The UK has many charming towns - including this one, once thought to be a 'prestigious' holiday destination for French tourists. Folkestone in Kent is a town full of buzz and atmosphere, located in the south-east of England on the coast. Bustling with creative outlets, vast range of food , local beers and wines there is so much on offer for visitors. With beautiful beaches and independent shops it's a great destination for a long weekend away. Folkestone has also had some famous historic residents who once called it home, including Charles Dickens and Agatha Christie - which can all be found at the Folkestone museum. According to Visit South East England, Folkestone has seen lots of regeneration and development, with brand new shopping areas, leisure facilities and boutique hotels. The nearby designated coastal park of Samphire Hoe is a great place to wander, and is a haven for wild birds. The area’s maritime history is well preserved too, through ancient remains and architecture. With an elegant clifftop promenade, a lower coastal park, a fishing harbour and Victorian cliff-tops, it's an idyllic town by the beach and offers many things to do. The booming economy has grown in the past 10 years. It's home to the world’s first multi-storey skatepark, a New York Highline-inspired garden walkway, leading to the revitalised Harbour Arm, an annual Pride, and LGBTQ+ bookshop and even mini golf on the beach. It's also home to the iconic Mermaid Beach, which boasts a glorious stretch of pristine goodness with an eye-catching coastline which is in the shape of a mermaid's tail. There's loads to do in Mermaid Beach if you do plan on taking a trip. You could check out the Folkestone Mermaid sculpture located on the beach. There's also the Lower Leas Coastal Park which is one of the most visited tourist spots. This award-winning park has one of the largest free adventure playground for children, as well as beautiful gardens and forest treks, perfect for the whole family. Meanwhile Folkestone itself is gaining recognition as a hub for art and culture. There's the Folkestone Triennial which is an international public art festival that scatters sculptures and other artistic creations throughout the town. Folkestone is also one of the best connected towns on the coast, with direct rail links to London and is the ideal base for exploring the beautiful surrounding landscape - while still being easily accessible. Visit South East England recommended some of the best things to do in Folkestone including: One impressed visitor took to TripAdvisor and said: "Folkestone have really made a shining example of what to do with a cliff area. After leaving the amazing boardwalk (again, genius idea) on the beach we walked right up and beyond the playground. The accessibility to the beach in several places was brilliant." While another chimed: "This is such a beautiful walk between the cliff and the beach. Nice flower beds and landscaped arrangements. It was also protected from the wind, which was quite strong when we were there." Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com