folkestone Mermaid
Best Time
Beat the crowds & secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the Folkestone Mermaid, an engaging art piece on a unique pebble beach, offering coastal charm and nearby harbor delights.
"I'm not generally a great liker of this kind of marine statue and yet I did like this and find it engaging."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Folkestone Mermaid Statue
Mermaid Beach
An engaging marine statue perfectly scaled and positioned, offering a unique artistic seaside experience.
Mermaid Beach
Folkestone
A hidden pebble cove offering peaceful moments and a different vibe from other Folkestone beaches.
Steampunk Sauna
Mermaid Beach
A unique portable sauna experience right on the beach, perfect for a warm-up after a sea dip.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Parking
Embrace the Coastal Vibe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🧖♀️ Try the Steampunk Sauna
Experience a unique sauna session right on Mermaid Beach for a truly memorable seaside treat. 
🚶♀️ Explore the Harbor Area
Wander around the harbor for seafood, ice cream, and fish and chips after visiting the mermaid.
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.
☀️ Check the Weather
This beach is best enjoyed on a sunny day. Pack accordingly for a pleasant coastal experience.
🧖♀️ Try the Steampunk Sauna
Experience a unique sauna session right on Mermaid Beach for a truly memorable seaside treat.
🚶♀️ Explore the Harbor Area
Wander around the harbor for seafood, ice cream, and fish and chips after visiting the mermaid.
📸 Capture the Art
The mermaid statue is surprisingly engaging. Take time to appreciate its scale and perfect positioning.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
Many visitors opt for a day trip from London. Trains are a convenient option, offering a relatively quick journey.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
Mermaid Beach itself does not have an entry fee. It's a public beach where you can enjoy the scenery and the art.
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.
Yes, the Steampunk Sauna is a paid service. You can book sessions individually or for private groups. Check their booking link for current pricing.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
Mermaid Beach is primarily a pebble cove. While some reviews mention it as sandy, it's generally described as a pebble beach.
Facilities are limited directly on Mermaid Beach itself. However, the nearby harbor area offers amenities like cafes, restaurants, and public restrooms.
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.
The Folkestone Mermaid is a marine statue, described as engaging and well-positioned. It's part of the town's artistic landscape.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The harbor area near Mermaid Beach has numerous options for seafood, fish and chips, ice cream, and drinks.
Yes, Folkestone is known for its seafood. You'll find plenty of places offering fresh catches, especially around the harbor.
Absolutely! Ice cream shops are a common sight along the coast, perfect for a treat after exploring the beach.
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.
Popular choices include fresh seafood, traditional fish and chips, and various casual dining options available along the waterfront.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the mermaid statue against the sea backdrop. The surrounding pebble beach and coastal views also make for great shots.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for photography. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful.
Drone regulations vary. It's essential to check current local bylaws and airspace restrictions before flying a drone in the area.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a sunny day and perhaps combining your trip with a walk along the promenade. The Steampunk Sauna could be an adventurous option for older children or teens looking for a unique experience, though check age restrictions. Overall, Folkestone offers a pleasant family day out with a mix of art, seaside charm, and dining.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Day-Trippers
The nearby harbor provides ample opportunities for a relaxed meal, whether you fancy fresh seafood or classic fish and chips. For those looking for a bit more activity, Folkestone has a vibrant art scene, including the Art Triennial, which might be ongoing during your visit.
🧘♀️ Wellness & Relaxation Seekers
+1 It's an invigorating way to de-stress and connect with the coastal environment. Beyond the sauna, Mermaid Beach itself offers a peaceful ambiance. The gentle sound of pebbles and waves, combined with the artistic presence of the Folkestone Mermaid statue, creates a tranquil setting for quiet reflection. Pack a book, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the serene atmosphere of this charming pebble cove.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Folkestone Mermaid: An Artistic Encounter
This artistic installation contributes to Folkestone's reputation as a town that embraces creativity. It's a focal point that encourages visitors to pause and appreciate the blend of art and nature. The experience of seeing the mermaid is often enhanced by the coastal setting, making it a highlight for many who visit the area.
While the statue itself is the main draw for some, its presence on Mermaid Beach adds to the overall charm of the location. It's a spot that invites contemplation and offers a picturesque backdrop for photographs, especially during the softer light of early morning or late afternoon.
Mermaid Beach: A Coastal Escape
+1 The beach is characterized by its pebble shore, which gives it a distinct feel and sound as the waves recede. It's a great spot for quiet contemplation and enjoying the natural beauty of the Kent coast.While not a sandy beach, Mermaid Beach is appreciated for its distinct character. Visitors often enjoy the coastal walks along the promenade, with the mermaid statue serving as a central point of interest. The area is also home to the Steampunk Sauna, a unique portable sauna that can be booked for a warming experience right on the beach, adding an unusual and memorable element to a visit.
+1For those looking for a different kind of beach experience, Mermaid Beach offers a refreshing alternative. It's a place to connect with the sea, appreciate public art, and perhaps indulge in a unique wellness activity. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for the pebbles and check the weather for the best experience.
Experiencing Folkestone's Harbor and Dining
Beyond the immediate vicinity of Mermaid Beach, Folkestone itself boasts a lively culinary scene. The town is known for its commitment to fresh, local produce, and this is reflected in its numerous cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a more substantial meal, the harbor area and the town center offer plenty of choices to satisfy diverse tastes.
When planning your visit, consider dedicating time to explore the dining options. Many establishments offer views of the sea, enhancing the overall enjoyment of your meal. It's a perfect way to round off a day of coastal exploration and artistic discovery in Folkestone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit