The first lighthouse to use an electric light A landmark of the White Cliffs, the Victorian lighthouse was built to warn mariners of shifting sands and guide them through the Strait of Dover. A place of innovation and science, the lighthouse was the first to display an electric light anywhere in the world. Today you can still enjoy views of the channel to the French coast by climbing all the way to the top. See what it was like to work here and what a lighthouse keeper did while on duty. Wave to ships in the channel and watch the Victorian clockwork mechanism that made the lighthouse flash. Or for a more relaxing time just borrow a kite from us or play one of our games on the lawn. You can step back in time at Mrs Knott's Tea-room.
An amazing experience walking up to the cliff, being able to have a great vantage point of the port, the hills, the sea, and seeing the lighthouse. The preservation of the lighthouse is extraordinary with most things remaining intact. Our tour guide was filled with enthusiasm and so much knowledge, which made a great tour and it was only 10 pounds. There's a little tea shop right beneath the light house and a small reading nook.
An awesome place to sit outside on a sunny day and look to the French coast across the channel. The traditional cafe supplies tea coffee and scones and cake. You can park up on the road and walk along the white cliffs of Dover to get here, you don't have to pay the entrance fee you can sit and eat at the cafe.
Absolutely love this walk and The lighthouse is stunning. It's a very steep uphill walk to the Lighthouse but the views are phenomenal and you can walk for miles all around that area. I visited recently and did 8.1 Miles without even noticing as the The weather was amazing and there was so much to see on route. It's very popular with the tourists and the Tea Shop is quite busy especially at weekends but it's a lovely place collectively and I enjoy it every time. All the walks are signposted and follow the Saxon Shore which also leads down to the beach and that's a lovely walk if you go when the tides out again many miles can be done it's a real trek but it's very enjoyable. Make sure you have the correct footwear as the terrain is very uneven and stoney in places. Not to many loos about only the ones at the Lighthouse. Great photo opportunities and loads of wild flowers and insects to be seen. Parking is very unpredictable especially at weekends most people park at the lower car park and walk up the hill to join the footpaths. Take water you'll need it but it's so worth it
Great place to stop while walking on the white cliffs of dover- a welcome break. Tea shop available or bring your own and sit and admire the views. Amazingly very clean and modern toilets, better than most pubs! Nice rest hut with books and history. A Worthwhile stop.
It's worth the 54-minute walk from the white cliffs visitor centre. There are toilets and food and drink avadible once you get there. Once you get your ticket for the Lighthouse, you are shown round by a knowledgeable volunteer guide who will tell you the history and workings of the Lighthouse and will even let you wind the mechanisms to turn the light. Fantastic view from the top, lots of steps and narrow in places but worth an explore
such a beautiful walk along the white cliffs of Dover, and the icing on the cake was the stop at the lighthouse and our afternoon tea and scons. stunning views, lovely and relaxing - deffinitely recommended
On-site services
Good for kids
Hello! I'm your AI guide for National Trust South Foreland Lighthouse. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Discover hotels in South Foreland Lighthouse Saint Margaret's Bay, Dover CT15 5NA
Searching for hotels...
An amazing experience walking up to the cliff, being able to have a great vantage point of the port, the hills, the sea, and seeing the lighthouse. The preservation of the lighthouse is extraordinary with most things remaining intact. Our tour guide was filled with enthusiasm and so much knowledge, which made a great tour and it was only 10 pounds. There's a little tea shop right beneath the light house and a small reading nook.
An awesome place to sit outside on a sunny day and look to the French coast across the channel. The traditional cafe supplies tea coffee and scones and cake. You can park up on the road and walk along the white cliffs of Dover to get here, you don't have to pay the entrance fee you can sit and eat at the cafe.
Absolutely love this walk and The lighthouse is stunning. It's a very steep uphill walk to the Lighthouse but the views are phenomenal and you can walk for miles all around that area. I visited recently and did 8.1 Miles without even noticing as the The weather was amazing and there was so much to see on route. It's very popular with the tourists and the Tea Shop is quite busy especially at weekends but it's a lovely place collectively and I enjoy it every time. All the walks are signposted and follow the Saxon Shore which also leads down to the beach and that's a lovely walk if you go when the tides out again many miles can be done it's a real trek but it's very enjoyable. Make sure you have the correct footwear as the terrain is very uneven and stoney in places. Not to many loos about only the ones at the Lighthouse. Great photo opportunities and loads of wild flowers and insects to be seen. Parking is very unpredictable especially at weekends most people park at the lower car park and walk up the hill to join the footpaths. Take water you'll need it but it's so worth it
Great place to stop while walking on the white cliffs of dover- a welcome break. Tea shop available or bring your own and sit and admire the views. Amazingly very clean and modern toilets, better than most pubs! Nice rest hut with books and history. A Worthwhile stop.
It's worth the 54-minute walk from the white cliffs visitor centre. There are toilets and food and drink avadible once you get there. Once you get your ticket for the Lighthouse, you are shown round by a knowledgeable volunteer guide who will tell you the history and workings of the Lighthouse and will even let you wind the mechanisms to turn the light. Fantastic view from the top, lots of steps and narrow in places but worth an explore
such a beautiful walk along the white cliffs of Dover, and the icing on the cake was the stop at the lighthouse and our afternoon tea and scons. stunning views, lovely and relaxing - deffinitely recommended