Last week, Brits faced scorching temperatures of up to 37°C, and now, just a few days after a brief lull, the heatwave is set to return. Like most people in the country, I live in a house without air conditioning and rely on an electric fan to get some cold air and a breeze.

However, during London’s peak temperatures, it was still insufferable to breathe and move in such powerful heat. Fed up, my mum and I decided to head to the coast on a spontaneous weekday trip. Instead of opting for Brighton or Bournemouth, we visited Folkestone to enjoy its golden sandy shores and peaceful seclusion.

The last time I was in Folkestone, it was during the bitterly cold winter. Nonetheless, I was captivated by the breathtakingly beautiful Sunny Sands beach.

My fondest memory was of being perched on the brick wall above, watching the icy-blue waves wash ashore. There was something curiously spiritual about the water.

Bustling seaside destinations such as Brighton simply cannot replicate the same sense of calm and tranquillity; therefore, I was pleased when mum said we’d head to Folkestone.

To my surprise, during the heatwave, this sandy beach was hardly packed with visitors. There were people sunbathing, playing games with their family and splashing in the water, but there was plenty of space with some corners feeling practically empty.

However, it is important to note that I visited this seaside town on a Thursday evening. Despite that, I went around 5 pm, when children had finished school, and most workers had wrapped up for the day, yet the beach was still spacious and peaceful.

Folkestone Sunny Sands Beach is the town’s best-known beach, prized for its rare stretch of golden sand on Kent’s predominantly pebbled coastline. Located beside the harbour, it offers a traditional seaside experience with safe swimming, family-friendly facilities, and easy access to the town centre.

In December, I saw well-behaved dogs roam freely, bounding across the sand and splashing at the water’s edge – a truly uplifting sight. However, during my recent visit, none were in sight.

According to Cotswolds Outdoor, from May 1 to September 30, dogs are not permitted on Sunny Sands Beach between 10 am and 8 pm. However, they are welcome on other parts of Folkestone Beach year-round, as long as they are under control.

The home of numerous beaches

Folkestone is home to a variety of beaches. Just east of the Sunny Sands beach is Folkestone’s main beach. This is a long pebble shoreline best known for walking and eave watching.

Adjacent to the beach is Lower Leas Coastal Park, the largest free adventure play area in the South East. There are also plenty of public art installations to explore, providing extra interest away from the water while offering views across the English Channel.

Further along the coast is Mermaid Beach. Backed by cliffs and known for its clean water, it offers a more peaceful atmosphere compared to the busier central areas. Lastly, is Sandgate Beach a relaxed pebble beach ideal for dog walking and watching sunsets over the Channel.

Getting to Folkestone Beach is straightforward thanks to strong road and rail connections. By car, it’s easily reached via the M20, with the journey from London taking around two hours.

By train, Folkestone Central offers regular high-speed services from London St Pancras in about an hour, followed by a 20-minute walk or a short bus or taxi ride to the beach.