At first glance, The Leas appears to be much like any other promenade in a seaside town.

However, this picturesque public space boasts a variety of attractions – some of which are real hidden gems – making it one of Folkestone’s most popular spots with visitors and locals alike.

From household-name entertainment at the Leas Cliff Hall, to children’s adventure playgrounds in the Lower Leas Coastal Park, this area has much to offer to anyone looking for a fun family day out.

Those who simply want to enjoy a gentle stroll and stunning sea views can walk along the clifftop Leas and relax on one of the benches, watching the world go by.

At the town-centre end of the Leas, you’ll walk under the impressive arch that was built last year to commemorate the soldiers who passed through Folkestone during the First World War.

If you’re in the mood for some sunbathing, Folkestone has two main beaches below The Leas: Sunny Sands by the harbour, and the pebbly Folkestone Beach, which are easily reached from The Leas via the Lift or the Zig Zag Path.

There’s a lot to explore at The Leas, so here are our tips for things to see and do.

The Lower Leas Coastal Park

Take a walk down the winding Zig Zag Path opposite the bandstand, past the man-made grottoes and exotically colourful plants and you’ll emerge into Folkestone’s most surprising attraction.

Home to the South East’s largest free adventure playground, the award-winning Lower Leas Coastal Park comprises winding shady paths, picnic areas, an ampitheatre, the Mermaid Cafe and access to Folkestone Beach, providing endless opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

A pirate ship, monkey bars, a rope slide and more will keep your little monkeys entertained while you enjoy the sunshine.

The park also provides a haven for wildlife, particularly the south-facing undercliff, which has an unusual mild microclimate.

Eagle-eyed visitors can see woodpeckers, blue tits, butterflies and bees, as well as migrating birds and insects.

Venture to the rock pools at Mill Point at low tide and you can findw sea anemones, crabs and starfish.

If the Zig Zag Path looks a little too taxing, you can always descend the cliff in style with the Victorian Leas Lift.

The water-balanced funicular was opened in 1885 to make it easier for people to travel between the Upper Leas and the seafront.

It was only the third such hydraulic lift in the world at the time and it has been estimated that the lift has transported about 50m passengers since it was first installed.

Costing just £1 for a single trip, the lift offers a truly historic experience with great views.

Entertainment

The Leas Cliff Hall is a popular venue that seats 900 people and holds a programme of theatre, comedy, music and family entertainment all year round.

Productions coming up this summer include Bugsy Malone (running Saturday, August 22), Basil Brush (Friday, August 28), the ABBA Reunion Tribute Show (Friday, September 4) and the Rat Pack Vegas Spectacular Show (Saturday, September 5).

For more details and booking information visit www.leascliffhall.co.uk.

Built in 1895, the Leas Bandstand’s cast-iron columns are decorated in a honeysuckle motif based on ancient art forms.

This characterful structure holds concerts on Sunday afternoons during the summer – details can be found at www.folkestone.towntalk.co.uk.

Down in the Lower Leas Coastal Park, the beautiful grass ampitheatre seats 350 people and is the setting for a variety of outdoor events in the summer months.

Did you know..?

• When the Leas Cliff Hall was built in 1927, the official opening was conducted by Prince Henry (who would become the Duke of Gloucester) and broadcast live by the BBC.
• Built in 1921, the Zig Zag Path is a listed structure, yet all the caves and grottoes are entirely artificial – they were built using mostly waste material covered with a type of cement called Pulhamite, named after its creator James Pulham.
• The manufacturers of the Leas Lift, Waygood-Otis, went on to make the first commercial escalator.