The park is split into three broad recreational zones, starting at The Leas Lift (on Lower Sandgate Road) and heading west.

In 1784, a landslip created a new strip of land between the beach and the cliffside, the length of the coast from Folkestone Harbour to Sandgate.

[1] In 1828, the Earl of Radnor built a toll road providing an easy route between Folkestone harbour and Sandgate.

The park and seafront with their new pier, switchback ride (an early form of roller coaster - railway along the promenade), and beach amusements proved to be so popular, that a second lift was added in 1890.

[1] In the park, tea rooms, shelters and woodland walks were provided among the newly planted holm oaks (Quercus ilex) and pine trees so that people could “take the air”.

The cliff-face and grottoes along the path, are entirely artificial, as they are built from waste material and coated in special cement called Pulhamite after its creator James Pulham.

The Leas Cliff Hall was opened in 1927 as a replacement for a much smaller concert room called the 'Leas Shelter'.

[6][10] National Cycle Route 2 runs along the Lower Sandgate Road (through the park) and cyclists are asked to dismount through the play area during busy periods.