Folkestone Literary Walking Tour

On Saturday, 7 November 2026, Tony Quarrington, a local writer, historian, and guide, will lead a literary walking tour of Folkestone, joined by Folkestone Book Festival curator Sophie Haydock, at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone. This entertaining walk will reveal the stories woven through Folkestone's landscape, offering fresh perspectives on familiar places, and exploring the town's rich literary heritage. With a focus on writers such as Charles Dickens, HG Wells, Carol Ann Duffy, and Wilfred Owen, the tour will delve into the town's history and the inspirations behind these notable authors' works.

Tony Quarrington, who has been leading walking tours in Folkestone since 2017, has a deep understanding of the town's literary connections. His own writing and poetry often reflect his love for the town, and he has published several pieces on his website. Quarrington's literary tours have become a staple of Folkestone's cultural scene, with each walk lasting around three hours and including readings from writers associated with specific locations. His talk at the Quarterhouse in May 2026, as part of the 'Folkestone is a Library: The Power of Reading Together' event, showcased his knowledge of the town's literary history, drawing on Dickens's description of Folkestone harbour and HG Wells's novel Kipps.

The walking tour, which is part of the Folkestone Book Festival, will provide a unique opportunity for participants to discover the town's hidden corners and learn about its literary heritage. With refreshment stops along the way, the tour promises to be an enjoyable and enlightening experience. Tickets are with the button beside the article, and the event is scheduled to take place at the Quarterhouse in Folkestone on Saturday, 7 November 2026.

The Folkestone Book Festival, curated by Sophie Haydock, is a celebration of stories, ideas, and conversation by the sea. The festival brings together world-class writers, thinkers, and storytellers to Folkestone, with over 60 events taking place across two weeks. The festival is part of Folkestone is a Library, a town-wide celebration of reading, writing, and storytelling, which aims to make Folkestone one of the UK's most exciting literary destinations.

By joining the literary walking tour, participants will not only gain a deeper appreciation of Folkestone's literary heritage but also become part of a thriving community of readers, writers, and curious minds. The event is supported by Eurotunnel, Canterbury Christ Church University, Holiday Extras, and the Friends of Folkestone Book Festival, among others. With its unique blend of literature, history, and conversation, the Folkestone Literary Walking Tour is an event not to be missed, and tickets can be found with the button beside the article.