Folkestone Creative Quarter: A Guide to Art, Culture and Community

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7 Sept

Nestled in the historic heart of Folkestone, the Creative Quarter is a vibrant urban village of artists, makers, musicians, writers and digital pioneers. Restored historic buildings now house studios, galleries, shops, cafés and performance spaces, creating a buzzing atmosphere where creativity spills out onto the cobbled streets.

Less than an hour from London and just a stone’s throw from the sea, the Creative Quarter is one of Kent’s most inspiring cultural destinations. Whether you’re visiting to browse independent shops, discover local art, or attend one of Folkestone’s major festivals, this district is a must-see.

What is the Folkestone Creative Quarter?

Developed by Creative Folkestone (formerly Creative Foundation) since 2002, the Creative Quarter was designed to regenerate Folkestone through arts and culture. Today it is home to:

Around 115 studios and offices
Over 50 shops and independent outlets
More than 80 flats for artists and residents

The area blends heritage with innovation: historic shopfronts have been restored while new cultural venues, such as the Quarterhouse theatre, provide a home for performance, festivals, and community events.

Things to Do in the Creative Quarter

Explore the Old High Street

The cobbled Old High Street is the beating heart of the Creative Quarter. Here you’ll find independent boutiques, bookshops, vintage stores, artisan studios, and coffee shops, all set against colourful historic façades.

Visit Artist Studios & Galleries

Many artists work in open studios where you can watch them create, browse exhibitions, and even buy original artworks. Expect painting, ceramics, fashion, photography, and more.

Cafés & Coffee Spots

The Creative Quarter is filled with cafés that double as cultural spaces. Enjoy a slice of homemade cake, artisan coffee, or a quiet reading nook while soaking up the district’s creative buzz.

Bars & Performance Spaces

In the evenings, bars and tucked-away venues host micro-performances, gigs, and pop-up theatre, continuing the area’s reputation for innovation and collaboration.

Quarterhouse

At the heart of the Creative Quarter, Folkestone Quarterhouse is a contemporary venue with a packed programme of theatre, comedy, live music, and festivals. Highlights include:

Folkestone Book Festival
Normal? Festival of the Brain
SALT Festival of the Sea and Environment

A Hub for Collaboration

The Creative Quarter thrives on collaboration. Here, filmmakers connect with musicians, designers with writers, and technologists with performers. It’s a place where studios are also galleries, shops double as workshops, and every space encourages imagination.

This spirit has turned Folkestone into a model for creatively-led regeneration, contributing not only to the town’s cultural reputation but also to its economic growth.

Why Visit Folkestone Creative Quarter?

The Creative Quarter offers more than just shops and galleries – it’s a living, breathing community of innovation and culture. Perfect for those seeking handcrafted, unique experiences, it’s where heritage meets modern creativity.

Whether you’re strolling the Old High Street, attending a performance at Quarterhouse, or chatting with local makers, the Creative Quarter captures the essence of Folkestone’s cultural revival.

Practical Information

Location: Folkestone Creative Quarter, Old High Street & Tontine Street, Folkestone CT20
Opening Times: Vary by shop and studio; many outlets are open daily, with evening events at Quarterhouse
Accessibility: Most streets are pedestrian-friendly but cobbles can be uneven; accessible routes available nearby

Folkestone’s Creative Quarter is a cultural playground that continues to attract artists, entrepreneurs, and visitors from across the UK. With its mix of independent shops, open studios, buzzing cafés, and performance spaces, it’s the perfect place to spend a day exploring, creating, and connecting.