Discover Dover's Best Beaches

Overlooking the English Channel, Dover is a historic city on Kent's eastern coast, offering a range of beach options for visitors. Just under two hours from London by car or train, Dover is renowned for its port and ferry connections to Europe, but it also boasts some of Kent's best beaches.

Dover's beaches range from quaint seafront villages to secluded bays known mostly to locals. It's wise to check the tides before heading out, especially if you're exploring the more remote beaches. For a guide to Dover's seaside spots, read on for the top beaches in Dover, Kent.

1. St. Margaret's Beach, St. Margaret's Bay, Dover

St. Margaret's Bay, a 10-minute drive from downtown Dover, is surrounded by iconic white cliffs and offers views to France on clear days. This charming coastal village has a promenade, beach hut rentals, and public washrooms. Nearby, enjoy afternoon tea at the Pines Garden Tea Room & Museum.

The beach is mostly shingle, but low tide reveals sand and rockpools teeming with marine life. Activities include fishing, hiking the St. Margaret's Bay Circular trail, and kayaking. Note that parking is limited, dogs are restricted during peak months, and there's no lifeguard service.

2. Dover Beach, Dover

Dover Beach, nestled between Dover Harbour and the port, is a bustling shingle beach ideal for a lively beach experience. Protected from winds and tides, it's family-friendly and suitable for water sports. The Dover Sea Sports Centre offers activities like sailing and Jet Ski rentals.

Facilities include washrooms and snack kiosks. Nearby attractions include the Roman Painted House and Dover Museum. The White Cliffs and visitor center are also close by.

Address: Marine Parade, Dover, Kent

Official site: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk/things-to-do/nature-and-outdoors/dover-harbour

Guided tours in Dover by locals

3. Shakespeare Beach, Dover

Shakespeare Beach, south of Dover Beach, is less crowded and more adult-oriented. Accessible by footpath and steps, it offers views of Shakespeare Cliff. The beach is popular for rockpooling, dog-friendly year-round, and a starting point for cross-channel swimmers.

4. Lydden Spout: Samphire Hoe, Dover

For hikers, a walk from Dover Harbour to Samphire Hoe leads to Lydden Spout beach. The shingle beach is great for exploring rock pools. Nearby facilities include a café and visitor center. Samphire Hoe is open from 7am to dusk.

Address: Samphire Road, Dover, Kent

Official site: www.samphirehoe.com

5. Kingsdown Beach, Deal

Kingsdown, six miles north of Dover, offers a quiet shingle beach with occasional sandy spots at low tide. It's undeveloped with minimal amenities, making it more suitable for adults. The area is also popular for kayaking and has limited roadside parking.

Address: Undercliffe Road, Kingsdown, Kent

6. Deal Castle Beach, Deal

Deal, eight miles from Dover, features a pebble beach with a promenade and historic attractions like Deal Castle and the Deal Timeball. Walmer Castle and Beach are also nearby.

Address: Beach Street, Deal, Kent

7. Sandwich Bay Beach, Sandwich

Sandwich Bay Beach, a 30-minute drive from Dover, is a private shingle beach with an entrance fee. The medieval town of Sandwich nearby offers dining and shopping in a historic setting.

Address: Sandwich Bay Beach, Sandwich, Kent

Official site: www.sandwichbay.estate