Kent

South Foreland Lighthouse

Striking and historical lighthouse high on The White Cliffs of Dover

St Margaret's Bay, Dover, Kent

Opening times
Prices
See on map

Donate to this place

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.

Mobility parking: contact the property before your visit. Building: two steps to entrance. Ground floor accessible. Many stairs with handrail to other floors. Grounds: loose gravel paths, uneven ground and steep slopes.
View the full Accessibility Guide for South Foreland Lighthouse here - AccessAble.co.uk
Accessible toilet
Unisex accessible toilet with the toilet block. Level access
Drop-off point
Visitors who are unable to walk can park in the grounds by prior arrangement
Induction loop
All till points have induction loops fitted
Ramped access/slopes
Access to the shop, tearoom and lighthouse is via temporary ramps. No access to upper floors of the lighthouse without use of stairs
Seating available
Seating available in the grounds and within the lighthouse
Steps/uneven terrain
The lighthouse grounds are mostly uneven with grass or shingle coverings.
Map
Directions via Google Maps
By road
No direct vehicular access to the lighthouse. Parking is available at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, then take a stunning 2 mile cliff top walk along the cliffs following the way-marked trail. If you prefer a shorter walk park at St Margaret's bay (not NT) then walk up to the Pines Gardens and St Margaret’s Museum continuing on along Beach Road through South Foreland valley to the lighthouse, which is about a mile away. Please help us by using the public car parks in the village and not parking in residential areas.
Parking: No onsite parking. Nearest at White Cliffs, 2-mile clifftop walk, or St Margaret's village or bay then walk (1 mile). Parking address: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre, Langdon Cliffs, Upper Rd, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ
Sat Nav: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre postcode may take you to the eastern docks ferry terminal, use CT15 5NA and turn into the car park at the sharp bend.
On foot
You can walk from Dover which is about 2½ miles away following the Saxon Shore way cliff path via the White Cliffs Visitor Centre or from the village of St Margaret's following footpaths through South Foreland valley.
By train
The best station to use is Dover Priory which is 3 miles away. It has an hourly high-speed service from London St Pancras and local services through Kent and Sussex.
Cycling
NCN1, passes ½ mile from the lighthouse, cycle into St Margaret's village head towards the sea and turn right into Lighthouse Road, then follow the track to the lighthouse. Cycle racks available. Not suitable for vehicles.
Cycling - more information
Parking
No onsite parking. Nearest at White Cliffs, 2-mile clifftop walk, or St Margaret's village or bay then walk (1 mile). Parking address: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre, Langdon Cliffs, Upper Rd, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ
St Margaret's Bay, Dover, Kent
01304853281
southforeland@nationaltrust.org.uk

Opening times for 26 July 2025
Asset	Opening time
Lighthouse	11:00 - 17:30
Tea-room	11:00 - 17:00
Toilets	10:30 - 17:15

Lighthouse tours
Ticket type	With Gift Aid	Without Gift Aid
Adult (18+)		£8.00
Child (5-17) under 5s free		£4.00
Family (2 Adults and up to 3 children)		£20.00

South Foreland Lighthouse in Kent seen from a wildflower meadow.

Article

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.

PDF

South Foreland Lighthouse map

Take a look at the map of South Foreland Lighthouse and The White Cliffs of Dover to help plan your visit.

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

Article

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.

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

Article

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.

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

Article

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.

Visitor with dog at the Northumberland Coast, Northumberland

Article

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.