Folkestone or Broadstairs

Do be aware (whichever you go to) that there is a reduced train service running on Saturday and Sunday between Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, due to engineering work at London Charing Cross- only two of the four trains an hour are running. The ones which start at TW are not running, but the through ones from Hastings are.

This is because of limited track capacity at London Victoria and Cannon Street where the trains are being diverted to.

I've not been to Folkestone since the work but it is supposed to be very nice now down by the harbour where the old docks (for ferries to France) and Harbour Railway Station was- a whole new thriving quarter for the town.

Stuart, do you think I should go to Hever Castle on Saturday instead…Folkestone on Friday? I figured Hever would be less busy on a weekday, but I could also do without the reduced train service to Folkestone.

Thank you!!!

Do be aware (whichever you go to) that there is a reduced train
service running on Saturday and Sunday between Tunbridge Wells and
Tonbridge, due to engineering work at London Charing Cross- only two
of the four trains an hour are running. The ones which start at TW are
not running, but the through ones from Hastings are. This is because
of limited track capacity at London Victoria and Cannon Street where
the trains are being diverted to. I've not been to Folkestone since
the work but it is supposed to be very nice now down by the harbour
where the old docks (for ferries to France) and Harbour Railway
Station was- a whole new thriving quarter for the town

I wouldn't have thought it would make too much difference at Hever which day of the week you go as the schools are on Easter break anyway (or are where I am). Easter is so late they are on break up to Easter, rather than the week before and week after as is normal.

I think it's six of one and half a dozen of the other. Whichever you decide book Hever on line before you go- there are no quotas but it's a few £ cheaper.

But if that's what you prefer to avoid the reduced train service then go for it.

Oh you’re right, I somehow missed that schools are on break now - oops!

I’m going to book now - I’m glad I didn’t book earlier!

Thanks!!

I wouldn't have thought it would make too much difference at Hever
which day of the week you go as the schools are on Easter break anyway
(or are where I am). Easter is so late they are on break up to Easter,
rather than the week before and week after as is normal. I think it's
six of one and half a dozen of the other. Whichever you decide book
Hever on line before you go- there are no quotas but it's a few £
cheaper. But if that's what you prefer to avoid the reduced train
service then go for it.enter code here

My preference of these two places is Broadstairs- I love the waterfront area and you can visit Dickens' home. You can also do a really lovely walk between Margate and Broadstairs (or walk/cycle the other direction to Ramsgate). Folkestone is ok but I don't think the waterfront area is as nice. But if it's nice weather you'll probably have a good time either way.

I’d love to visit Dickens’ home - I recall being excited about that when I started researching the possibility of going there. I recall thinking about combining Broadstairs with Margate, though I was thinking by train since I imagine the walk is a few miles at least?

I see you can rent a beach hut or a chaiir- that might be cool. I think it will be too cold to swim, but being on the beach is a huge reason why I want to get to the seaside….

I want to have a fun lunch, enjoy an ice cream, just relax….I may be leaning towards Broadstairs…I could still go to Folkestone later on

Thank you!!

My preference of these two places is Broadstairs- I love the
waterfront area and you can visit Dickens' home. You can also do a
really lovely walk between Margate and Broadstairs (or walk/cycle the
other direction to Ramsgate). Folkestone is ok but I don't think the
waterfront area is as nice. But if it's nice weather you'll probably
have a good time either way.

Folkestone has never done much for me and I don't know Broadstairs but I have heard it is fairly nice.

I parked at Folkestone a few years ago and took the train into London for a BBC taping (prior to crossing to France very early next day), had a look around the high street and said meh. But it sounds like Stuart knows of some refurbishing happened since.

Nigel, not sure how far back you’re speaking of, but based on all my research that I did, Folkestone has definitely had a glow up…

I think I’m going to go to Broadstairs…..and save Folkestone for later on if I can

Thank you!

Folkestone has never done much for me and I don't know Broadstairs but
I have heard it is fairly nice. I parked at Folkestone a few years ago
and took the train into London for a BBC taping (prior to crossing to
France very early next day), had a look around the high street and
said meh. But it sounds like Stuart knows of some refurbishing
happened since

.

If you go to Broadstairs, consider the Ramsgate Tunnels - Victorian train tunnel converted to bomb shelters in the Blitz where the entire town could be moved underground in 10 minutes

Coleen, those sound fascinating - I’m not sure I’m going to want to leave Broadstairs, but I’ll definitely think about it

Thanks!

If you go to Broadstairs, consider the Ramsgate Tunnels - Victorian
train tunnel converted to bomb shelters in the Blitz where the entire
town could be moved underground in 10 minutes

Betsy,
There were very interesting and I just stumbled on them thanks to a paper map. Worth seeing if you get a chance. Our day was Deal Castle, Sandwich (for a sandwich) and then the tunnels.

The open top bus #69 also runs from Broadstairs to Ramsgate.

Colleen, that’s awesome!

I’m going to get to Broadstairs at 12, so I’ll have a quick lunch, check out Dickens House, explore and hang out on the beach. If I have time, I’ll go.

I’m finding out that there’s never going to be enough time to do everything I want, lol

Betsy, There were very interesting and I just stumbled on them thanks
to a paper map. Worth seeing if you get a chance. Our day was Deal
Castle, Sandwich (for a sandwich) and then the tunnels.

Stuart, that’s good to know - it might be worth it just to take that bus ride!

Thanks!

The open top bus #69 also runs from Broadstairs to Ramsgate.