White Cliffs of Dover

Posted on November 2, 2020

by Cool Places Britain

Stretching sixteen miles along the coast, a towering 350ft high in places, the White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic landmark in Kent.

Much of the cliffs lie withing the Kent Downs AONB and with their chalk grassland home to several rare plants, butterflies and birds.

The most dramatic views of the cliffs themselves come from miles out to sea.

The white chalk face is for many a symbol of home and war time defence.

Walking

To admire these world-famous cliffs, it is best to take a walk along them, which affords you amazing views of the Straits of Dover.

On a clear day it is even possible to catch a glimpse of France.

A nice 4-mile walk will take you from the Visitor Centre towards South Foreland Lighthouse. You will get a great view of the cliffs.

If you continue along the trail for another mile you will reach the quaint village of St Margaret’s at Cliffe.

Here you can either extend your walk with the Guarding the Gateway Trail or you can walk back to the Visitor Centre.

West of Dover you will find Shakespeare Cliff. The bracing clifftop walk offers a sweeping panorama. Just be sure to stay well clear of the edge.

On the foot of Shakespeare Cliff lies Samphire Hoe. This is a nature reserve created from 175 million cubic feet of chalk reclaimed during the building of the Channel Tunnel. Here you can enjoy an easy access trail along the coast.

If you like a long stretch, then head for Deal. This 9-mile walk along the coast will take in three beautiful castles and the South Foreland Lighthouse.