In this post, I’ll give you everything you need to know about doing just that The White Cliffs of Dover Walk.
The White Cliffs of Dover live on the very edge of England. They mark the point where Great Britain is closest to continental Europe. In fact, on a clear day, you can see straight into France. eye
For more on Dover, you should also read mine Day trip to Dover guide.
Made of soft white limestone, the huge vertical white cliffs seem to rise straight out of the water. They offer one of the best coastal walks in the country with stunning sea views guiding your way. It is the perfect destination for a UK weekend getaway or even just a day trip.
If you’re planning a visit, this guide covers everything you need to know, from the different hikes to what you’ll see along the way.
Let’s go into the finer details of what you can expect on your White Cliffs of Dover walk.
Best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover
The best time to visit the White Cliffs of Dover comes down to your weather preference. Summer to early fall (May–October) produces the warmest temperatures. This is also when you will see wildflowers bloom and butterflies.
However, the cooler months are just as magical, and you’ll experience fewer tourists, which is always a plus.
National Trust White Cliffs of Dover | Times and prices
The White Cliffs of Dover are open all year round. For official hours, Visit their website.
At the National Trust The White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, you’ll find a car park, cafe, souvenir shop and public toilets. Parking is £5 per day (free for National Trust members).
Weekends and bank holidays are the busiest times to visit the White Cliffs of Dover coastline and there is always a chance of the car park being full. If this is when you’re scheduling a trip, try to arrive early to secure a parking spot.
White Cliffs of Dover Hiking | What will you need?
Before we get into the ins and outs of the White Cliffs of Dover, let’s first go over a few outdoor staples you’ll appreciate having with you on your travels.
Comfortable shoes: Happy feet are comfortable feet. You’ll be doing a fair amount of walking, so be sure to wear a lightweight pair Hiking shoes. The walk is not difficult, but you will go up and down some hills and cross some uneven terrain.
I would not recommend comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking while doing the Dover Cliff Walk. I took 35,000 steps that day! And without the right footwear, I don’t think I would have been able to walk as far or enjoy my White Cliffs of Dover hike.
Rain Jacket: In the UK, particularly near the coast, the weather can change in one instance. a rain jacket Will keep you warm and protected from rain and wind.
Reusable water bottle: With all the walking you’ll be doing, you’ll be thirsty. This Camelbak water bottle Lightweight, leak-proof and easy to hold. It is suitable for all outings.
Camera: With a landscape as dramatic as the Cliffs of Dover, you’ll definitely want a camera with you. I had my trusty Fuji X-T4 camera with me, and it is the camera on which all the images in this post were taken. This Mirrorless digital camera Great for outdoor photography. Your pictures will be crystal clear.
How to get to White Cliffs of Dover from London
Visiting the White Cliffs of Dover is a popular day trip from London. Here are the options you will have for traveling between these two areas.
London to Dover by car
Driving is the most convenient way to get to the White Cliffs of Dover from London. It takes just under two hours (78 miles) to reach the National Trust White Cliffs Visitor Centre, where you’ll find the car park.
London to Dover by train
Some of the train routes that run from London to Dover. The nearest train station to White Cliffs is Dover Priory.
Fast trains depart from St Pancras station and take one hour and four minutes. You can also board the train at Victoria Station or Charing Cross Station in London. Both these routes take just under two hours and include one change.
Train tickets will cost between £25 – £70 depending on the day of the week and if you’re traveling in peak season and if you’ve booked your ticket in advance.
Once you reach Dover Priory station, you will have to walk the rest of the way or take a taxi. It takes about 40 minutes (2 miles) to reach the visitor center on foot. It is an easy walk and is labeled with appropriate signage. R.
London to Dover by bus
This is the cheapest way to get to Dover, costing just £5 each way. You will catch up National Express Bus from Victoria Coach Station and reach in just three hours.
London to the White Cliffs of Dover Tours
You can also book a White Cliffs of Dover tour. Just keep in mind that these options include other stops, and you’ll have more limited free time to explore the reef. But you’ll learn a lot about the area and its history and see places you’d never think to see!
Here are three travel options from London:
● From London: Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral and Dover
● Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral, Dover and Greenwich
● Canterbury Cathedral, Dover Castle and the White Cliffs
Walking along the White Cliffs of Dover | what will you see
In spring and early summer, colorful wildflowers abound. They provide a perfect habitat for about thirty species of butterflies.
Migratory birds can also be seen as they fly inland across the English Channel. Ravens, jackdaws, skylarks, fulmars and black-footed kittiwakes are among the most popular birds to see.
You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for the grazing population of Exmoor ponies. This horse breed is native to the British Isles.
From certain points along the White Cliffs Walkway, you can even catch a glimpse of the imposing Dover Castle.
The White Cliffs of Dover Walks
There are several Dover Cliff Walks that you can take. They are all fairly simple, some just longer than others. And, as long as it’s not too muddy, the terrain shouldn’t be difficult to traverse.
Viewpoint Walk
It is just a short distance from the visitor center. It takes 20 minutes (one way) and is wheelchair friendly. It also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the sea as well as bustling Dover Port and France on a clear day.
Walkway to Fan Bay Deep Shelter
This 40-minute walk (one way) takes you from the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Center to Fan bay deep shelter. Built during WWII (1940 – 1941), this historic attraction is a tunnel complex located 23 meters below the ground.
That fan bay battery was built to store artillery batteries. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you travel down the Cliffs of Dover.
You will need to climb about 125 steep steps to reach the tunnel, so make sure to wear suitable shoes. Sandals and heels are not permitted.
Tickets for the tunnel are sold at the entrance to the tunnel (cash only). They cost £10 for adults and £5 for children. National Trust members visit for free.
South Foreland Lighthouse Visitor Center | South Foreland Lighthouse Walk
The scenic walking path from the Visitor Center to the South Foreland Lighthouse is the most popular route for visitors and is the route I chose. If you look at the White Cliffs of Dover walking map, they run more or less parallel to the sea.
The South Foreland Lighthouse Walk forms part of the England Coastal Path and Saxon Shore Way. It leads to the National Trust around Langdon Hall and Fan Point South Foreland Lighthouse.
It takes 50 minutes to reach the lighthouse, so your journey will take just under two hours roundtrip. But, keep in mind that you may want to stop along the way to take pictures and appreciate the wealth of wildlife in the area.
If you like this you will like mine Visiting the Seven Sisters Cliffs Guide
Approaching the South Foreland Lighthouse
Once you reach the South Foreland Lighthouse, break up your cliff walk with a fun activity. Here are the options available to you.
Take a visit: Go on a guided tour and learn about the history of this Victorian lighthouse. The tour lasts 30 minutes and ends with a spectacular balcony view from inside the structure.
Have a picnic: The large grassy lawn surrounding the lighthouse is a perfect picnic area. Pack some picnic supplies and rest your feet for a while.
Game Play: There are free old-school games you can play, such as Skittles, Quotes and Knots, and Cross. You can also borrow kites for free. Inquire inside the lighthouse visitor’s reception for games and kites.
Visit Mrs Knott’s Tearoom: This quaint cafe is just outside the lighthouse. It is decorated with old-fashioned furnishings and offers beautiful views of the English Channel. There is also a public toilet next to the tearoom.
St. Margaret’s Bay from Foreland Lighthouse
From the Foreland Lighthouse, you can continue your journey for another mile to the picturesque St. Margaret’s Bay. Along the way, you’ll pass St. Margaret’s Bay Windmill. This was the composition
Built-in in 1929 to generate electricity for the house attached to it.
End your Dover Cliff Walking Tour at St Margaret’s Bay Beach. Relax on the pebbly stones, or if you’re feeling brave, take a refreshing swim! With a stunning backdrop of white cliffs on either side, you can truly experience their natural beauty.
The return trip to the visitor center is about three miles and you will follow the same route you came in. Or, if you prefer me and don’t feel like returning, you can always take a bus or taxi back. I took the bus back to Dover, and it’s contactless so you can use your debit card or phone to get on them.
The White Cliffs of Dover Walk: Final Thoughts
if you are Visit to Dover, This stunning stretch of British coastline is a must-explore. Admire the panoramic views of the blue sea, lush greenery and stunning white cliff edges – all in one place.
With the various White Cliffs of Dover walks, you can spend a whole day, or even just a few hours, exploring the area. The trails are suitable for all fitness levels and are easy to follow. For an enjoyable outing in the English countryside immersed in nature, you can’t go wrong.
Some of the links on this post are affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase using these links, I receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. By using these affiliate links, you are helping Hues of Delahaye discover new cities, plan your next city break, and create content to help you travel with the running costs of this site. My cat and I really appreciate your support.
Sharing is caring!