WALK: Folkestone’s Lost Heritage

A walking tour by Mark Hourahane

ABOUT THE TALK

We will take a walk around Folkestone, looking at its architecture to gain an appreciation of the heritage that has been retained and buildings at risk.  Through pictures, we will also get a glimpse of the past and those buildings that have been lost – as well as plans that didn’t come to fruition.

The walk should take 2-3 hours and is mostly along relatively level ground including The Leas.  There may be a few cobblestones and gradients, e.g. the pedestrian precinct.

We would recommend sensible walking shoes, appropriate dress for the weather, bringing any walking aids you may need and sun protection if it is a bright day.

If the weather is particularly inclement, the walk can be given in the comfort of The Community Room as a slideshow presentation.

The walk starts and ends in The Community Room on The Bayle.  Refreshments will be provided upon return.

ONLINE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL!  Places are limited.  See below for Booking Information. If you have issues booking online, please contact us.

ABOUT THE SPEAKER

Mark Hourahane is the Society’s Vice Chair and Planning sub-committee Chair.  He is a local historian and sits on the committees of Folkestone & District Local History Society, Folkestone Family History Society and Stanford & Westenhanger History Society.  He is also webmaster for the Leas Pavilion Archive and the Finding Eanswythe project.

ABOUT THE VENUE

The Community Room is located at 19 The Bayle, where Dance Easy used to stand, in an attractive Georgian-style townhouse.  It is run by the Sunflower House team on a partnership model, where local groups and organisations offering community benefits with similar values are able to utilise the space.

TRAVEL TO THE VENUE

By Bus:

The venue is about a 600 metre walk (one-third of a mile) from the bus station.  Head down West Cliff Gardens (between the HSBC and Lloyds banks) and straight through the churchyard, turning left when you get to the British Lion pub.  The room is opposite the Bayle Pond.

For step-free access avoiding cobblestones, go down the pedestrian precinct to the Town Hall and turn right onto Church Street.  Follow that to the end (past the school), turn left and veer left as above.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Stagecoach website or download the app.

By Car:

The nearest Pay and Display car park is Upper Payers Park, accessed from Dover Road (passing the F51 skate park) next to the amusements where the Banksy was located originally.  Walk to the end of Payers Park, turn right onto the Old High Street and walk up to the top.  Turn left, then take the first right.  The building will be on your right after the Glendale building.

For step-free access avoiding cobblestones, walk out to Dover Road and turn left.  Walk around the amusements building to the front, carry on down Rendezvous Street, cross the road and turn left at the gate (onto what is still Rendezvous Street).  Walk to the top, turn left onto Church Street, follow it to the end (past the school), turn left onto The Bayle and follow the road, which veers left.  The room is on the left, opposite the Bayle Pond.

By Train:

Take the train to Folkestone Central station (one stop on from Folkestone West coming from London/Ashford).  When exiting the station, turn right, follow the road to the end, then walk under the bridge on your right.  You can catch any bus from Stop A to the bus station.

For timetables, to book tickets and to check for any journey delays or cancellations, visit the Southeastern website.

BOOKING TICKETS

Tickets will be available on the door subject to availability – cash or card accepted.

To guarantee your place, book on Ticketsource without fees by clicking the ticket below.