A woman has shared a glimpse of a hidden gem beach located just an hour from London by train, boasting turquoise water and mermaid-shaped rocks that give it a Mediterranean feel. The beach, known as Mermaid Beach, is situated in Folkestone, Kent, and has been compared to the Mediterranean by visitors.
Location and Features
Mermaid Beach is tucked away beneath the cliffs near Sunny Sands Beach and the Folkestone Harbour Arm. It is a secluded pebble beach that offers a tranquil and picturesque retreat, with dramatic towering cliffs providing a striking backdrop. The beach gets its name from rocks shaped like a mermaid's tail along the shoreline.
Visitor Experience
One woman, who posts on TikTok as 'wonder_lesea', shared a video of the beach, describing it as a 'slice of the Mediterranean' just an hour from London. She wrote in the caption: "Feels like Spain, but it's Kent." She also highlighted the turquoise water and a walking trail through cliffs and lush parkland. The beach is a 15-minute stroll from Folkestone town centre, and train services from London take just 58 minutes.
Facilities and Rules
Visitors can find coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and ice cream at nearby spots, and barbecues are permitted on the beach. However, dogs are only allowed outside the main season. For those seeking a longer route, the Lower Leas Coastal Park offers a picturesque but steep walking trail past artificial grottoes constructed at the end of the First World War.
Viewer Reactions
Numerous viewers shared their opinions on the TikTok post. One person said: "Thanks to you just booked a small holiday in Folkestone." Another commented: "Mermaid Beach is beautiful. I live an hour away and have been twice now. It's peaceful and beautiful and most importantly, clean." A third added: "I was there last year for the first time and definitely it's my favourite 'till now, water is clean and the area it's very nice." However, one user noted: "All fun 'till you can't use your phone for five minutes because it thinks you're in France."
