International Marconi Day at South Foreland Lighthouse
Celebrate Guglielmo Marconi's 152nd birthday with us here at South Foreland Lighthouse, where he carried out experiments that would shape modern communication and still influence our lives today.
- Booking not needed
- Free event
South Foreland Lighthouse was the site of the World's first ship-to-shore radio communication in December 1898, when a signal sent from East Goodwin Lightship was received by Guglielmo Marconi at South Foreland. Join Dover Amateur Radio Club here at South Foreland Lighthouse to celebrate Marconi's 152nd birthday. The club will have its transmitting and receiving equipment set up, and you'll be able to witness radio messages being sent and received in real time. Depending on the weather and atmospheric conditions, you could hear messages from thousands of miles away. Club members will be on hand to explain how the equipment works, and they will conduct demonstrations throughout the day.
Times
The basics
- Suitability
Supervised children are welcome
- Meeting point
Please park at the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover car park and walk over to South Foreland Lighthouse. Meet outside the Marconi Hut in the grounds of the Lighthouse.
- What to bring and wear
The weather can change suddenly on the cliffs, so please listen to the weather forecast and dress appropriately. We recommend stout shoes with closed toes for the walk.
- Accessibility
The demonstration will take place at the Marconi Hut in the grounds of South Foreland Lighthouse. There is one shallow step up into the hut.
- Other
Entry to the grounds of South Foreland Lighthouse is free. Normal parking charges apply - National Trust members can park for free. The event is free - no booking is required, just turn up. In the event of high winds, the large aerials required may not be able to be erected, and the event may be cancelled. Dogs are welcome in the grounds - registered assistance dogs only in any buildings, please. Refreshments are available in Mrs Knott's Tearoom and in the Lighthouse shop.