South Foreland Lighthouse, Dover, Kent. Admission charged. Opening times vary.

Details

Accessibility:

Parking is located at The White Cliffs of Dover (National Trust), then there is approximately a 2 miles walk along the clifftops to the lighthouse, or a 1 mile walk from St Margaret's Bay. Please ring ahead for disability parking. Loose gravel pathways and uneven ground with some steep slopes surrounding the lighthouse. 2 steps into the entrance of the lighthouse. The ground floor is accessible, however there is then limited access to the top of the lighthouse via many stairs with a handrail. The tea rooms have full accessibility and disability toilets.

2025: "Mobility parking: contact the property before your visit. Building: two steps to entrance. Ground floor accessible. Many stairs with handrail to other floors. Grounds: loose gravel paths, uneven ground and steep slopes. Accessible toilet

Unisex accessible toilet with the toilet block. Level access

Drop-off point: Visitors who are unable to walk can park in the grounds by prior arrangement

Induction loop: All till points have induction loops fitted

Ramped access/slopes:

Access to the shop, tearoom and lighthouse is via temporary ramps. No access to upper floors of the lighthouse without use of stairs

Seating available in the grounds and within the lighthouse

Steps/uneven terrain: The lighthouse grounds are mostly uneven with grass or shingle coverings."

Brief Description:

South Foreland lighthouse is a Victorian lighthouse built to warn mariners and guide them through the Strait of Dover. This lighthouse was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world.

Further Information:

Address:

South Foreland Lighthouse, The Front, St Margaret's at Cliffe, Dover, Kent CT15 6HP

Email:

southforeland@nationaltrust.org.uk

Phone:

01304 853281

Website:

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/south-foreland-lighthouse

Opening Hours:

Opening times vary throughout the year. Please contact directly to organise a tour. 

See https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/south-foreland-lighthouse

Admission charges for lighthouse tours

Free admission to National Trust Members and other Trusts affiliated to it

Directions:

Situated 5.3 miles east of Dover via the A258, Dover Road, High Street and Lighthouse Road.

2025: "By road

No direct vehicular access to the lighthouse. Parking is available at the White Cliffs of Dover Visitor Centre, then take a stunning 2 mile cliff top walk along the cliffs following the way-marked trail. If you prefer a shorter walk park at St Margaret's bay (not NT) then walk up to the Pines Gardens and St Margaret’s Museum continuing on along Beach Road through South Foreland valley to the lighthouse, which is about a mile away. Please help us by using the public car parks in the village and not parking in residential areas.

Parking: No onsite parking. Nearest at White Cliffs, 2-mile clifftop walk, or St Margaret's village or bay then walk (1 mile). Parking address: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre, Langdon Cliffs, Upper Rd, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ

Sat Nav: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre postcode may take you to the eastern docks ferry terminal, use CT15 5NA and turn into the car park at the sharp bend.

On foot

You can walk from Dover which is about 2½ miles away following the Saxon Shore way cliff path via the White Cliffs Visitor Centre or from the village of St Margaret's following footpaths through South Foreland valley.

By train

The best station to use is Dover Priory which is 3 miles away. It has an hourly high-speed service from London St Pancras and local services through Kent and Sussex.

Cycling

NCN1, passes ½ mile from the lighthouse, cycle into St Margaret's village head towards the sea and turn right into Lighthouse Road, then follow the track to the lighthouse. Cycle racks available. Not suitable for vehicles.

Cycling - more information https://www.cyclestreets.net/journey/

Parking

No onsite parking. Nearest at White Cliffs, 2-mile clifftop walk, or St Margaret's village or bay then walk (1 mile). Parking address: The White Cliffs of Dover National Trust visitor centre, Langdon Cliffs, Upper Rd, Guston, Dover CT16 1HJ "

OS TR359433

Transport:

Best travelled to by car. The closest railway station is Martin Mill approximately 2.3 miles away. There is a limited bus service in the area with the closest bus stop approximately 1 mile away. For more travel information go to http://www.traveline.info or call 0871 200 22 33.

Amenities:

South Foreland Lighthouse, tearoom, shop and toilets