The 10th August 2026 is Sidetracked day!
Sidetracked is series dedicated to trains, stations and railways.
Come along and celebrate the 19th anniversary of the sidetracked series.
We will be at the site of the former Folkestone Harbour Station
10th August 2026 - 18:30 to 20:00
I hosted an event here for last year's Railway200 celebrations and it worked really well, so I decided to use it again for this year's sidetracked anniversary.
About this event and location
Folkestone harbour is a popular tourist spot and the harbour arm where this disused station is situated boasts plenty of conveniences. There is a pay and display car park close by and possible free roadside parking not too far away (see waypoints). The food vendors should still be serving a variety of food choices and the refurbished station where we will be meeting includes canopies over the platforms to keep us dry should it be raining. It's a lovely area to explore and I recommend a walk along the harbour arm for those that have time. This event is being held on a Monday evening, which I appreciate isn't always the most convenient time for everyone, but I wanted to host a meet that would fall on the official Sidetracked day.
There are plenty of geocaches and adlabs around this area. The Folkestone Finds series is very good and well maintained if you haven't found them already.
About this disused station
Opened in 1849, Folkestone Harbour station provided a transition point for connecting ‘boat train’ services across the English Channel to France.
The station connected to the South East Mainline via a 1-mile long branch line which was built from Folkestone Junction and crossed the harbour on a viaduct, reaching the station at the pier. It was originally designed for freight but the station also became popular with continental passenger services. The station was redeveloped in the early 20th century and it was an important destination for soldiers during World War I.
The opening of the Channel Tunnel in1994 made Folkestone Harbour uncompetitive, and the station began to decline, with regular passenger services ending in 2001. The station was closed permanently in 2014.
In 2015, a redevelopment project costing £3.5 million to refurbish the viaduct and the station began. The viaduct across the harbour was opened as a pedestrian route in 2017.
The event is held at the spot where the station was situated.
The site is accessible to wheelchairs and buggies. Dogs and well behaved owners are permitted.
Everyone is welcome. Come along and share your sidetracked stories.
Please see the waypoints for possible parking options.