The beautiful UK seaside town that’s become a ‘fresher’ version of Brighton

Move aside Brighton as there is a new and funkier seaside town many are flocking to.

Dubbed the artistic rough diamond, this area was once regarded as “shabby” but over the years it’s been seen as a “younger” and “cheaper” alternative to popular Brighton.

It offers coastal beauty, a thriving community and a rich heritage; making it a charming town to soak up the sea views surrounded by beauty.

The Sunday Times named Folkestone as one of the best places to live in and it’s easy to see why.

The port town on the English Channel in Kent, features cobbled streets, retail delights and an impressive collection of contemporary art making it appealing to all ages.

The Sunday Times explained how “this once shabby old seaside resort” now “feels like a younger, fresher and cheaper version of Brighton” and holds the prestigious title of the best place to live in the whole of the southeast by the publication.

It read: “Folkestone may have been transformed by its eye-catching culture-led regeneration, but it isn’t only the artists’ studios, the cool shops on the old high street or the chance to sip cocktails on the restored Harbour Arm that make this resort our best place to live in the southeast.

“It also has impressive schools, state-of-the-art sports facilities and high-speed trains to London.”

Folkestone was a fashionable coastal resort for most of the 19th and mid-20th centuries and is located on the southern edge of the North Downs at a valley between two cliffs.

As for things to do in this pretty seaside town, you’ll be spoiled for choice with a vibrant High Street and Bouverie Place Shopping Centre.

TripAdvisor recommends visiting Kent Battle of Britain Museum, Lower Leas Coastal Park, Beaches, and Art Galleries.

There are also several tantalizing restaurants and bars spread throughout offering all you can imagine from a town right by the ocean.

Best of all, Folkestone’s travel links mean you’re never far from the action with only a 55-minute train ride taking you to King’s Cross London for a swift journey into Europe.

The M20, A20 and A259 are all easily accessible from Folkestone for effortless journeys around the country.

The arts scene is in full swing at Folkestone with many great artists leaving their mark on the town such as internationally-renowned sculptor Anthony Gormley’s iconic Iron Men or Cornelia Parker’s striking Bronze Mermaid.

The mermaid was said to be cast from a real-life resident of Folkestone, still living in the town today.

And with so much to offer and reasonable house prices to boot, it’s easy to see why Folkestone is considered the new younger and funkier Brighton.