In the 7th century, Eanswith, granddaughter of Æthelberht of Kent, founded a nunnery in Folkestone. In the 13th century the village was part of the "Cinque Ports", which led to its development into a prosperous trading port. At the beginning of the Tudor period, Folkestone was granted town rights. As in other south coast settlements, smuggling developed here in the 18th century. The connection to the railway network in 1843 had a major impact on the development of the town. During the Edwardian era, Folkestone was considered the most fashionable holiday resort of the time, and was visited by members of the royal family and the English aristocracy.

After two world wars and the boom in overseas package holidays, the town experienced a rapid decline.