Due to popular demand and us out growing our current premises we decided to buy a shop in Folkestone. As so many campers use the Dover ferry's we could only be better located if we were in Dover. But we don't like Dover as much as Folkestone.
We believe this to be the only specilist motorhome, caravan and camping bookshop in the country.We had to wait six weeks to get the broadband connected but we finally move in this weekend 20th November 2007. As you can see it was a paint shop and we have not changed the sign yet.
Tontine Street leads up from the old ferry terminal. Conveniently all the signs are still up for the ferry so it is dead easy to find. It has been a terribly run down street for many years but is under a huge revival. The chap that used to own SAGA (head office in Folkestone) decided to swap a load of property (rummer) with another Folkestone landlord. He has now set up the Cultural Foundation, which is centered on Tontine Street and the old High Street. He also owns what was the amusements on the sea front.
There is now a College a theater is being built and many of the shops are being rented to artists and other fluffy things. I think the vision it to make it trendy like Brighton. A second potential boom will come when the fast train line to London is operating in 2009.
Vicarious Books shop is opposite the Brewery Tap Inn a handsome building with a unique tile facade. There is also an empty plot next to it, that is kept as a war memorial, the building having been destroyed by a bomb. This building now belongs to the Cultural Foundation and is being re opened as a trendy Tapas Bar. Convenient as it is next door to the new theater under construction above.
So can you come and visit us? Yes from Monday though parking is not brilliant if you are bringing your motorhome or caravan. I think the easiest thing to do is park with the trucks on the old ferry port and walk the 300 yard to the shop. It is possible to to park on street and you would be advised to stop in the first space that is big enough.
