
Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel
Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HJ
Asset | Opening time |
---|---|
Car park | 07:00 - 19:00 |
Café | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Toilet | 09:30 - 19:00 |
Shop | 10:00 - 17:00 |
Fan Bay Deep Shelter and Emplacement | 11:00 - 15:00 |
On days when Fan Bay Deep Shelter is open, the last tour leaves from the tunnel entrance at 3pm.
Ticket type | With Gift Aid | Without Gift Aid |
---|---|---|
Car parking per car | £6.00 |
Ticket type | With Gift Aid | Without Gift Aid |
---|---|---|
Adult (18+) | £15.00 | |
Child (5-17) under 5s free | £7.00 |
Second hand bookshop
Large café with panoramic views of the English Channel
Tiered car park with 300 spaces
Toilets. Car park. Mobility parking, adapted toilets, accessible path to viewing point overlooking the cliffs.
From Canterbury/London on the A2. We have brown signs from the A258 Duke of York’s roundabout; 3rd exit towards Dover town centre, after 1 mile turn left into Upper Road. Our entrance is on the right after 1 mile, at the sharp bend in the road.
From Ashford/London on the A20. We’re not far from Dover Castle, so coming into Dover keep going until you see a left turn into Woolcomber Street at the traffic lights (look for the Travelodge on the corner), there’s a handy filter lane and it’s signed for Dover Castle. At the next set of lights go straight over passing the retail park. At the bottom of Castle Hill at the next set of traffic lights, take a right uphill, you'll see our brown sign. Keep going past the castle entrance. When you get to the top of the hill there is another brown sign for the right turn opposite the entrance into Upper Road. Our car park entrance is 1 mile further down Upper Road, at the sharp bend in the road.
Parking: Car parking is charged as follows: £6.00 per car, motorhomes £9.00 and coaches £25.00. National Trust Members and Blue Badge Holders can park for free. Please have your card ready to be scanned at the entrance gatehouse. If you arrive when the car parking booth is closed, you can pay for your parking or register your NT membership using the JustPark app our location code is 80707. Please note: we have speed bumps on our roads which may require care with low-bodied cars
There are signed pathways from the port, railway station and town centre. We’re on the Saxon Shore Way path but there’s a steep climb to get to the cliff top.
We've made a handy downloadable map of the route from the railway station to help you. South Foreland Lighthouse: 2 mile walk from car park at White Cliffs.
Our closest station is Dover Priory which is about 2 miles away. You can get an hourly high-speed train service from London St Pancras or slower services from London Victoria or London Charing Cross.
We’re a 40 minute walk away following the brown walking signs. Taxis are available from outside the station and we're happy to call a return taxi for you, just ask in the visitor centre.
We've made a handy downloadable map of the route from the railway station if you are walking to the cliffs.
Take Stagecoach 81, Dover to Deal and Sandwich. Alight Castle Hill then 1 mile walk, via Upper Road. There's no footpath on this road, so please be careful.
Plan your route to The White Cliffs of Dover using the CycleStreets journey planner, via the 'By Bicycle' link below. Use postcode CT16 1HJ as your destination in the planner tool. Please note that this journey planner uses OpenStreetMap data which is generally excellent but accuracy cannot be guaranteed. If you come to a footpath or other cycle-prohibited track, please don't ride on it.
We're very close to the Port of Dover. You can drive here within a few minutes, or there is a signed footpath directly from the port.
Our directions and parking information will help you get a great start to your visit to the White Cliffs, Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse.
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 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.
Stop for freshly made refreshments with a view at the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Browse the shop for souvenirs, gifts and items from local makers.
Discover the work that goes into conserving the diverse habitats at the White Cliffs and how Exmoor ponies and cattle lend a vital helping hand in our work to deliver climate action.
Interested in getting involved at the White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
An iconic landmark, the white chalk face is a symbol of coming home and war time defence. Spectacular views overlooking the English Channel.
This network of tunnels was constructed in 1940-41, to provide accommodation for the soldiers working on the gun battery above.
A Victorian lighthouse, built to warn mariners of the shifting Goodwin sands and guide them safely through the Strait of Dover.
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), some grazed by cattle and Exmoor ponies.
The Saxon Shore Way passes along the clifftops for the length of the site. Many other paths and military tracks to explore.
Shop within the visitor centre with original gifts, clothing and local products. Second-hand bookshop stocked with pre-loved books.
Light and airy café serving hot and cold drinks, lunches and cakes with a stunning view of the docks and the sea beyond.
Includes hollowed tree trunks, climbing features and a beam bridge in a secluded woodland clearing with picnic benches.
Discover what there is to do and see at The White Cliffs of Dover. From cliff top walks to wildlife spotting and exploring wartime tunnels, there's lots to keep you busy.
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 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.
Stop for freshly made refreshments with a view at the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Browse the shop for souvenirs, gifts and items from local makers.
Discover the work that goes into conserving the diverse habitats at the White Cliffs and how Exmoor ponies and cattle lend a vital helping hand in our work to deliver climate action.
One of the largest Second World War gun battery sites in the UK was in danger of being lost forever. Find out how we are rediscovering and conserving this unique time capsule.
Interested in getting involved at the White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
On top of the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, what better place to enjoy one of our featured events. Click or tap the links for full details.
Take a leisurely walk along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover with one of our experienced guides. During the walk, you'll hear about the natural history of the cliffs, the geology and human history. You'll see some of the wartime remains, Dover harbour and, weather permitting, some spectacular views of the Dover Strait - one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world - and you may even see France. When you arrive at South Foreland Lighthouse, you'll receive a brief introduction to the lighthouse and your guide will then depart, leaving you to enjoy the stunning grounds and views, take a tour of the tower and have some refreshments in Mrs Knott's tearoom. Meet outside the shop at the Visitor Centre. Click or tap the link above to find out more. Image: ©National Trust/Megan Taylor
By popular request we are presenting two repeats of this lovely walk, so that those of you who can't make our daytime events can enjoy them. Many plants have had medicinal uses, probably dating back millennia, but did you know that many of our medicines today have their roots in common plants? Mel Wrigley, our resident ecologist will take us on a gently paced guided walk. We'll look at the plants growing in the chalk downland and she'll tell us about their folklore, wildlife, their historic medicinal uses, and how some continue to be used today. The walk lasts 90 minutes and does not go near the cliff edge. Click or tap the link above to find out more. Image ©National Trust/Mel Wrigley
Bring a torch or headtorch and something comfortable to sit or kneel on and join our resident ecologist, Mel Wrigley and our moth expert, Kevin Button as we survey the wealth of night time moth activity here at White Cliffs. Our cold-light moth traps attract the creatures without causing them any harm and allow us to identify and count them, before releasing them to carry on their important pollinating work. Click or tap the link above to find out more. Image: ©National Trust/Mel Wrigley
To celebrate World Ranger Day, why not bring the family and be Rangers for the morning? We'll take a gentle walk through the chalk downland searching for bugs, animals and plants. Mel will help you to identify them and will tell you more about them. She will explain in simple terms how our work in the countryside helps to maintain the delicate balances that allow the multitude of living organisms to thrive. You'll also get to make your very own free Ranger badge to take home with you. Part of our Summer of Play programme. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank. Image: ©National Trust/Iris Roser
Few of us see lizards and slowworms in the wild, and those of us who do frequently confuse slowworms with snakes. They are an important part of our ecosystem, so let’s find out what these reptiles need to keep them happy! And how we can care for the environment to encourage reptiles in the chalk grasslands, at home in our gardens or parks. Join our quiet, gentle walk searching for signs of lizards and slowworms. No dogs please. Part of our Summer of Play programme. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank. Image: ©National Trust Images 1866882/Rob Coleman
How old are the White Cliffs? How did chalk form? What is flint? Why do some butterflies follow particular rock formations? How do snails make their shells? Why did Stone Age people like chalk rock? If you've ever wondered what the answers to these questions are, here's your opportunity to find out - and you can ask your questions too! You'll also find out how we get our drinking water in this part of Kent, and you can try out some nature experiments yourself. Part of our Summer of Play programme. Summer of Play is sponsored by Starling Bank. Image: ©National Trust Images/Jemma Finch
Download our trails to get the best from your visit. Trails include full descriptions of where to go, things to look out for and a map to keep you on track.
This walking trail takes you along the cliff-top path from the National Trust Visitor Centre at Langdon, to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse. You can spend some time enjoying the views, flying a kite, exploring the lighthouse tower and enjoying some refreshments before returning on a different route.
Explore two National Trust properties with this easy circular walk from the additional parking facility. Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse are just 15 minutes away. Enjoy the flora and fauna and take in some great views of the cliffs and the busy Dover Strait. On a clear day you should see France.
Follow this recommended walking route from the White Cliffs Visitor Centre to Dover Castle. You'll avoid the busy, narrow road and you'll get great views.
Enjoy a free leisurely guided walk along the cliffs to South Foreland Lighthouse with one of our experienced volunteers. Take in the spectacular views while hearing about the flora, fauna and the history of this iconic place.
Join our ecologist, Mel, as she takes you on a tour of discovery, stopping to take a closer look at the veritable treasure chest of natural medicines surrounding us.
Most of us know that bees do the vital work of pollinating flowers during the day, but did you know that moths also pollinate by day and night, depending on the species? Join us to see the beautiful multitude of moths that inhabit the chalk downland.
Join a short, free, guided walk with our friendly Ecologist/Ranger, Mel, searching for bugs. Hear how we care for chalk meadow plants and animals, and collect litter as we go.
Lizards and slowworms are notoriously elusive, timid creatures, but not if you know where to look! Join our ecologist, Mel, as we go on a quiet walk in search of signs of lizards and slowworms. And you never know - we might find some!
Join Geo-ecologist Mel as she takes you on a guided walk and field trip of discovery. Find out what chalk is made of. Where does flint come from, and how does it find its way into chalk? Learn how the Dover Strait was formed and try some experiments.
Take a guided tour of the recently-uncovered remains of one of the largest guns installed on the British mainland and the D2 heavy anti-aircraft battery.
These high chalk cliffs look out onto the English Channel, giving far-reaching views towards the French coast.
The best way to see the cliffs is to take a walk along the coastal path towards South Foreland Lighthouse. You’ll get a great view of the cliffs and also see the chalk grassland that’s home to so many unusual plants and insects like the chalkhill blue butterfly and the pyramidal orchid.
The cliffs also have a special place in our national history and they were used for defence in both World Wars. You can see reminders of this past at Fan Bay Deep Shelter a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk.
Discover the history of The White Cliffs of Dover. From housing a prison to helping the war effort, these famous cliffs have stories to tell.
Discover the work that goes into conserving the diverse habitats at the White Cliffs and how Exmoor ponies and cattle lend a vital helping hand in our work to deliver climate action.
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.
One of the largest Second World War gun battery sites in the UK was in danger of being lost forever. Find out how we are rediscovering and conserving this unique time capsule.
We trace the history of the Second World War cross-channel guns 'Jane' and 'Clem'. Be amazed by the staggering size and capability of these weapons from over 80 years ago.
Find out more about the D2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery at Wanstone, near Dover, how it was built, the important role it played in the Second World War and what the remains tell us.
Established on the orders of Winston Churchill, Fan Bay was one of a series of coastal gun batteries that defended the English coast during the Second World War. Find out more about the guns, their emplacements and the infrastructure that supported them; and how the battery fell into disuse, dereliction, was covered over and destined to be forgotten. This is the story of Fan Bay Battery and how it was rediscovered.
Discover the work that goes into conserving the diverse habitats at the White Cliffs and how Exmoor ponies and cattle lend a vital helping hand in our work to deliver climate action.
Interested in getting involved at the White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
By sharing your email address you’re agreeing to receive marketing emails from the National Trust and confirm you’re 18 years old or over. Please see our for more information on how we look after your personal data.