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South Foreland Lighthouse

Kent

Striking and historical lighthouse high on The White Cliffs of Dover

St Margaret's Bay, Dover, Kent

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A man and a child are walking a black-and-white dog through a grassy field towards South Foreland Lighthouse, Kent. The lighthouse is painted white and stands against a grey cloud that's hanging in the sky.

Important notice

South Foreland Lighthouse, tearoom, shop and toilets are now closed for the winter. We look forward to welcoming you again in spring 2026.

Planning your visit

Things to see and do at South Foreland Lighthouse 

Explore South Foreland Lighthouse on the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Take a guided tour and discover the fascinating stories of this landmark.

South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent seen from a wildflower meadow.

Map of White Cliffs and South Foreland Lighthouse 

Map of The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse showing key features and footpaths. Can be saved to your mobile device and viewed during your visit. View and download PDF 0.13MB

Image of a map of the White Cliffs of Dover showing the key attractions of the Visitor Centre, Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse

History of South Foreland Lighthouse 

Discover the long history of South Foreland Lighthouse. Find out what scientific discoveries were made here, and the part it played in the war effort.

South Foreland Lighthouse at night lit specially for Her Majesty The Queen's platinum jubilee in June 2022

Conserving South Foreland Lighthouse 

Find out what we’ve been doing to conserve South Foreland Lighthouse and ensure that it will continue to look out over the White Cliffs for many years to come.

Image showing the brilliant white South Foreland Lighthouse illuminate by the early morning sun

Visiting White Cliffs and the lighthouse with your dog 

The White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse are two pawprint-rated places. Find out about bringing your dog to the cliffs and the lighthouse, and what to watch out for to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable visit.

Visitor with dog at the Northumberland Coast, Northumberland

Fan Bay Deep Shelter and gun emplacement at The White Cliffs of Dover 

Explore Fan Bay Deep Shelter, the sound mirrors and gun emplacement in an immersive, hard-hat and head torch tour with our expert, friendly guides.

The interior of Fan Bay Deep Shelter in The White Cliffs of Dover in Kent, showing its arched corrugated steel construction

Volunteering opportunities at South Foreland Lighthouse 

Interested in getting involved at South Foreland Lighthouse? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.

A group of people in summer clothing listen to a volunteer guide speak, on the balcony at the top of South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent.

The White Cliffs of Dover 

Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel

Dover, Kent

Partially open today
Image of visitor walking along the clifftop at the White Cliffs of Dover, Kent on a sunny day in August
Visitors descending a path through the Rock Garden at Cragside, Northumberland

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