Kent with Kids: The National Trust White Cliffs of Dover Walk

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If you’re looking for a breathtaking budget-friendly day out in Kent, the White Cliffs of Dover should be high on your list – managed by the National Trust, these iconic cliffs offer stunning views, with a gorgeous walk and plenty of fresh air for the whole family. It’s one of our favourite walking spots – we recently visited with the kids and the views over the English Channel never fail to blow me away! Best of all, there’s just a small parking charge so it’s also a great choice for a budget-friendly day out. So, here’s everything that you need to know before planning your visit to the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover site in Kent for a walk with the kids.

Visit: March 2025

Where are the White Cliffs of Dover located?

The White Cliffs are located just outside of Dover, with several transport options to get there. If you’re driving, you can pop the postcode CT16 1HJ into your Sat Nav, which will take you straight to the National Trust car park at Langdon Cliffs. Parking is free for National Trust members but chargeable for non-members (details below). For those arriving by train, the nearest station is Dover Priory, which is about a 30 minute walk from the cliffs. You can also take a short taxi ride or check for local buses running from Dover town centre.

How much does it cost to visit the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover site?

One of the biggest perks of visiting the White Cliffs is that entry is completely free, and if you’re a National Trust member then you won’t pay a penny for parking either. For non-members, the only cost you’ll need to consider is parking which is £6 per car. Other than that, simply pack up your picnic lunch and a flask of coffee and you’ll not need to spend another penny all day. If you’re happy to walk a little further, there may be cheaper parking options in Dover town, but bear in mind that this will add to your walking time.

What’s it like and which are the best walking routes?

There are two options for your walk at the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover site – so you can make a choice based on how much time and energy you have, and how much walking the kids can cope with. Sometimes we’ll just pop there for a picnic with a view as my son loves watching the boats, but if the sun’s out and you’ve got a bit longer then this coastal walk is glorious! The most popular (and my personal favourite!) is the walk to South Foreland Lighthouse, which is about 4 miles (round trip). There are some steeper areas, but a large proportion of the route is flat, so it’s doable with kids and there are plenty of nice grassy spots to pause for a drink and a break too.

With breathtaking views over the cliffs and the sea, I think this is one of the best walking routes in Kent – it’s so gorgeous. At the end of the route you’ll find the lighthouse which is run by the National Trust – there’s a small tearoom where you can grab a cup of tea and a slice of cake before heading back. There are plenty of picnic benches, and loos there too, we bring our food with us and a treat for the kids to avoid any extra costs. You can also do a tour of the lighthouse – you don’t need to pre-book just grab a ticket at the shop, and these are free for National Trust Members. On a clear day you can even see Calais in France!

This coastline is also known for seals, with a beach area at the bottom of the cliffs that you can visit when the tide allows if you like, so it’s a great place for spotting wildlife too. If you’re short on time or have younger children, a great option is the shorter walk to the main viewing point. This takes about 15-20 minutes from the visitor centre and still offers stunning views of the cliffs.

What facilities are there?

As well as the facilities by the Lighthouse, The National Trust Visitor Centre located near the car park has a popular café, gift shop and toilets. The café serves a selection of hot drinks, sandwiches and cakes but, if you’re trying to keep costs down, I’d highly recommend bringing a picnic. There are plenty of beautiful spots along the cliffs to stop and enjoy a bite to eat with an unbeatable view. Plus, it saves the hassle of queuing at the café, which can get busy on weekends and bank holidays – it’s such a popular place. You’ll be pleased to know that you can take your furry friends on your walk at the White Cliffs of Dover too, as with lots of National Trust sites, it is a dog-friendly spot.

Wildlife and things to look out for with the kids

One of the best things about visiting the White Cliffs is the abundance of wildlife. The cliffs are home to peregrine falcons, skylarks and kestrels, making it a fantastic place for birdwatching. As I mentioned before, if you’re lucky, you might also spot seals or even dolphins in the waters below. The area is also famous for its chalk grassland, which is one of the most endangered habitats in the UK. In the summer months, you’ll see it bursting with wildflowers and butterflies, including the rare chalkhill blue butterfly.

Accessibility – is the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover Walk pushchair friendly?

While the visitor centre and car park are accessible, the walking trails are not ideal for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The paths are natural and uneven, and there are some steep sections, making it difficult for those with limited mobility. If you have young children, I’d suggest using a baby carrier rather than a pushchair. If you have mobility issues, the main viewing point is still reachable, but anything beyond that could be challenging – though you can still enjoy lunch with a view from the picnic spots and main cafe area by the car park. If you’re visiting in the winter months, I’d definitely recommend sturdy walking boots to avoid slipping in the mud!

Other nearby attractions

If you want to extend your day out with the kids, you’ll be pleased to know that Dover Castle is just minutes away from the National Trust White Cliffs of Dover site – so you could always combine your walk with a trip to the castle. During the school holidays, Dover Castle often run activities and events for kids – we saw a fabulous pantomime-style jousting show when we visited one year – so if you have an English Heritage membership it’s certainly worth a trip. Kids can also visit Dover Castle for free with a Blue Peter Badge. There’s also a cinema and shopping area down by the town, and slightly further afield you’ve got Kearsney Abbey (one of our favourite free days out – photo below) and Dover Leisure Centre with swimming inflatables, sports and a Clip n Climb.

If you’re exploring Kent on your travels, or local and looking for some fun family days out, you’ll be pleased to know that there are loads of things to do in Kent with kids. So, make sure you have a hunt around the blog for reviews and guides for places like: Dover Castle, the Rare Breeds Centre, Howletts Zoo, The Kent Life Attraction, Go Ape at Leeds Castle, Walmer Castle, Tenterden Steam Train and more! And, you’ll want to check out my article: Kent with Kids: The 15 best FREE family days out in Kent for loads budget-friendly fun and some more great walking routes. Happy browsing – and I hope you have a fabulous walk at the White Cliffs of Dover with the kids – keep your eyes peeled too as the National Trust often give away free passes in the newspapers so you can use that for free parking!

Useful information for your visit:

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/kent/the-white-cliffs-of-dover
Pets: Dogs welcome
Parking: Yes, but you’ll need to pay if you’re not a National Trust Member
Facilities: Cafes, toilets, picnic areas, gift shop
Address: Langdon Cliffs, Upper Road, Dover, Kent, CT16 1HJ
For up-to-date opening times and prices, please check their website.