Getting to Know the Folks of Folkestone, Kent, England

An excellent example of the classic English seaside town, Folkestone, Kent, lies in the extreme southeast portion of England, directly across from the European continent. It's the chief town in the home county (one of the five counties that border London) of Kent, and it was a well-regarded resort area that attracted holiday travelers from all over England.

With a population of around fifty-three thousand people, Folkestone is large enough to have every major convenience but small enough to avoid the stresses experienced by several of it larger cousins and even the city of London, which sits in an easily-traveled distance to the north and west. The name Folkestone comes from the region's original Celtic inhabitants.

The town can trace much of its history back to the historic Celtic migrations from Europe which occurred over the years leading up to the first Roman presence in that part of England. Celtic languages of that era are known as "Brythonic," from which our modern-day word "Britain" arose. Throughout the centuries, Folkestone had been a typical small fishing village. Also, it once lived off the industry generated from its role as a seaside resort for Englanders holidaying in the countryside. The late 20th century saw it make more of a living for a while from the construction jobs generated in the building of the Channel Tunnel, which was placed near to the region in which Folkestone is located.

Folkestone's prime location on the seaside gives it some of the most picturesque scenery in England, with views of France clearly visible over the English Channel. That European country is only twenty or so miles off to the east. The town is also home to many sporting activities and cultural opportunities, including museums, street fairs, and other activities.
The home county of Kent has a population numbering some one-million, seven-hundred thousand people, making it seventh-largest in all of England.

It has a well-deserved nickname as "The Garden of England" because of the number of orchards and the like spread all over the county. The world-renowned White Cliffs of Dover, which has been memorialized throughout history in song and fable, is among the region's most-famous of landmarks.
Folkestone, Kent, England should be a must on any tourist's travel itinerary. See it if you can.