When I found out I’d be living in Kent for a while, there was one place I knew I had to explore: The White Cliffs of Dover.
Iconically English, yet tantalisingly close to France- so close that when enjoying a cliff top walk, my phone often pings me a Welcome to France message- the cliffs are one of the UK’s most striking and recognisable natural landmarks. In my opinion, they are a must-visit on any Kent or England travel itinerary.
What I’ve discovered while calling Kent home is that there’s more to the White Cliffs of Dover than you might think. I’ve put together this complete guide to help you plan the perfect visit.
Know what you’re looking for? Here’s the breakdown, so feel free to skip to the bit you need.
White Cliffs Guide
Things to do at The White Cliffs of Dover
You know there’s going to be coastal views and you might well be humming the famous song ( find it linked here if you’d like to listen), but what can you do when you get there? Well, here’s some ideas.
Walk Along the Clifftops
Walking along the tops of the White Cliffs of Dover is an absolute joy. You’ll have views across the English Channel, all the way to France on a clear day. Look back across the cliffs and the port and you’ll have magnificent Dover Castle as a backdrop.
There’s plenty of walk options at the cliffs, but if you want to keep it simple, walk the well marked trail from the National Trust Visitor Centre to South Foreland Lighthouse and back. You can’t really go wrong; just follow the cliff tops. This route takes in all the main sights of the cliffs, including taking you past all the best viewpoints.
The cliff top area is closed to road vehicles, so you don’t need to worry about traffic. However, as the cliff top grasslands are managed with livestock, you might find you have the occasional cow or a pony for company.
The Langdon Stairs Walk ( Tunnel, Ladder, Shipwreck Beach)
If you’re up for a walk at the White Cliffs of Dover that comes with a dash of adventure, try this one.
Starting at the National Trust Visitor Centre, this walk soon leaves the main cliff-top path to take you down a six-section zigzag trail that once formed part of an old smuggling route. At the bottom, you’ll find a World War One searchlight position built into the cliffs, looking out across the English Channel. Getting to it means passing through a 35m long tunnel- dark, slightly damp and just a little bit creepy!
Think that’s enough adventure? It’s not done yet. Below the searchlight position, there’s a rocky cove where the remnants of a shipwreck can be seen at low tide. Reaching it involves descending a 7m long, rusting ladder bolted to the cliff face.
This is one of my favourite walks in Kent. I’ve written a full guide with everything you need to know. Find it here: The White Cliffs of Dover & Langdon Stairs Walk: Creepy Tunnel & Shipwreck Beach Adventure
Visit South Foreland Lighthouse
The little white lighthouse on the big white cliffs, South Foreland Lighthouse has stood for over 180 years, originally built to guide mariners through the shifting sands of the Straits of Dover. If you want to discover more about the working days of the lighthouse, you can take a guided tour.
South Foreland is one of the most relaxed and family-friendly parts of the White Cliffs experience, particularly in the warmer months when the grassy slopes around the lighthouse play host to deck chairs and lawn games.
This is also where you’ll find Knotts, a 1950’s themed tearoom in a converted lighthouse keepers cottage. It’s named after George and Catherine Knott who were keepers here, along with their family of 13 children. Now the perfect spot for coffee and cake, or a classic cream tea.
Fan Bay Deep Shelter Tour
The White Cliffs of Dover are home to stunning walks and sea views, but did you know you can also venture into the cliffs to explore a fascinating piece of war time history?
During World War Two, the South Coast was Britain’s Front Line and became home to a network of tunnels and gun emplacements, built to launch attacks on German ships moving through the Channel and to give shelter to soldiers from enemy shelling and bombardment.
Part of this network has been restored and is welcoming visitors: Fan Bay Deep Shelter.
Pull on a hard hat, switch on your head torch and descend the 125 steel and concrete steps into the tunnels into the cliffs, where your guide will bring the shelter to life with stories how the soldiers lived and worked , from daily life details – think toilets and graffiti- to the fate of the tunnels after the war.
I personally loved this tour and highly recommend it. Full details here: Visiting the Fan Bay Deep Shelter: The World War Two Tunnels in The White Cliffs of Dover
St Margaret’s Bay & The Coastguard
Lots of people make it to the main area of the cliffs around the National Trust visitor centre, but not so many make it to St. Margaret’s Bay, which is shame, because it’s a lovely little spot.
This secluded cove is a bit of a hidden gem and generally quieter than neighbouring beaches. You can walk by the sea, enjoy the postcard worthy sea-side views and round off with a visit to The Coastguard. This lovely, welcoming pub with sea views is Britain’s nearest pub to France. A great spot for cocktails or a sea food supper with views across the English Channel.
Swimming near the White Cliffs of Dover
There’s something really lovely about swimming in the sea with a view of the White Cliffs. It’s definitely an experience I personally recommend, and something I try to do as often as I can. Looking for a swimming spot? Try one of these:
- St Margaret’s Bay: A sheltered location and excellent water quality plus stunning White Cliff views make St Margaret’s Bay a great place to swim.
- Dover Harbour Beach: Running along Dover Esplanade, the Harbour Beach is ideal for a swim and a bit of sea front socialising. You’ll find places to eat & drink, kayak hire and classic seaside deck chairs for hire if you want to make a day of it.
Both of these locations have public toilets. Neither have lifeguards on duty. Always check condition before entering the water.
Where to Stay Near The White Cliffs of Dover
Dover Marina Hotel & Spa, Tapestry by Hilton
This is hands down my favourite hotel in the area. I’ve stayed here myself and genuinely love the combination of the hotel’s history, brilliant location and relaxed, but slightly indulgent, feel.
The hotel occupies an attractive historic building right on Dover Esplanade, just steps away from the beach. Outside is classic coastal architecture, inside is all cosy corners and plenty of character.
And then there’s the spa. Tucked away in the basement, you’ll find a sauna, steam room, bubble pool and a range of treatments on offer. Perfect if, like me, you enjoy adding a bit of wellness time to any trip away.
Things to do Nearby: Other White Cliffs Views
The coastline around Dover is some of the most beautiful and interesting in the South of England. Here’s a few other places you might be interested in visiting:
Samphire Hoe: The Nature Reserve Created by the Eurotunnel: Accessed via tunnel through the cliffs, Samphire Hoe is a beautiful nature reserve created with the spoil carved out to create the Channel Tunnel. Now a unique place to walk and enjoy views across to France.
The Battle of Britain Memorial: A short drive out of Dover, this is a beautiful memorial with extensive grounds and access to cliff top walks. There’s a wonderful and very reasonably priced cafe with an elevated terrace for fantastic English Channel views.
Every time I visit the Battle of Britain Memorial, I think about how the White Cliffs of Dover must have been a welcome sight when pilots were flying back in to England in World War Two, so I thought this one worth including.
Helen x
Beautiful, white cliffs and blue skies. We lived in Chatham for a while, and would often nip across to Calais from Dover. Looks like you had a good visit.
It’s a great area to be posted in, I’ve enjoyed a few visits to Chatham. And perfectly placed to pop across the Channel!
What a comprehensive and beautiful review of the area, Helen. This happy landing definitely suits you. I never do get to the south coast. Such a shame xx
Thanks Jo, I’ve had a fun summer getting to know the place. Half way through our time here now so trying to enjoy it all.
Already! Life moves at a pace xx
You’ve definitely found out how to get the best out of Dover, a town I’ve always felt to be down on its luck in many ways. Fresh air and fun is the way forward!
I think Dover is picking itself up. I’ve certainly enjoyed discovering the place as more than the ferry port.
I’m glad if it’s doing better, as it does have a lot to celebrate too.
I recall cycling up a hill in Dover to catch Dover to Calais ferry with my bike.
There’s some great cycle routes along that coastline.
You’ve sold Dover to me Helen – after exploring Thanet a couple of years ago I need to dig deeper into Kent!
I think you’d really enjoy both Dover & Folkestone, so much to enjoy.