Folkestone Camping

Hosted by Cc · Kent Ct19 6 Nq, England

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White-cliff coastal camping. Handy stopover for trips to France.

The soaring white cliffs of Folkestone and nearby Dover are iconic; a symbol of England’s grand coastline and a natural defence against the wild sea and invading troops. They’re often the last thing travellers see when leaving England and the first, welcoming sight on returning home. The cliffs have witnessed it all – wars, crazy cross-Channel attempts and underwater tunnels – and through it all, they have stood firm and strong; a reliable constant in a changing world. Thankfully, no hotels or other buildings are permitted along this cliff edge, but there is one spectacular location, just east of Folkestone, where you can pitch your own room with a view at the foot of the cliffs. The Warren, operated by the Camping and Caravanning Club, is perhaps their best-located site in England. Set in a particularly attractive curve of the Kentish coast, it has an outlook of Channel waters and chalky crags. It’s also one of the closest spots to continental Europe, which makes it handy for a ferry or Channel Tunnel excursion. It’s said that you can even see France from your tent on a clear day. The main camping field is a pristine strip of grass with flat, marked pitches. Those at the end nearest reception are more exposed and have direct views across the Channel. At the furthest end there’s more shelter, but at the expense of the sea views. There are also a few special hideaways – tiny little pitches tucked away amongst the trees for just one or two tents – including the secluded Honeymoon pitch. The facilities at the site are good. There are two well-equipped shower blocks with four showers in each, just enough for this smallish campsite. There’s also a family room, disabled facilities and a laundry. There’s no shop as such, but you can buy ice creams and other essentials at reception and order newspapers for the morning. Unfortunately, they don’t deliver them to the tents… A path leads down from the campsite to the shingle and sand beach below. Next to this, an odd-looking concrete platform spoils the natural order somewhat. It was originally built to protect the cliffs from further erosion, but now provides a good spot for fishing or for kids to explore the rock-pool-like puddles left behind by the retreating waves. On the far side of the platform, a sandy beach spreads out along the base of the cliffs. You can walk right along the cliffs from The Warren to Dover, a good day’s walk at a healthy pace. For a shorter stroll on the most stunning section, head to Langdon Cliffs, east of Dover, where an interesting Visitor Centre explains how these cliffs were formed. The melting ice caps that covered Northern Europe more than half a million years ago forced their way through the land mass, splitting England from France, creating the English Channel, these mighty cliffs and, in the process, one of England’s best camping spots.

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Location

Kent Ct19 6 Nq, Kent, England, United KingdomTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

C

Hosted by Cc C.

Joined in July 2010

From the host

The perfect place to stop on the way to the Channel Tunnels, our dramatic cliff-top Club Site is also an ideal base from which to explore the villages and coastline of Kent. The site is on Folkestone Warren, a Local Nature Reserve and a Site of Special Scientific Interest with nature trails and family activities throughout the year, it overlooks a shingle beach that is terrific for families, birdwatchers, sea anglers and walkers. You can walk into Folkestone or Dover using the footpath from the site. The former has a cobbled High Street, working harbour and promenade and a good selection of places to eat, while the latter has Dover Castle, which dates back to Roman times. You can also take a day trip to France by ferry or using the Channel Tunnel.

Food and drink

Go grab yourself some local fresh lobster, mackerel or prawns from one of the fish stalls down in Folkestone harbour. Popular with everyone, try the Valiant Sailor about 3 miles away (01303 252401). Fancy lunch in France? Then pop across the Channel for the day. The Eurotunnel (08705 353535) terminal is the exit before Folkestone, about 15–20 minutes away.

It’s a 45-minute walk into Folkestone, and the pubs there aren’t much cop. Ask at the site for directions to The Lighthouse (01303 223300) in Capel-le-Ferne where you can enjoy a pint of Ramsgate No 5 and views out across the sea.

Folkestone Camping

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Hosted by Cc C.

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