White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre to Langdon Stairs Trail

Follow this walk to discover Langdon Stairs - most likely an ancient smuggling trail that was also used by coastguards in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Your walk will take you to the 6-section zig-zag path down Langdon Cliff and the 7-metre near-vertical iron-rung ladder leading to the stony beach. There's lots of wildlife around, so see if you can spot kestrels, peregrines and buzzards all of which live nearby.
Near to
The White Cliffs of DoverStart point
TR 3363 4221, www.what3words.com/clip.spray.repeat, postcode CT16 1HJTrail information
*Langdon stairs is a zig-zag path of 6 stages, with a 35-metre tunnel and a 7-metre, near vertical iron-rung ladder at the bottom. The path descends approximately 85 metres (285 feet). For further details please see section marked Terrain.
**This trail is not suitable for wheelchair, or mobility scooter users, or those with impaired mobility. For further details please see section marked Access.
***Dogs are welcome on this trail, but please ensure they are on a short lead when close to the cliff edge or on the zig-zag path. They may not be able to negotiate the ladder at the bottom. For further details please see section marked Facilities.
Important information before you set out
Ask in the Visitor Centre for tide times before setting out, as the beach and the bottom of the iron rung ladder are submerged at high tide. This walk takes you close to the cliff edge. Once at the viewing point and on the zig-zag path there is a hand rail in places, but other parts of the cliff edge are not fenced and some people may need assistance. Check where the waves are breaking before descending the ladder. Stay in sight of the ladder all the time when on the beach as there is a risk of being cut off by the tide. You may not have a mobile phone signal on the zig-zag path or on the beach.
More near here
Once you have enjoyed Langdon Stairs, why not try another of our trails or places?

White Cliffs Visitor Centre to Fan Bay Deep Shelter and South Foreland Lighthouse circular trail
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.

Additional parking to Fan Bay and South Foreland Lighthouse circular trail
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.

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.

Get in touch
Our partners

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.

We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.