A seaside town has been named one of the best places to live on the coast in the UK for its "colourful shopping streets” and “artsy projects”.

Folkestone was the only coastal town in Kent to make it onto the list put together by The Sunday Times.

The Old High Street was described as one of the “coolest and most colourful shopping streets in the land” at the heart of the “funky” Creative Quarter, full of artists, designers and performers.

F51, the world’s first multi-storey skate park also got a shout out alongside the Harbour Arm for its street food stalls and bars with stunning views of the White Cliffs.

The development was praised for its public art at every turn, with more to come next year when the town celebrates its Triennial arts festival.

Another reason for its greatness listed fast trains to London St Pancras, good schools and house prices cheaper than Whitstable.

Research by the publication found a four-bedroom family home costs around £500,000 while the average property price sits at £293,500.

Interest in Folkestone has been growing following the launch of multi-million-pound Shoreline Crescent development on the seafront.

It’s no surprise Folkestone was chosen, as the town has been making waves in the national press.

Last month, Sunny Sands beach was named one of the best to visit in Europe by train alongside those in France, Italy and Spain.

The list by Euronews.travel examined seasides that can be easily reached by rail for an eco-friendly getaway.

In March, The Sunday Times named Folkestone among the best places to live in the country in a list of towns and villages offering the best quality of life.

However, the town missed out on the overall south east crown in the guide, which went to Chichester in West Sussex.

One magazine even suggested it could be usurping Brighton as the UK’s coastal property hotspot.

The Spectator suggests that with lower house prices, a faster train journey to London, and being located right next to Eurotunnel, Folkestone could become a bigger draw for house-hunters than Brighton.

The Sunday Times added Folkestone stood out from neighbouring towns in Kent for its “arty regeneration projects” led by former Saga boss Roger de Haan and his charity Creative Folkestone.

But despite all the praise, Folkestone has not always been the desirable destination it is today.

Just a short walk from the street-food stalls and quirky boutiques are pockets of deprivation that gentrificaiton has missed.