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The White Cliffs of Dover
KentMagnificent coastal site overlooking the English Channel
Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HJ
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 16 September 2026
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 Closed Car parking charge (per car)
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Car parking charge (per car) £6.00 Fan Bay Deep Shelter and Emplacement
Ticket type With Gift Aid Without Gift Aid Adult (18+) £15.00 Child (5-17) under 5s free £7.00 Become a member and discover more than 500 places
- Bookshop
Second hand bookshop
- Café
Large café with panoramic views of the English Channel
- Car park
Tiered car park with 300 spaces
Car park - more information- Shop
- Toilet
Toilets. Car park. Mobility parking, adapted toilets, accessible path to viewing point overlooking the cliffs.
- Accessible toilet
- Designated parking
- Induction loop
- Level access to food outlet
- Level access to shop
- Ramped access/slopes
- Seating available
- Wheelchairs available
- By road
- 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. Car park closes and gate locks at 7pm. For release with fee after this time call Probe Security on 07398364999. - On foot
- 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.
- By train
- 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.
- By bus
- The bus terminal in Dover is on Pencester Road. From there walk through town towards the seafront and follow NT branded signs to the cliffs (1.5 miles)
- Cycling
- 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.
- By ferry
- 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.
Planning your visit
Article
Planning your visit to The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
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.
Map of White Cliffs
Map of The White Cliffs of Dover, showing key features and footpaths. Can be saved to your mobile device and viewed during your visit. View and download PDF 0.13MB
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.
Article
Eating and shopping at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Article
Nature conservation at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Article
Volunteering opportunities at The White Cliffs of Dover
Interested in getting involved at The White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
Highlights
Coast and Cliffs
An iconic landmark, the white chalk face is a symbol of coming home and war time defence. Spectacular views overlooking the English Channel.
Fan Bay Battery
Visit a network of tunnels and gun emplacements constructed in 1940-41, on the orders of Winston Churchill to control shipping in the Channel.
South Foreland Lighthouse
A Victorian lighthouse, built to warn mariners of the shifting Goodwin sands and guide them safely through the Strait of Dover.
Countryside
Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), some grazed by cattle and Exmoor ponies.
Walking
The King Charles III Coast Path passes along the clifftops for the length of the site. Many other paths and military tracks to explore.
Shopping
Shop within the visitor centre with original gifts, clothing and local products. Second-hand bookshop stocked with pre-loved books.
Eating
Light and airy café serving hot and cold drinks, lunches and cakes with a stunning view of the docks and the sea beyond.
Things to see and do
Article
Things to see and do at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
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.
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.
Article
Eating and shopping at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Article
Wanstone Rediscovered
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.
Article
School Visits and Learning at The White Cliffs of Dover
Bring your class to The White Cliffs of Dover for a visit that is truly inspiring. With millions of years of geology, centuries of human history and a vast expanse of downland which is being actively conserved, there are endless learning opportunities.
Article
Volunteering opportunities at The White Cliffs of Dover
Interested in getting involved at The White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
Spotlight events
Come to the iconic White Cliffs of Dover and enjoy one of our specially curated events.
Volunteer recruitment mornings - Weds, 23 September & Sat, 26 September - 10am - 1pm
Looking for a new challenge? Love history, meeting people, and sharing amazing stories? Join our friendly volunteer team and help bring two of Kent's most fascinating heritage sites to life: the Second World War tunnels and gun emplacement at Fan Bay and the iconic South Foreland Lighthouse. When you volunteer here, you'll meet new people and make friends; gain valuable skills and experience; learn about local history and heritage; and help conserve special places for future generations. Come and discover how you can make a difference while having fun and learning something new! Image ©National Trust/Chris Tapley
Guided walk to South Foreland Lighthouse - Saturday, 10 October 11am - 12.30pm
Join our experienced guide for a 90-minute gently paced walk from the Visitor Centre to South Foreland Lighthouse. The walk will start from outside the shop end of the Visitor Centre - we'll go up to the viewpoint to admire the views of the cliffs before descending into Langdon Hole and following the coast path to continue our walk; arriving at South Foreland Lighthouse around 12.30pm. Your guide will tell you about the history and geology of the cliffs and about the wildlife that lives on the chalk downland. We'll talk about the role of the Strait of Dover and the cliffs in protecting England from invasion and how the lighthouse came to be involved in the war. Remember to bring your binoculars. Free event - no booking needed. Normal parking charges apply - National Trust members can park for free. Image: ©National Trust Images NT24YH4E/Megan Taylor
Vintage Book Fair - Monday, 9 November 10am - 4pm, until Sunday, 15 November 10am - 3pm.
Do you love to read, smell and feel old books? For the whole week, our usual book collection in the Book Corner will be replaced with vintage books. They are offered for sale at a fraction of their on-line prices and some are well over 100 years old with some first publications. Come to the entrance hut end of the Visitor Centre, where our friendly volunteers will be on hand to help you choose. Sterling cash and card/e-wallet payments accepted; sorry, no cheques. Edith's bookshop and the book marquee will be open as usual. Image: ©National Trust/Kaira Redman
Top trails
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.
Trail
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.
Trail
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.
Trail
White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre to Dover Castle trail
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.
Upcoming events
Event
Volunteer Open Mornings - Fan Bay and South Foreland Lighthouse
Looking for something different to do? We’d love to see you at one of our Volunteer Open Mornings. Drop in, meet our friendly staff and volunteers, and hear about the volunteering opportunities at Fan Bay and South Foreland Lighthouse.
Event
Guided walks to South Foreland Lighthouse 2026
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.
Event
Autumn Vintage Book Fair
Why not travel back in time with an old book? Come and browse our large collection of vintage books. They make wonderful gifts, and are there for you to buy at a fraction of their online price.
About The White Cliffs of Dover
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. There are reminders of this past at Fan Bay Battery where you can visit a recently opened gun emplacement and the deep shelter - a complex of Second World War tunnels hidden within the chalk.
History
Article
History of The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Article
Nature conservation at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
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.
Article
Wanstone Rediscovered
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.
Article
Wanstone Battery - a brief history
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.
Article
D2 Heavy Anti-Aircraft Battery - a brief history
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.
Article
Fan Bay Battery - a brief history
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.
Our work
Article
Nature conservation at The White Cliffs of Dover
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.
Support us
Article
Volunteering opportunities at The White Cliffs of Dover
Interested in getting involved at The White Cliffs of Dover? Find out about becoming a volunteer at this special place.
