Beaches in White Cliffs Country


With 20 miles of coastline and seven beaches, if you like to be beside the seaside you’ll be spoilt for choice in White Cliffs Country.

Beaches in White Cliffs Country is an Attraction. Area Deal, Dover, Sandwich

White Cliffs Country’s coastline forms part of Kent’s Heritage Coast, selected as the 4th best region in the world to visit in Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel 2022 guide.

Our beaches offer something for everyone, whether you’re after action and adventure or peace and relaxation.

Please be aware that most beaches have some dog restrictions – full details can be found on the Dover District Council website – and that, due to local bylaws, fires and BBQs are not permitted.

Two young children with fishing nets on a pebbly beach
© Laura-Anne Sutcliffe

Dover Harbour:

Enjoy fantastic views across the world’s busiest straits – on a clear day you can see the coast of France! The shingle beach has a promenade with plenty of benches to sit and watch the arrival and departure of ferries and cruise liners.

If you’re feeling more adventurous, book a powerboat or jet ski lesson with Dover Sea Sports, or a fishing trip with Coker Sea Fishing Charters. Dover Sea Safari offers high-speed RIB trips along the coast, to the Goodwin Sands or for a bit of seal spotting and Wet Wheels offer fully accessible boat trips.

Take a stroll down the marina pier for unparalleled views of the white cliffs and the castle. There are kiosks along the promenade selling ice cream and refreshments, and a selection of restaurants and cafes.

There is plenty of on-street seafront parking, and car parks at the Marina and Camden Crescent (pay & display).

  • Shingle beach
  • Pier
  • Watersports
  • Swimming
  • Public toilets at the marina

Shakespeare Beach stretches to the west of Dover Harbour from Admiralty Pier to Shakespeare Cliff. Set in the bay, it is a quiet location where you can enjoy the sounds of waves crashing on the shore. You can access the beach via a footpath. Use on-street parking at Aycliffe and cross the A20 via a footbridge to the cliff. There are steps down to beach. Or park (pay & display) at Samphire Hoe and walk along the footpath.

  • Fishing
  • Swimming
A pair of feet close to the sea shore
© Paul Wells

St Margarets Bay:

A small, sheltered bay lined by steep white chalk cliffs. The narrow winding road to the bay leads to a car park (pay & display) facing the beach. A steep shingle beach reveals rockpools at low tide.

  • Shingle beach
  • Swimming
  • Rockpooling
  • Public toilets 8am-6pm/dusk

Kingsdown:

Kingsdown beach and Oldstairs Bay are designated both an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). A safe, pebble beach which at low tide is ideal for rockpooling. Popular with families, especially those wishing to launch a kayak!

  • Shingle beach
  • Watersports
  • Shrimping
  • Swimming
  • Public toilets 8am-6pm/dusk, summer only; no accessible/baby changing.

Walmer:

Flat beach and green perfect for kite-flying on a breezy day. Pack a picnic and take in some live music on the bandstand or try one of the cafes on The Strand. For the young ones there is a safe paddling pool and for all-ages fun, Roman Landing adventure golf.

  • Shingle beach
  • Swimming
  • Fishing
  • Dog-friendly

Deal:

Beach huts dotted beside the promenade and fishing boats waiting for the next launch; plenty of beach-side benches so you can enjoy a view that has hardly changed over the century. Stroll along the pier to the award-winning restaurant or enjoy a bag of chips on the beach – just watch out for the seagulls!

  • Watersports
  • Bike hire
  • Sailing
  • Fishing
  • Swimming
  • Public toilets

Sandwich Bay:

A quiet shingle beach bordered by sand dunes and the River Stour. The beach is part of a private estate – there is a toll payable for vehicle access.

  • Watersports
  • Swimming
  • Dog-friendly
  • Horse-friendly
  • Bird watching
Dunes, a sandy beach and the sea
Sandwich Bay