If you want to visit an authentic Dover village that has it all, including a delightful beach, look no further than St Margaret’s Bay. A beautiful seaside village set in the heart of the White Cliffs of Dover, this was once the home of noted wordsmiths Lord Byron and Ian Fleming.
St Margaret's Bay
St Margaret's Bay
South Foreland Lighthouse
Set about a 15-minute drive from Dover town centre, St Margaret’s Bay is a stunning place with plenty to do. Start with the dog-friendly shingle beach which is the ideal place to take your little ones rock pooling at low tide, or take more adventurous teens out for some water sporting action. The beach has plenty of parking, available at a charge, and a lovely kiosk serving hot and cold drinks and ice cream.
If you’d rather just take a walk round the area, The Frontline Britain Trail is well worth the four-mile trek as it tells you the complete history of the area including the role St Margaret’s played in World War ll. That isn’t the only history to be found here though; the first cross-channel telephone line was laid between St Margaret’s Bay and France and in May 1918 the first bomb to land in England during World War l came down here.
When it comes to food and drink, there are plenty of options too. The Coastguard is Britain’s nearest pub to France and offers spectacular sea views and tasty bar meals that, unsurprisingly, go heavy on the seafood. For fresh and seasonal Kentish dishes, The Cliff Pub & Kitchen is a country pub which often plays host to live folk music bands and offers delicious freshly caught fish and locally reared meats. If you would prefer a coffee and a cake, Shelly’s Tea Room offers afternoon tea, cream tea and scones.
South Foreland Lighthouse
Right in the heart of St Margaret’s Bay you’ll find South Foreland Lighthouse. An iconic landmark of the White Cliffs of Dover, this was the first lighthouse to use an electric light.
Take a guided tour of the building to find out more about its technological history – it was also the location for the first international wireless transmission – and see the incredible view out over the White Cliffs of Dover. Built in the 1840s, this is a historical relic that looks just as stunning today as it always has.
Families will be pleased to hear that there is plenty to do for children as well, with spacious lawns for them to run wild, play games and enjoy a picnic. The sea breeze makes it great fun and easy to fly kites here, and there is a selection of lawn games available to hire for free outside the visitor reception.
If you want to grab some lunch, Mrs Knott’s Tea Room serves homemade soup and delicious sweet treats. Entry to the grounds and tearoom is free, and the lighthouse tour is around £6 for adults and £3 for children. Our Dover East Hotel is the closest to St Margaret’s Bay at just over two miles away.