South East Community guide

Copt Point

Folkestone, Kent · CT19 6BL

Boulder-strewn beach below Folkestone's East Cliff, a former Victorian tip, known for big, thick, heavily frosted sea glass.

About Copt Point

Copt Point is the rocky stretch of shore below Folkestone's East Cliff, between the harbour and the Warren. The cliffs above were used as a Victorian tip and the town's old glassworks is said to have dumped waste glass into the sea, so the shingle between the boulders holds a lot of old glass. A local beachcombing blogger calls it the largest and thickest sea glass they've ever found. The cliffs are crumbling clay, and the tide can cut you off.

Sea glass at Copt Point

Chunky, heavily frosted pieces, mostly green, brown and white, with blue, aqua and amber now and then; bonfire glass has also been found. Look in the gravel trapped between the big boulders on a falling tide, especially after storms.

Visiting Copt Point

Getting there
From the East Cliff area, steep steps lead down to the promenade; at low tide the beach can be reached from the promenade stairs. Go as the tide is dropping.
Parking
Parking on the cliffs above Copt Point; East Cliff Pavilion car park (CT19 6BL) is about a 20-minute walk including the cliff path.
Safety
Check the tide times before you go and head out on a falling tide, so you're never cut off. Keep away from the bottom of cliffs, wear sturdy shoes on rocks, and only take sea glass and other man-made rubbish: pebbles, sand and shells should stay on the beach.
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    Sources

    • treasuresofthewild.blogspot.com : Kent beachcombing guide: 'Sea Glass at Copt Point is the largest and thickest I have ever found'; access, tide warning, cliff-top parking
    • hungerfordarcade.com : Local collector finds glass in Folkestone near the old glassworks, which dumped waste glass and slag into the sea in Victorian times; bonfire glass

    Last updated 23 October 2026

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