Shorncliffe is located near Folkestone in South East Kent. It is close to the continent, with the coast of France being visible across the Straits of Dover. Landmarks include the Harbour and the white horse that is carved above the Channel Tunnel terminal.
Folkestone is at the eastern end of the M20 which provides fast access to Ashford, Maidstone, London and the M25.
The Eurotunnel that links to Calais, France in just 35 minutes is within 5 minutes drive of Shorncliffe. There is easy and fast access to London – less than an hour by High Speed train, Gatwick airport - 1 hr 30 min, Heathrow airport - 1 hr 50 min. Nearby towns of Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Hawkinge are easily accessible by road or rail.
The town offers a range of sports activities with sports and leisure centres, golf courses, a racecourse, football, cricket, rugby, running and bowls clubs. Bouverie Place, a shopping centre in the heart of Folkestone, has many High Street names and independent stores, and nearby towns such as Ashford and Canterbury also offer a wide range of shopping choices. The 2nd largest shopping mall of the country, Bluewater, is just less than an hour’s drive. There are numerous primary and secondary schools and various colleges and universities nearby for further education. The HIVE can provide details on request.
Sir John Moore Barracks is well established with various amenities for the soldiers and their dependants. The Primary HealthCare Centre fulfils the healthcare needs of serving personnel. A well established education centre provides learning opportunities for the serving soldiers and their families through various courses. It is supplemented by the Army Library and Information Centre offering Learn Direct courses. There is an Internet Suite open to Service personnel and dependants for a minimal charge. There is also a well equipped gymnasium and swimming pool that are accessible to both soldiers and their dependants. There is a temple accessible to Hindi worshippers. Other facilities include a Visitors’ Centre, PRI Shop, Spar Shop, Army Welfare Service, Welfare Contact House, BFBS Office, barber’s shop and a cash point. The Shorncliffe Community Centre in Mackenzie Drive houses the Unit Welfare Office (which has supporting branches at Dover and Canterbury), the HIVE, Gurkha Welfare Support Workers and the neighbourhood watch police.