The Channel Ports inland border facility at Folkestone, located at the back of the amenity building, beside the toilets and former Cafe 24 stand. This pic evidences the large nature of Stop24 and how all this space seems unnecessary now given the low custom levels. The amenity building itself is made almost entirely from glass, with blue painted metal beams and a very high ceiling, making it feel more spacious. This pic would look very different if the weather was bad! There are rows of seating & a large waiting area, but no sign of life. Folkestone, being built so close to the Channel Tunnel & Port of Dover, means customers aren’t likely to stop here on route from London & further, so adding this Channel Ports facility means it can provide customers information about ferry arrival times & location, which other services can’t do, encouraging customers to stop for a quick break before heading on. I believe it wasn’t open during my visit. This “back end” of Folkestone is now being filled with a fitness centre & HGV lounge. Hopefully, this will attract more passing trade off the M20 as this Channel Ports facility isn’t changing much for the place. It’s clear that Stop24 were ambitious and expected a higher level of custom than what is experienced now. Had the place been built on the M25 or closer to London on the M20, there would be less empty space and more brands making money, like Cobham. It’s a shame to see the place deserted. It’s likely that the development works will eventually cause this Channel Ports facility to be removed. Next to this facility is a Tchibo coffee machine & some recently refurbished toilets and showers. There is also a leger holidays facility at Folkestone, allowing customers to book coach holidays. These facilities make Folkestone feel more like a European airport. Oddly, there’s a large blue “P” for parking displayed on this unit. Folkestone is the only UK motorway services offering such a facility, largely due to the fact that it has no sister sites & when referring to “Stop24”, it means Folkestone precisely. This Channel Ports facility isn’t signposted at all from the M20 in either direction. You’d think Stop24 would include this on the motorway signpost to attract trade as it’s exclusive to their site & customers can find out information about their onward travel, but instead food outlets are signposted. Channel Ports is included on the small totem pole outside the entrance, but isn’t advertised anywhere else around the site.

Photo taken on 21/07/2024 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Folkestone, M20, Stop 24