Folkestone with its lively town centre and main shopping facilities is a 15 minute stroll along the famous Leas, or the more recent addition of the Leas Coastal Park, and is also accessed using the local bus route with stops at the top of the road. The town has a broad range of restaurants, fast-food outlets, clubs and pubs as well as the ubiquitous shopping centre in case you get withdrawal symptoms. It also has an Arts and Cultural Quarter and an interesting harbour area where you can buy fresh fish and seafood daily.

Slightly further along the coast in the other direction and served by the same main bus route, Hythe is an interesting fusion of town and village, being more of a town than a village, yet housing many unique shops rather than the big household names in Folkestone. The Malthouse Arcade is a fascinating collection of private traders selling memorabilia of all kinds. Whether you want a first world war uniform or a piece of art deco glass, you will be amazed at what you might unearth here in this two-storey warren of captivation! Hythe is another great place to play on the beach and get to know the locals. Check out this regularly updated beach cam.

Canterbury is a short train ride away with its world-famous cathedral - beautiful stained glass windows, an incredible history of our country with memorials to Thomas Becket and the Black Prince. Even when it's not sunny the weather can be stunning, check out a lightning storm over Dungeness.  We took this photo from the Leas coastal Park. Dungeness is famous for its unique artist community and can be reached, especially in the summer months using the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Light Railway which has details of the various stations, things to do and see in each area as well as fares and timetables. Don’t forget to book the Santa Special when you stay for your Xmas present run long weekend!

For more information about the local area visit http://www.discoverfolkestone.co.uk/ so you can coordinate booking the apartment with events that particularly interest you.