The secret English wilderness right by the beach that’s the ‘most beautiful place in the world’

A SECRET wild walk right by the beach is said to be one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Tucked away along the Folkestone coastline in Kent, The Warren once had its own train station and cafe as well as child’s playground and gardens.

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Called the Folkestone Warren Halt railway station, it was opened in 1886 by South Eastern Railways.

Despite this, is closed that same year after the then Lord Radnor warned it was trespassing on his land.

It reopened 22 years later in 1908 – only to close again in 1915 following a huge landslip, and only opening again in 1919.

Another landslip in 1939 closed it to the public, where it remained as a staff facility until 1971 when it closed for good.

Following the closure, it slowly fell into disrepair and is now a wild landscape with 150 species of birds and wildflowers, and is protected as a  Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Local Nature Reserve.

As part of the Kent Downs and Heritage Coastline, it is found between Folkestone and Dover.

The sandy beach is less popular that the other nearby beaches including the nearby Mermaid Beach or Sandgate Beach.

However, lots of visitors have raved about it being “peaceful” and “secluded,” with one saying: “A beautiful and quiet place to energise from bustle life.”

Another wrote: “Probably the best beach in Kent.”

“Its secluded, hardly visited, miles of sandy beaches that gradually slip into the sea. Clean clear water and perfect swimming.”

And local website Folkelife calls it one of the “most beautiful places on earth“.

They added: “It’s a secret wilderness, hidden by forested walks which open to truly the most beautiful of coastal views.”

Some of the best views are found at the top of the Martello Tower No.1, used as a defence fort.

Views include the White Cliffs of Dover and on a clear day, can even see France.

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Visitors often visit the area to go rockpooling – when the tide is out – or fossil hunting with dinosaur prints found in the sand.

There are also large concrete structures that are still in place following World War II.

If you fancy staying nearby, there is the Folkestone Camping and Caravanning Club Site nearby, along with parking.

There is also The Valiant Sailor pub, serving food and local beers.

Also set to reopen in Folkestone is the 138-year-old Leas Lift, connecting the town to the beach.

And here’s what it’s like to live in Folkestone.