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We want you to enjoy your visit to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover. Please read the arrival and parking information on this page, which will help you have a great start to your trip.
You'll continue to pay for your parking or have your membership card scanned at the Welcome Hut, when open.
In common with many National Trust properties, our car park uses a digital payment system for parking when our Welcome Hut is closed, via the JustPark app or by calling JustPark on 07520 634455. We recommend downloading and setting up the app before your visit. For more information see our arrival information for your method of transport and our Parking FAQs sections below. The JustPark app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple App Store for iPhone users. The JustPark codes are given below and displayed on signs in the parking areas.
If you are a National Trust member, please register your membership number in the JustPark app and record your visit in the app for free. By doing so, you're helping to raise money to help care for the White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse.
As before, motorcycles and blue badge holders will continue to park for free. Please display your blue badge prominently in your vehicle's windscreen. Thank you.
There is no vehicle access to Fan Bay Deep Shelter or South Foreland Lighthouse. Please park at the White Cliffs Visitor Centre parking or at the Additional Parking facility, when open. If you have limited mobility, please see our access statements for the White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse.
Please do not park on any of the nearby roads, verges or across gateways as most are subject to double yellow line, 24-hour parking restrictions and enforcement, and are required for emergency access.
Overnight parking and camping are not permitted on any of the car parks, National Trust access roads, public roads or National Trust land.
Our scheduled additional parking facility opening has now ended. We'll be publishing the 2026 scheduled opening dates in early spring. We may use this area occasionally if our main car park reaches capacity, or for special event parking out of season. Please check signs or your event details for parking information.
You can check opening times on the White Cliffs of Dover or South Foreland Lighthouse home pages. Please see the Things to see and do at the White Cliffs of Dover and Things to see and do at South Foreland Lighthouse pages for more information and details of events.
Toilets, boot washing and drinking water bottle refill facilities are at the rear of the Visitor Centre at White Cliffs and there is a dedicated toilet building at South Foreland Lighthouse with similar features. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are also in these locations. Dogs are allowed in all outdoor seating areas. Assistance dogs only in our cafes and shops and in South Foreland Lighthouse and Fan Bay Deep Shelter and Emplacement please. If you have a dog, please see the Visiting White Cliffs and the Lighthouse with your dog page for more information.
There is an ideal viewpoint for the White Cliffs, just 400 metres from the car parks. From the car parks, walk down the hill to join the road that passes the Visitor Centre, and turn away from the Visitor Centre, so that you are walking with the sea on your right-hand side. Go through the pedestrian gate in front of you and onto the gravel path in front of you to go up the hill. The viewpoint for the cliffs is at the top of the hill.
You are now on the King Charles III coast path - you can continue walking to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and Emplacement and South Foreland Lighthouse and even beyond towards Kingsdown, Walmer and Deal, if you have time. Please note that this is a public footpath and cycling is not permitted.
Please check the opening times for the Deep Shelter on the White Cliffs of Dover home page. The shelter is approximately 40 minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre, or less than 15 minutes' walk from the additional parking. We are sorry, there is no vehicle access to the Shelter.
We accept cash, credit and debit card payments for tours at the tunnel entrance. National Trust members with a valid membership card are admitted free. If you have forgotten your membership card, please ask at the Visitor Centre or Lighthouse shop before coming to the tunnels as we are unable to check membership details at the tunnels. There’s a dedicated Fan Bay page to answer your questions.
There are no toilets or refreshments at Fan Bay Deep Shelter. The staff will refill your water bottle free of charge on request.
The Lighthouse is approximately 55 minutes’ walk from the Visitor Centre or around 15 minutes' walk from the additional parking or Fan Bay. We regret that there is no vehicle access to the Lighthouse.
If you are a blue badge holder or have reduced mobility and would like to visit South Foreland Lighthouse, please call, or email the lighthouse office in advance of your visit. Contact details are on the ‘Get in touch’ panel on the South Foreland Lighthouse home page.
Call at the lighthouse shop on arrival to enquire about tower tour availability and to buy your ticket. You can pay by cash, credit, or debit card at the shop. National Trust members can take a tour of the tower free with a valid membership card, but you must still be issued with a ticket at the shop. You don't need to pre-book a tour of the lighthouse.
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
We've partnered with natural pet food maker Forthglade so that you and your dog can get even more out of the special places we care for.
Magnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel
Striking and historical lighthouse high on 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.
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 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 South Foreland Lighthouse on the famous White Cliffs of Dover. Take a guided tour and discover the fascinating stories of this landmark.
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.
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.