During Folkestone's Victorian and Edwardian heyday as a fashionable resort, The Leas cliff-top promenade was the place to see and be seen. The Lower Leas, between the cliff-top and Marine Parade by the sea, was laid out with stairways, pathways and Mediterranean-style trees and plants, many of which still remain.

The Lower Leas Coastal Park has been from the outset a popular amenity among visitors and residents. Extensive works have been carried out to restore and develop the site which now includes the creation of a cycle route (part of the Sustrans National Cycle Route), an amphitheatre and a large children's play area.