An enchanting and one-of-a-kind coastal town in Kent is winning big already this year. Folkestone, already swelling with local pride after being named the best place to live in the South East by the Sunday Times, has now clinched another title. Time Out has just declared it the top spot to visit in the UK for 2025, a remarkable feather in the cap for this seaside gem that boasts its fair share of accolades. Time Out refers to the town in Kent as a "top-tier seaside spot", lavishing praise on its "balmy, sweeping beach".

While Folkestone's weather may be subject to Mother Nature's whims, on a sun-kissed day the town transforms into a tropical paradise with crystal blue waters and golden sands — and with luck, visitors can glimpse France across the waves. Regardless of the weather, Folkestone guarantees an exceptional experience in shopping, dining, and culture. READ MORE: The private UK beach that offers 'a little slice of Italy' on the north Wales coastline.

The town radiates a youthful exuberance with its vibrant, colourful streets and is very different town from its once less glamorous days. . Rich with quirky independent boutiques, quaint cafes, and tantalising restaurants, it's well worth taking a stroll through the streets before drafting a gastronomic 'to do' list. One visitor told KentLive they were able to find a cheap parking space in the town centre "very easily", always a bonus, and a positive start to a day.

You won't have to look far to find the positives in Folkestone as they are pretty much everywhere. The Harbour Arm is one of them and there's stalls full of tempting eats, and those behind them are known for being friendly and up for a chat. If you like sweet treats, the blondies - that's like a brownie, but made with brown sugar instead of cocoa - are said to be sublime. Whether you're after quirky bars or award-winning restaurants, you'll find them here. There's Cavells at Folkestone Harbour, brought to you by the same team behind the town's popular Big Greek Bus. Opened in late summer last year, it dishes up a mouth-watering array of Greek, Lebanese and Syrian cuisine.

Then there's Little Rock, a seafood haven run by an all-female team, nestled in a shipping container just off Folkestone Harbour Arm, beachside. Finally, don't miss Rocksalt, a luxury seafood spot loved by locals and visitors alike. Named among the UK's best restaurants with a view in 2022, it boasts breathtaking vistas across the Channel and was a personal favourite of TV personality and model Kelly Brook when she lived in Kent.

Another area to visit is the Creative Quarter in the Old High Street, it is charming and a feast for the eyes, as there's every colour of the rainbow on the brightly-painted independent shops. The locals love it of course, and it's great if you have some money for some unique retail therapy, something different from every day brands dominating high streets across the country. For visitors, there's plenty of choice for souvenirs and mementoes of your trip.

There's music shops too, not surprising with the town's well-established music scene. And as Folkestone is cool, there's independent and vintage clothes shops, so you might head home with a bit more sartorial savvy than when you left. A visit to the "magical oasis" that is Kingsnorth Gardens, with a history dating back more than 100 years, is a must. It's a very short walk from the town centre, near Folkestone Central station.

It's where Shorncliffe Road and Cheriton Road meet. This stunning outdoor space has a charming mix of oriental, Italian and English formal gardens. Hold off on visiting until April if you fancy seeing a vivid bloom of colours, complete with ornamental ponds and fountains, seasonal display beds, and rock gardens. Noteworthy standouts include the specimen trees, particularly the Japanese Acers with their strikingly pink flowers, expected to blossom come April.

For more exploring, there's Bouverie Place Shopping Centre and the Lower Leas Coastal Park, and you must see one of sculptor Anthony Gormley's iron men, under the harbour arm gazing out to sea, and Cornelia Parker's striking bronze mermaid perched on the rocks above the beach. If you're visiting from London, it's just under an hour from King's Cross railway station. You can get to Calais from Folkestone here on the Eurostar in 35 minutes.

Time Out suggests an excellent plan for a day-trip, which will give you a little bit of everything, from stretching your legs and being out in nature, to window shopping including for art, and a stop for refreshments. Running from July 19 to October 19, this year's event delves into the historical roots of human settlement in the town. Creative Folkestone, the brains behind the festival, invites visitors to explore Folkestone's "deep past".

Time Out heaps accolades on Folkestone, stating: "For a while, Folkestone was something of an under-the-radar seaside destination – but those days are now long gone.". It goes on to praise the Kentish town for its transformation into a prime seaside location, celebrated for its vibrant, cobbled Old High Street filled with independent shops, an expanding food scene, a balmy beach, and picturesque natural surroundings.