Sunny Sands Beach
A beautiful golden sand beach in Folkestone, perfect for swimming, sandcastles, and enjoying seaside eats from the nearby Harbour Arm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Sunny Sands Beach
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautiful golden sand beach in Folkestone, perfect for swimming, sandcastles, and enjoying seaside eats from the nearby Harbour Arm.
"One of our favorite sandy beach to go to, have visited couple of times this summer."
🏖️ Pack for the Sand
Bring buckets and spades for epic sandcastles! The sand is soft and perfect for digging.
🌊 Check Tide Times
For the best beach experience, check tide levels. Some areas are more enjoyable at low tide.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands & Gentle Waves
Main beach area
Enjoy the soft, golden sand perfect for building sandcastles and relaxing. The calm waters are ideal for paddling and swimming.
Harbour Arm Delights
Folkestone Harbour Arm
Explore the vibrant Harbour Arm for local seafood shacks, coffee spots, and stunning coastal views.
Family Fun Zone
Beach and surrounding area
A fantastic spot for kids to dig, build sandcastles, and play. Kayak rentals are also available for added adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Sunny Sands
Parking & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🏖️ Pack for the Sand
Bring buckets and spades for epic sandcastles! The sand is soft and perfect for digging.
🌊 Check Tide Times
For the best beach experience, check tide levels. Some areas are more enjoyable at low tide.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking isn't directly on the beach, but plenty is available a short walk away.
☕ Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a post-swim coffee or a bite at the cafes near the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🏖️ Pack for the Sand
Bring buckets and spades for epic sandcastles! The sand is soft and perfect for digging.
🌊 Check Tide Times
For the best beach experience, check tide levels. Some areas are more enjoyable at low tide.
🚗 Parking Strategy
Parking isn't directly on the beach, but plenty is available a short walk away.
☕ Grab a Coffee
Enjoy a post-swim coffee or a bite at the cafes near the beach.
🧘♀️ Sunrise Yoga
Join a refreshing beach yoga session at sunrise for a unique start to your day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Sunny Sands Beach for its beautiful golden sands and calm, family-friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite summer spot. While parking requires a short walk, the availability of amenities like toilets, cafes, and nearby seafood shacks, along with lifeguards during busy periods, enhances the experience. It's praised for its chill vibes and picturesque setting. +1
"One of our favorite sandy beach to go to, have visited couple of times this summer.
The vibes, not too much crowded which is best, calm and nice sandy beach to go with kids."
Ruby Sharma
"Nice sunny beach but best to check tide levels and avoid going peak hours on weekends. Plenty of parking available then."
NU
"A nice sandy beach, with toilets available and a cafe. Also very close by you have ice cream, seafood and fish and chips. No parking near the beach but plenty of parking around with a small walk. Life guards during busy periods. What more do you want from a day at the beach."
Donna Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunny Sands Beach is located in Folkestone, Kent, UK. You can reach Folkestone by train from London or drive via the M20 motorway. Once in Folkestone, the beach is a short walk from the town center and harbour area.
Direct parking at Sunny Sands Beach is limited. However, there are several car parks within a short walking distance, making it accessible.
Yes, cycling is a great option. There are often cycle racks available near the beach and along the promenade, allowing you to enjoy the coastal path.
Folkestone town center is well-served by public transport, including buses. From the town center, it's a pleasant walk down to the beach.
Many visitors find driving via the M20 convenient, while others prefer the train for a stress-free journey from London.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sunny Sands Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy the sand and sea for free.
Sunny Sands Beach is open 24/7, as it's a public outdoor space. However, amenities like cafes and lifeguard services operate during specific hours, typically during daylight and peak season.
There's no need to book tickets for Sunny Sands Beach. It's a free public access beach.
Generally, there are no major restrictions, but always be mindful of local bylaws regarding BBQs or excessive noise. Lifeguards are present during busy periods.
Dog restrictions may apply during peak summer months. It's best to check local signage or Folkestone's council website for the most current information on dog access.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, paddle, build sandcastles, sunbathe, and enjoy the seaside atmosphere. Kayak rentals are also available for water sports enthusiasts.
Yes, lifeguards are typically on duty during the busy summer season and peak hours to ensure visitor safety.
The beach offers public toilets and a cafe. You'll also find nearby ice cream parlors, seafood shacks, and fish and chip shops.
Absolutely! The sand is soft, and the water is generally calm, making it a safe and enjoyable place for kids to play.
Kayak rentals are available, and sometimes beach equipment like chairs or umbrellas can be rented from local vendors during peak season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Harbour Arm adjacent to the beach is lined with excellent seafood shacks and cafes. You'll also find fish and chips and ice cream shops within easy walking distance.
Many cafes and restaurants offer a variety of options, including salads and sandwiches that can often be adapted. It's best to check menus or ask staff directly.
Yes, picnics are very welcome! There are plenty of sandy spots to lay out a blanket and enjoy your own food. Remember to take all your rubbish with you.
Freshly caught local seafood is a highlight, with fish and chips, crab, and various shellfish being popular choices.
There is a cafe located very close to Sunny Sands Beach, offering refreshments and light snacks.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the golden sands, the gentle waves, and the vibrant atmosphere of the Harbour Arm. The sunrise and sunset offer beautiful light.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones.
Drone usage may be subject to regulations. It's advisable to check with local authorities or the Folkestone Harbour Company for any restrictions before flying.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is perfect for casual shots. For more professional photos, a wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beach and coastline.
The Folkestone Harbour Arm, with its distinctive structures and sea views, provides excellent photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The nearby cafes and ice cream shops are a big hit with kids, and lifeguards are present during peak times for added peace of mind. The Folkestone Harbour Arm is also a great spot for families, offering a variety of food options and a pleasant walk with sea views.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
The Harbour Arm provides a romantic setting for an evening meal with sea views.It's a great place to unwind, read a book on the sand, or simply soak in the seaside atmosphere. The relatively uncrowded nature of the beach on weekdays makes it ideal for quiet contemplation or a romantic picnic.
🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers
The calming sound of the waves and the fresh sea air create the perfect environment for mindfulness and rejuvenation. After your practice, enjoy a refreshing dip in the sea or a healthy breakfast from a local cafe.The beach is also ideal for long walks and quiet reflection. The natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a wonderful place to de-stress and reconnect with nature.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Harbour Arm also provides a different perspective of the coastline and is a popular spot for photographers. You can often see people fishing or simply enjoying the expansive views. It’s a great place to combine with a beach day, offering a mix of relaxation and activity. The proximity to Sunny Sands Beach makes it an easy addition to your itinerary, providing diverse experiences within a small area.
Family Adventures at Sunny Sands
The waters are generally calm and shallow, making them ideal for paddling and safe swimming under supervision.Beyond the sand and sea, the beach area offers convenient amenities like toilets and nearby cafes for snacks and refreshments. The availability of ice cream and fish and chips adds to the quintessential seaside holiday feel.
Capturing the Beauty of Sunny Sands
For the best shots, aim for the golden hours – early morning or late afternoon – when the light is soft and warm, casting a beautiful glow over the landscape.Consider capturing the details: children building sandcastles, the gentle lapping of waves, or the vibrant colors of the beachside cafes.
The beach itself is picturesque, especially at low tide when more sand is exposed, creating a vast canvas. Don't forget to photograph the surrounding coastline and the unique character of Folkestone's harbour. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit