We’re big fans of Folkestone here at Time Out. The Kentish seaside town is our top recommendation for the best places in the UK to visit this year, thanks to its blossoming culinary scene, gorgeous areas of natural beauty and the upcoming sixth edition of its prestigious triennial arts festival.
Now, to add to the Folkestone hype, the town is set to get a huge £20m facelift. The new scheme, confirmed by the local council this week, aims to transform the town centre into a ‘vibrant and sustainable’ hub.
The major makeover will include turning the grey bus station at Bouverie Square into a park, significantly improving the road system around Folkestone Central rail station and creating better links to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists.
Plans for the new park show a plaza area large path surrounding by gardens and trees, leading towards a plaza and fountain area. There’ll be plenty of seating areas, bike stands and potentially a kids play park further down the line.
Local councillor Clive Goddard said of the plans: ‘To me, this is the up-and-coming part of Folkestone. Yards to the left, you’ve got Guildhall Street, with all the fine development happening down there. This seems to give the businesses a new lease of life.
‘It’s good to see money pumped into this area of town, and I’m happy to support the proposals.’
The project has been made possible thanks to funding from the government’s Levelling Up fund. Work will get going on April 7 and is expected to be done by summer 2026. In the earlier part of next year, Folkestone is also set to reveal its new and improved Leas Lift, which has been shut since 2017.
So even if you pay Folkestone a visit in 2025 (as you should), make sure to stop by and admire its transformation next year, too.
Revamping the UK
Much-needed makeovers are happening all over the country, all the time. Most recently, Time Out reported on Paignton’s ‘once in a generation’ glow up, the transformation of Stoke-on-Trent station, the seven sites getting upgrades through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the £10.4m renovations happening at Bleheim Palace.
ICYMI: The UK’s 72 best places to live in 2025 – full Sunday Times list.
Plus: Britain’s 15 poshest towns in 2025.
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