The Citadel

The Citadel sits on the cliffs above Folkestone, a Victorian fort that's been converted into a museum. It's one of those places that rewards climbing the stairs - you get proper views across the Channel once you're up there, and the fort itself tells the story of 19th-century coastal defence when invasion from France felt genuinely threatening. Inside, you'll find exhibits about the fort's military history and the role it played during both world wars. The structure is substantial and worth an hour or so of poking about.

History buffs will get the most from a visit here, particularly those interested in Victorian engineering and military strategy. Kids might find it moderately interesting if they're into forts and old guns, though it's not a playground - expect a fair bit of reading and climbing about narrow passages. The views alone make it worth the walk if you're in Folkestone anyway.

It's worth checking opening hours before you head up, as museums this size can be a bit variable with their schedules. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Varne Ridge or St Margaret's Bay, you're close enough for a morning visit without it dominating your day. Combine it with a proper walk along the cliffs - there's more to see than just the fort itself, and the coastal path in either direction is worth your time. Allow a couple of hours if you want to do both properly.