Folkestone and Hythe
Properties and events in Folkestone and Hythe
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
Behind the Scenes at the Leas Lift
In celebration of Heritage Open Days 2025, we’re offering a unique opportunity to step inside the Leas Lift lower station restoration site. This special two-hour behind-the-scenes experience includes two detailed presentations and a hard hat tour.
CWGC Tours 2025 - Shorncliffe Military Cemetery - Tour 1
Join the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for a free tour of Shorncliffe Cemetery
Folkestone's Heritage Then and Now
A photographic display of Folkestone's built heritage as it was and as it is today.
Masonic Centre Open Day
A unique opportunity to see "behind the scenes" of a Masonic Centre.
Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Supporters Association Heritage Celebration Exhibition
The Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway Supporters Association will be hosting an exhibition with presentations at selected times entitled "A short history of the RH&DR" on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September 2025 in the Hall at Hythe station.
St Eanswythe's Fair at the Parish Church of St Mary and St Eanswythe, Folkestone
A celebration of Faith, History and Culture involving a series of seminars, workshops and performances by local historians, artists and musicians.
St John's Commandery Open House
Step inside the flint-walled 13th-century chapel & hall of a ‘Commandery’ of Knights Hospitallers. Discover the building’s rich history, from its monastic origins to later use as a farmhouse, and look up to spot the striking medieval crown-post roof.
Stelling Minnis Windmill - Celebrating recent major refurbishment and almost 50 Years of being open to the public!
Discover Stelling Minnis Windmil in a new light. Access to 1866 Grade I listed Smock Mill, free tours of the mill & Engine room and explore the Museum building full of original photographs.
Step back in time: The history of Folkestone's Town Cross and its predecessors.
Gathering on the steps of the town cross, just as many have done for countless centuries, you get a flavour of the heritage of the town that is rooted to this one single spot.
The historic church of All Saints at Lydd, Romney Marsh - See the view from one of Kent's tallest towers
All Saints' is the "Cathedral of the Marsh". The longest Parish Church in Kent, it has hundreds of interesting features. This is a rare opportunity to see the spectacular views from the tower. Volunteers will guide you to further highlights.
The historic church of St. Augustine at Brookland, Romney Marsh - See inside the famous wooden bell tower
It is impossible to miss the enormous wooden bell tower of Brookland church. Here is an opportunity to see inside this unusual structure, to view the bells and the beautiful wooden frame, which was once exposed to the elements.
The historic church of St. Augustine's at Snave, Romney Marsh
St. Augustine's Church is now entirely maintained by the Romney Marsh Historic Churches Trust. Visit to collect leaflets showing church locations and guide booklets. Plus a photo display showing features to see and information about what's on.
The historic church of St. George's at Ivychurch, Romney Marsh - See fantastic views from the Tower and look inside the Clock Room and Parvis Chamber
The enormous church of St. George's can be seen for miles. Here is a rare opportunity to see the Tower, Clock Room and Parvis Chamber. Volunteers will be on-hand to guide you to features of interest, including the historic rural life collection.
The historic church of St. Mary the Virgin at St. Mary-in-the-Marsh, Romney Marsh
This is one of Kent's most picturesque churches and the resting place of writer E. Nesbit, author of The Railway Children. The many interesting features include a medieval scratch dial. Church volunteers will be available to show visitors around.
The historic church of St. Nicholas at New Romney, Romney Marsh
Once a harbour church, St. Nicholas' became land-locked following great storms. Volunteers will guide you to many features of interest. There is a free craft drop-in (mosaics) and two short talks are also available (subject to sufficient numbers).
The historic church of St. Peter & St. Paul at Dymchurch, Romney Marsh
This ancient church is a time-capsule of over 900 years of history, with Norman decorative features aplenty and associations to Russell Thorndike's fictional smuggler Dr. Syn The Scarecrow. Church volunteers will be available to show visitors around.
The historic church of St. Thomas Becket at Fairfield, Romney Marsh
This iconic church is surrounded by fields and waterways. Interesting features include ancient roof beams and pristine white fittings. The building has inspired numerous cultural figures. A local volunteer will be available to show visitors around.
Towering timepiece: The church clock that has marked the passage of time for more than half a century
A horologists delight , a talk by a local expert on the mechanics of this ancient mechanism.
Where to Start Researching Your Family History
An introduction to researching your family tree, including a tour of the local history collection in Folkestone Library - Heritage & Digital Access
Words and pictures: An illustrated talk on the history and architecture of Folkestone's Parish Church
Christian worship in the area started more than a thousand years ago with the establishment, nearby, of the country's first religious house for women by an Anglo -Saxon princess called Eanswythe, who was made a saint when she died.