As someone whose train of thought is pretty much always on a one-track route to holiday-townthere are few things I love more than dreaming, scheming, and planning up my next getaway. But luckily for me, my bank balance, and my annual leave allowance; it looks like my next trip is going to be a lot closer to the capital than I might have imagined. That’s right, Londonerswe’ve dug out another hidden gem – and this one might just be one of the sparkliest of all.
Nestled on the very edge of Folkestone in Kent is Mermaid Beach; a glorious stretch of pristine, pebbly, picture-perfect goodness that got its name from its rather eye-catching coastline, which – as you can see – is in the shape of a mermaids tail. Quite possibly the most gorgeous beach in England (a very bold statement, I know), it’s a truly idyllic spot that will make you feel like you’re in the middle of the Mediterranean, when you are – in fact – just 90 minutes from London. And, that’s a beach I can certainly get on board with, my friends.
Things to do at Mermaid Beach
If (unlike me) you actually enjoy doing more than just lying around like a beached whale when you’re at the seaside, fear not. Mermaid Beach has a whole host of activities to get stuck into. From surfing and swimming to paddle-boarding and paragliding; there’s something for everybody to enjoy. There’s the Mermaid Café (not exclusively for mermaids, don’t worry), serving up food, drinks, and a pretty delicious view.
The beach is also within easy reach of Folkestone town centre, which is full of cute cobbled streets, artsy shops and lovely spots to eat and drink. If you like your beaches a bit more sandy, Sunny Sands beach is also just around the corner, and – well – it does what it says on the tin, really.
Credit: @myshadowbeats, via Instagram
How to get to Mermaid Beach
The nearest train station to Mermaid Beach is Folkestone Centralwhich is a 55 minute direct train from St Pancras International. The beach is a 13 minute walk from the train station. There is also parking available if you are travelling by car.
So, what are you waiting for? It’s finally the season for slapping on the sun cream and melting in the heat like an ice lolly. But, as we know all too well, the sunshine doesn’t hang about for long in the UK, so get yourself down to Mermaid Beach before the sun inevitably takes its hat off again.
📍 Mermaid Beach, Folkestone, CT20 2DZ.
