White Cliffs of………Dover, right?

Well, yes and no. White cliffs are not exclusive to Dover. All along the coast of Kent you will find white cliffs. Of course, Dover’s White Cliffs are iconic, probably the most famous, the first landmark for incoming seafarers and the last to wave to when you leave “home”. We have all read and heard about them since we were kids. But the best views are further along the coast. At some places the white cliffs are more impressive and more accessible than the ones at Dover. Here’s what we found. 

 The main issue is that you cannot really see the vertical cliffs in most places if you are at the top. To really feel the grandeur of the cliffs, you have to look up at them from the beach, or from the sea. But alas, it is often not easy to do either.

BIRLING GAP

Birling Gap offers a tranquil and pebbly beach alongside the towering Seven Sisters – seven white cliffs in a row. You can get to the beach via a metal staircase. You can also take in the classic cliff-top walk that gives you another grand view and the sight of the famous Beachy Head, ending in the elegant town of Eastbourne. Yes, there is a bit of climbing to do, but the charming scenery makes you forget the effort. Care, stay away from the cliff edge, it is known to crumble suddenly! The official warning – keep 5 metres away from any cliff edge – is regularly ignored by summer tourists.

BEACHY HEAD

Beachy Head, at 531-feet, is the highest sea cliff in Britain. It is possible to see it from the beach below but it is difficult to reach there and time is limited because of tides that rise quickly to seven feet or more.

If you are in the mood for a leisurely drive, take the beachy road and keep going as far as you like, past green meadows dotted with white sheep. There are a couple of lighthouses, too, one more accessible than the other. Beachy head lighthouse can only be seen from above, but the Belle Tout lighthouse is unusual – a quirky B&B in a restored lighthouse!

ST MARGARET’S BAY

St Margaret’s Bay, tucked away at the end of a narrow and winding descent, is a charming little beach – very beautiful and peaceful. A lovely long walk, with tea and bacon sandwiches at the cafe (a toilet, too!) – the perfect morning. You could also visit the beautiful Pines garden, Museum and tea room. The best part of visiting this bay is that you can get very close to the imposing white cliffs here!

DUMPTON GAP

Dumpton Gap is one of the seven bays in Broadstairs and a great place for a long walk on a sandy, pebbly beach, but only at low tide. This secluded bay boasts a promenade and a kiosk, and a very nice view. Plus, need I say, white cliffs. If you fancy a rather long walk, you can take the beach-level promenade round to Louisa, Viking and Stone Bays.

BOTANY BAY

Botany Bay in Broadstairs, Kent is another hidden gem. If you keep walking along the cliff top you will discover the ever-changing views of white cliffs and beautiful chalk stacks. Perfect place for a photographic buff.
No, we haven’t forgotten Dover – an absolute “must see”. As we said, these cliffs are not the greatest. However if you are more interested in the historical aspect, especially from a castle point of view, then Dover is the place. Descriptions of this 300-foot high chalk facade are futile.
The cliffs are probably grander from the sea than from land. Dover tour safari is an option for tourists to view the white cliffs from the sea. You’ll view the famous white cliffs from the unmatched vantage point of the sea. Alternatively, you can take a day trip across the 21-mile English Channel to Calais, France, and back!

White Cliffs of England, UK
White Cliffs of England, United Kingdom

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