Dover Cliffs Guide: Visiting the Famous White Cliffs

Sailboat and the Dover Cliffs - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
by Anisa // 28 Comments

I have always wanted to visit the White Cliffs of Dover. It was on my bucket list before I moved to England.  I enjoy scenic hikes and the pictures I had seen looked stunning. It’s such a dramatic contrast between the white of the cliffs and the water.  The Dover Cliffs are one of those iconic places like Stonehenge. It’s been a landmark for sailors for hundreds of years and even inspired several songs, the most popular being (There’ll be Bluebirds Over) the White Cliffs of Dover by Vera Lynn.  

We loved walking along the Cliffs of Dover, but the highlight of our day had to be the tour of the Deep Fan Bay Shelter used during World War II.  It was interesting to learn more about the history in addition to enjoying the beautiful landscape.  The White Cliffs of Dover exceeded my expectations.  If you haven’t already been, you need to go! All the information you need to plan your visit is right here in my Dover Cliffs guide.

COVID-19 Update: As of 20 Jan 2021, the car park for Dover Cliffs is open for local visitors.  The Deep Fan Bay Shelter is closed until further notice.

Anisa in Front of the White Cliffs of Dover - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
We enjoyed the views walking along the Dover Cliffs!

White Cliffs of Dover Facts

These interesting facts about the White Cliffs of Dover will help you get a little perspective on why the cliffs are iconic and a must see:

  • The Cliffs are 300 feet tall and stretch for 10 miles to the east and west of the town of Dover.
  • This is the narrowest part of the English Channel.  France is only a little more than 20 miles away.  At some points, our cell phones thought we were in France!
  • The chalk is made up of seashell fragments and the remains of small sea organisms and has streaks of black flint.  I was surprised to learn it is soft.
  • The cliff face erodes at an average rate of about half an inch per year.  Occasionally, large pieces have fallen off. (If you don’t believe me, check out this example from the Daily Mail).  Please be careful near the edge.
  • Julius Caesar landed at Dover in 55 B.C. He was met by armed forces, so he got back onto his ship and traveled to a different shore instead.
  • The National Trust purchased a section of the Dover Cliffs in 2016.
view of the Dover port from the White Cliffs - Dover Cliffs guide - Two Traveling Texans
Looking back toward the port and the city of Dover from the White Cliffs.

What to See at the White Cliffs of Dover

  • Port of Dover – You can see the port from the parking lot.  It is one of the busiest passenger ports in the world.  Ferries take people to Calais and Dunkirk in France and back. Cruise ships also dock here.  It was relaxing watching the ships come and go through the harbor. The sea was calm and I found myself thinking about all the people driving their cars onto the ferry, wondering whether they were just starting out on their journey or going home.
  • Views of the White Cliffs Themselves – The point where you first see the White Cliffs is breathtaking.  The contrast of the white of the cliffs against the green grass and blue water of the English Channel was breathtaking.
  • France – On a clear day you can see the coast of France, a little more than 20 miles away.
  • Deep Fan Bay Shelter – The Fan Bay Shelter was used during World War II to protect soldiers from bombing attacks.  I highly recommend doing the tour where you get to go down in the tunnels. It was fascinating seeing the tunnels as they were back in the 1940s and hearing the history.
  • South Foreland Lighthouse – This white Victorian lighthouse is located on top of the Dover Cliffs.  
Anisa walking along the Dover Cliffs. - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
Anisa walking along the Dover Cliffs.

White Cliffs of Dover Walk

We were pleased to find that we were some of the first people to park that day and we had the trails largely to ourselves.  From the parking lot, everyone walks east but there are a few different paths you can take. We started out shortly after 9 am and planned to take our time to enjoy the views. We couldn’t dawdle too much though, we needed to still make sure we got to the Fan Bay Shelter before the tours sold out.

The views were stunning from the start and kept getting better.  At the start of the walk, we had a clear view of Dover’s port and the Dover Castle on the top of the hill.  The green of the hills contrasted against the backdrop of the sea and the clear blue sky. Then, we got our first glimpse of the stark, white chalky cliffs.  The white is so bold especially against the green grass and blues from the sea and the sky.

Dover Cliffs Path

The paths are well marked.  In steep sections, you also have the option to use stairs, which may be easier.  Watch out for horse poop though. We saw several horses grazing on the cliffs.  Note: The National Trust uses the regular browsing of sheep, cattle, and horses to keep the bushes and trees under control and allow the grassland flowers to thrive.

There are no railings by the edge of the cliffs.  This is wonderful for photos but made me nervous for people who were sitting or standing at the edge.  Yes, we saw several people doing this. Personally, when we were walking the White Cliffs of Dover, I made sure not to get too close to the edge and I still had fantastic views.  Better safe than sorry!

Horses on the Dover Cliffs - Two Traveling Texans
We spotted horses grazing along the White Cliffs of Dover

You can turn around at any point, the paths are fine for two way traffic.  Many people choose to turn around at the Lighthouse, although the path does continue further.  We were taking our time so it took us about 1 ½ hour to get to the lighthouse. I recommend at least walking to the viewpoint about 30 minutes from the parking lot.

Deep Fan Bay Shelter Tour

Before I did the Fan Bay Shelter tour, I couldn’t stop raving about the views from the cliffs.  After the tour, I couldn’t stop thinking about the tunnels we had just been in. It was the highlight of our visit!  The tunnels are open to the public for tours Friday to Monday from the end of March to the end of October, plus some additional days during the summer.

Note: There are also shelters from World War II in London that you can visit.  Check out my post about our experience on the Clapham South Hidden London Tour.

A glimpse inside the Deep Fan Bay Shelter. - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
A glimpse inside the Deep Fan Bay Shelter.

These tunnels were used as a shelter during World War II.  Being close to France, Dover was frequently under attack. Over 4,000 shells fell in the area.  There were barracks above the tunnels but the soldiers would move into the tunnels during any attacks.  At times, there could be almost 200 men inside.

The National Trust runs the tours which are led by volunteers.  The tours are limited, every 30 minutes from 11 am – 3 pm and they only allow 12 people per tour. I recommend that you get your tickets early before they sell out.  The Tunnel Tours cost £10 per person and you must pay in cash at the entrance to the shelter (not the Dover Cliffs Visitor Center). The entrance to the Deep Fan Bay Shelter is located 1 ½ mile from the Dover Cliffs Visitor Center.

The Deep Fan Bay Shelter tour can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the number of questions.  National Trust members can take the tour for free. Click here to get more information about National Trust Membership.  For overseas visitors, there is the National Trust Touring Pass which allows you to visit all the National Trust properties for free for either 7 or 14 days.  Click here to learn more about the National Trust Touring Pass.

Anisa and Russell with Hard Hats on - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
We have our hard hats on, ready to go down in the tunnels.

You should be aware that in order to get to the tunnel, you have to climb down 125 steep steps.  Of course, you also have to climb up the steps to get out! For safety reasons, they require that you wear proper footwear, so no heels or sandals.  They will also give you a hard hat with a light. Children under 12 are not allowed on the tour.

Our Dover Cliffs Tunnel Tour

The descent into the tunnels was a bit scarier than I anticipated.  The steps were steep and it was dark. There was a handrail to hold on to on one side.  The stairs were broken into three flights and we took a short break after each one. Our tour guide reminded us that when the soldiers were ordered to move to the tunnels they would be running down these stairs carrying all their stuff including their guns.

Note: The Deep Fan Bay Shelter should not be confused with the Secret Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle which were the headquarters for Operation Dynamo.  Read more about the Wartime Tunnels at Dover Castle.

Our tour lasted a good hour, but the time flew by because it was fascinating.  I enjoyed hearing the stories of the soldiers in the tunnels during the war. It was funny to learn that after the tunnels were no longer needed for the soldiers, local kids would have fun in the tunnels (before the National Trust took over).  They thought it was a cool place to sneak a drink.

Dover Tunnel Tour - Two Traveling Texans
Our tour guide was amazing! We learned so much.

It was also thought-provoking to think of the quality of life inside the tunnels for the soldiers.  The way our guide described it I could almost smell the bad odors. When the area was under attack, you might find almost two hundred men in bunk beds lining these tunnels.  There were only four bathrooms for the soldiers. The four officers, on the other hand, shared their own room. They also had two bathrooms for themselves.

The graffiti inside the tunnels was fascinating too.  The National Trust has identified and studied thousands of pieces of graffiti in these tunnels. Our guide showed us some from the 40s that were of particular interest and others that were more recent. He joked that a lot of the wartime graffiti was probably done waiting in line for the bathrooms.

We also learned about how the tunnels were built.  It was impressive that it only took three months. I didn’t realize that chalk is actually a soft rock.  When the National Trust took over, volunteers did all the work to help restore the tunnels. They did an amazing job and the tour was excellent.  I felt like I got a sense of what the shelter was like during the war.

Dover Cliff Tunnels - Two Traveling Texans
It’s impressive these tunnels were built in three months

The Dover Cliffs Lighthouse

There has been a light at South Foreland since the 14th century when Brother Nicholas de Legh hung a lantern from the cliff to guide ships to safety. The current lighthouse is Victorian, rebuilt in 1846.  It is historically significant because it was the first lighthouse in the world to use an electric light. On September 30, 1988, it was decommissioned. You can learn more about the history of the South Foreland Lighthouse and experience the amazing views on the guided tour.

Guided tours of the lighthouse run from 11 am to 5 pm, April through October, and cost £6 per adult.  The tours last for 30 minutes. If you are a National Trust member, you can take the tour for free. Click here for more information about National Trust membership.

The view as we approached the lighthouse. - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
The view as we approached the lighthouse.

At the lighthouse, you will also find a cafe, gift shop, and bathrooms.  They had picnic tables outside, the perfect place for our snack. We relaxed at one of the tables and took in the views before we walked back to the Fan Bay Shelter. The sea was calm and shimmering in the sunlight. I could have sat there all day! It reminded me a bit of the Neist Point Lighthouse, although the one in Dover is much better maintained.

Through the National Trust, you can actually stay at the old lighthouse keeper’s cottage.  It’s been transformed into an elegant two bedroom holiday house. Image waking up to the views of the cliffs and the English Channel.  Then, stepping right outside and having 66 miles of coastal hiking trails. The village of St. Margaret’s a 20-minute walk away. Click here to get more information about the cottage including pricing and availability.  You do not need to be a National Trust Member to stay at the cottage

South Foreland Lighthouse - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
Wouldn’t it be neat to stay in the keeper’s cottage?

Picnicking at the White Cliffs of Dover

While you can eat at the cafe at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Center or the Lighthouse, I think the cliffs are also the perfect spot to picnic.   Why not pack a picnic lunch or snack? It’s hard to beat the views and it’s an easy way to save money.

There are picnic tables in the parking lot overlooking the port in addition to the picnic tables by the lighthouse.  You can also bring a blanket and find a grassy spot along the trail. We even saw some people sitting on the cliff edge, which I do not recommend.  There are also several benches along the trails if you need to rest or just want to sit down while enjoying the view.

bench on the Dover Cliffs - Two Traveling Texans
Take some time to picnic along the Dover Cliffs

When to Visit the Cliffs of Dover

The Cliffs of Dover are definitely at their best on a clear day.  The views are spectacular. I know the weather in England can be unpredictable, but if you can be flexible and visit on a nice day, you will get more out of it.

Also, note that the Deep Fan Bay Shelter and the South Foreland Lighthouse are not open all year.  You will want to plan your visit April-October on days when the Tunnel (Click here to check if the Fan Bay Shelter is open)  and Lighthouse (Click here to check if the South Foreland Lighthouse is open) are open.   

You also want to go early.  The White Cliffs are popular and will get crowded, especially if the weather is nice.  We got there when the parking lot opened at 9 am. It was almost empty! The Visitor Center was not even open.  The Visitor Center does have bathrooms and a small cafe.

Getting to the White Cliffs of Dover from London

The White Cliffs of Dover would make an excellent day trip from London. Dover is in the county of Kent in the southeastern part of England.  You have a few options to travel the 79 miles from London to the Cliffs of Dover.
Google Map of london

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  • Train! The train from London St. Pancras Station to Dover Priory takes a little more than an hour.  The one thing you need to keep in mind is that the distance from Dover Priory to the White Cliffs is about two miles.  You will be walking a lot once you get to the Cliffs, so you may want to save your legs and take a taxi from the station.  Be sure to book your train ticket in advance and choose specific train times to get the best price. Click here to check the schedule and pricing.
  • Tour! There are several tour options that will take you from London to the White Cliffs. They combine seeing the cliffs and seeing other places in Kent like Canterbury.  Click here to check out the different tours of the White Cliffs of Dover from London.

What to Bring When You Visit the White Cliffs of Dover

It’s not a difficult hike so you don’t need any serious hiking gear, but you should wear tennis shoes or something similar especially if you want to do the Dover Cliffs Tunnel Tour.  It’s also a good idea to bring water to make sure you stay hydrated. This reusable bottle is good for the environment and will help keep your water cold.

Looking out to the English Channel - Dover Cliffs Guide - Two Traveling Texans
You definitely need a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.

If you are lucky with the weather like we were you are going to want your sunglasses! I forgot mine.  It’s also always a good idea to wear some sunscreen. You will be outside most of the time and there is little shade on the White Cliffs.  If you think it might rain, I would recommend a waterproof jacket over an umbrella because it can get pretty windy. Also, if you plan on doing the Deep Fan Bay Shelter tour, it does get chilly down there, so I would recommend bringing your sweater even on a warm day.

Please don’t forget your camera! We use the Sony A6000, which is a mirrorless camera, for photos and the GoPro Hero 5 Black for videos.  (Read this great post from TravelFreak to learn more about mirrorless cameras)  The GoPro is waterproof so you can use it even if it rains. Keep in mind that the GoPro has a fisheye lens.

Last but not least, bring along some snacks (or even a picnic lunch).  We don’t want anyone getting hangry!

Other Places With Views of the Dover Cliffs

I was blown away by the views we had as we walked along the White Cliffs of Dover, however some argue that you get a better perspective if you are not standing on top of the cliffs.  The best views may be from the water.  If you want to get a different look at the White Cliffs try:

  • Dover Sea Safari Boat tour.  They have a few different Dover Cliffs boat tour options.  Click here for more information.
  • The ferry to/from Calais.  The journey takes 90 minutes each way.
  • The Coastguard Restaurant by St. Margaret’s Bay.  There is a parking lot a short walk away.

Our Dover White Cliffs Experience

We thoroughly enjoyed our time exploring the White Cliffs of Dover.  It exceeded my expectations. We were lucky to get amazing weather so the views were incredible.  The highlight, though, was the Dover Cliffs tunnel tour. Check out our White Cliffs of Dover video so that you can see what it is like.

Have you ever visited the White Cliffs of Dover? I would love to hear about your experience.

-Anisa

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Dover Cliffs with text overlay

Expert Tips for Visiting the Dover Cliffs

  • Go early.  It will be less crowded and you want to make sure you get tickets for the Dover Cliffs Tunnel tour.
  • Plan your visit for April to October on days when the Tunnel and Lighthouse are open.
  • Don’t forget your camera.  The views of the cliffs and looking out on the Channel are breathtaking.
  • Wear proper shoes.  The Dover Cliffs walk is not a difficult hike, but there are steep sections.  They also require proper shoes to go into the Fan Bay Shelter.
  • Consider joining the National Trust.  National Trust members can take the tunnel tour, lighthouse tour, and park for free.  This would save £16 per adult and the £4 to park if you are driving. Click here for more information about becoming a National Trust member.
  • If you are spending more time in the area, consider visiting Walmer or Deal Castles.

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Last Updated on January 21, 2021

About the Author

Anisa is an experienced international traveler with extra pages in her passport and stamps from 41 different countries across 5 continents (and counting). She was born and raised in Texas. After a 13 year stint in NYC, she moved to England to live with her husband.

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