Frequently Asked Questions

1. How close is the town?
   At the back of the hotel is the top end of the high street shops and they stretch all the way down to the historic harbour.
   
   
2. Where is Folkestone Harbour?
   The Harbour is visible from just outside the hotel; simply follow The Leas and then the Road of Remembrance.
   
   
3. As a foot passenger how do I get from the terminal in France to the shops in Calais?
   A free bus service is provided especially for foot passengers.
   
   
4. Where is the nearest theatre?
   The Leas Cliff Hall is situated on The Leas, like ourselves and is our local theatre, it holds a wide variety of shows, including live music, ballet, pantomimes, stand up comedians and plays.
   
   
5. Have any famous people lived in Folkestone?
   The most famous person that was born and lived in Folkestone, was William Harvey. In 1628 he published 'An Anatomical Study of the Motion of the Heart and of the Blood in Animals,' this book explained how the blood flowed through the body and was a revolutionary theory at the time. There is a commemorative statue on the Leas of William Harvey. Other famous people who have spent time here recuperating from illness include T. S. Elliot and H. G. Wells. '...One of the prettiest watering places on the south coast. The situation is delightful, the air is delicious and the breezy hills and downs, carpeted with wild thyme and decorated with millions of wild flowers are, on the faith of a pedestrian perfect...' -Charles Dickens on Folkestone.
   
   
6. What is there to do locally?
   Folkestone is steeped in history, from Bronze and Iron Age hill forts situated on the South Downs, through the ages to the building of the Channel Tunnel. Folkestone is a mass of public footpaths and bridleways, ideal for walkers and ramblers of all abilities. We have an historic harbour with a working Victorian water balanced lift built into the cliff face. The biggest open air market in the southeast is held just below The Leas on Sundays. We have a large library, a local history museum and the Metropole Arts Centre. The Lower Leas Coastal Park has had a complete refurbishment to recent years to make it one of the biggest children's play parks in Shepway. The rotunda is a permanent fun fair near the beach; Folkestone boasts both sandy and pebbled beaches. Folkestone has a sports centre, golf course and Cricket Ground, an indoor bowls centre and an open air football ground. Folkestone and the surrounding areas have a wide variety of churches, both new and old, historic and derelict. We also have a wide variety of shops to suit everyone and boast excellent links to Dover, Ashford, Canterbury, France and London.
   
   
7. What is the Airshow?
   Shepway Air Festival is an annual event and is to be held next on the weekend 22nd August 2004. The Airshow celebrates the anniversary of the Battle of Britain, the majority of which was fought over the skies of Folkestone. The event includes flyovers from historic, restored planes such as the Spitfire and Hurricane, breath-taking displays from the Red Arrows and miles of stalls and static displays centred on the Leas.