Folkestone lies a few miles to the west of Dover, and is easy to recognise from sea with it's single large breakwater. This was once an important cross channel port with regular sailings to Boulogne, and indeed the whole history and prosperity of this harbour was based on this requirement alone.

Alas once the Channel Tunnel was completed Folkestone's last hope of being a ferry port vanished. With the withdrawal of the ferry companies in 2000 the whole harbour has degenerated. The deepwater berths were once dredged to 5 m, now all is silting up and the massive outer breakwater has an air of neglect and decay about it.

The railway companies had visions of this being a grand terminal, and even today the slightly decrepit looking breakwater is served by rail link that gets enthusiasts all gooey eyed when historic locomotives occasionally call. It also gets the same enthusiasts hot under the collar when plans are made to remove this defunct branch line. ... read more

Approaches to Folkestone from the south-west through to the east are basically clear of danger. Rocky ledges protrude from the coast to the East and West so a good offing will need to be maintained. If approaching close along the coast from either direction it would be very wise to keep at least a mile off in depths of at least 10 m.

From the East there is a very conspicuous hotel that from a distance looks a bit like the deck structure of a large ship. From the West you will sail past the town of Folkestone itself.

In either case the safest approach is made from a distance off with the end of the breakwater (approx 51°04'.557N, 001°11'.716E) bearing between 290° and 305°. More pilotage details: ... read more

With a sufficient rise of tide it is possible to enter the outer harbour between the East Pier and South Quay. This outer harbour dries to 1 m in the entrance, just over 2 m in the centre and over 3.7 m in the North Eastern corner. ... read more