Samphire Hoe
Samphire Hoe
4.5
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
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The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
110 within 3 miles
Attractions
140 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Russell H3 contributionsYou’ll wish you’d discovered it before.One of those places you wish you’d discovered before. It’s worth my 80 minute trip just for a picnic alone as it’s just so unique, both in how it looks & how it was built. It’s not a huge park which is probably good for those who can’t walk far. Samphire Hoe has become one of my favourite “chill out” places and a park you will look forward to going back to time and time again.Visited May 2023Traveled soloWritten May 20, 2023
- Geoff CCanterbury, United Kingdom4 contributionsGood for a short walk.Nice place to walk around but very limited facilities. If you walk to the beach it’s a good 15 min walk to the toilet or place to get a drink. Some nice wildlife to see and a train track running adjacent. Not much else to do or see - disappointing you have to pay for parking here.Visited July 2023Traveled with familyWritten July 1, 2023
- anne g6 contributionsDifferent coastal walkReally different coastal walk . Easy walking along well made path down to beach and return along sea wall . Plenty of picnic tables , small coffee shop with spotless toilets . Cat park £2.0 Don’t be put off by heavy traffic approaching Dover , although lorry lane was queuing lane to Hoe clear . Will return and include visit to Battle of Britain museum next door .Visited August 2023Traveled with friendsWritten August 25, 2023
- BargeegirlWest Sussex, United Kingdom672 contributionsLove the tranquility of this reserve.Not visited here for about 15 years but still enjoyable. The learning centre is new, showing an exhibition on migration, which was interesting. We loved seeing the cattle up close and watching the sheep from afar. Saw a few birds, but not as many as we have before and sadly tide was wrong to walk along the beach too far. We used to enjoy a round walk past the tower and round to the beach, coming back close to the road, but this has been shut off, so a there and back walk now.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 19, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
396 reviews
Excellent
204
Very good
144
Average
39
Poor
6
Terrible
3
Ziggy1973
London, UK327 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
There is not much information about this place except it’s a nature reserve with nice scenery. When we got here we realised there’s really not much to it. A very long concrete wall where people can fish. Or you can choose the grassy path which is more scenic. This path leads to the beach under the Cliffs and it would have been great to walk to the end, but it’s a really long way. People who cannot walk long distances or those in wheelchair will have difficulty! It really is lovely to walk along this path but it got too hot for us to reach the end so we turned back. Due to Covid the cafe and shop was closed so please bring your own drink and food if you spending a large part of the day here.
Written August 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Humbug123
London43 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Such a peaceful and tranquil space next to the coast. Saw lots of different ground nesting birds and wildlife enjoying the coast and dipping pond.
Brilliant way to spend a few hours.
Got back to the car park and was looking forward to a drink at the cafe next to the car park.
Turns out it is run by a man who turns up late in a very dirty t-shirt, with holes under the arm pits who looked very grumpy to have to open up at all. Both a park warden and another visitor told us that he is late every day and doesn’t rock up until nearly 12pm even though it’s meant to be open from early in the morning. Whilst waiting for him to set up, another person waiting advised us to leave as they saw him doing something unhygienic. Not a surprise given his appearance. We went to the Battle of Britain Memorial gardens next and was so pleased we did as as well as it being a lovely place to visit, the cafe there was really nice and run by polite, friendly, cleanly dressed staff and a wonderful view from the cafe over the site.
Brilliant way to spend a few hours.
Got back to the car park and was looking forward to a drink at the cafe next to the car park.
Turns out it is run by a man who turns up late in a very dirty t-shirt, with holes under the arm pits who looked very grumpy to have to open up at all. Both a park warden and another visitor told us that he is late every day and doesn’t rock up until nearly 12pm even though it’s meant to be open from early in the morning. Whilst waiting for him to set up, another person waiting advised us to leave as they saw him doing something unhygienic. Not a surprise given his appearance. We went to the Battle of Britain Memorial gardens next and was so pleased we did as as well as it being a lovely place to visit, the cafe there was really nice and run by polite, friendly, cleanly dressed staff and a wonderful view from the cafe over the site.
Written August 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dani B
Folkestone, UK18 contributions
Aug 2020
A lovely place to walk and look out to France. The cliffs are very impressive up close. In the grass area there are sheep and cows so dogs must be kept on leads. There are plenty of bins for dog poo and rubbish. The paths are steep in some places so may cause difficulties for wheelchairs and prams. There is a lovely little beach at the far end of the reserve.
The car park is a pay and display requiring cash only.
There was a cafe that was open but we didn’t use.
The car park is a pay and display requiring cash only.
There was a cafe that was open but we didn’t use.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike H
1 contribution
Jul 2021
Very dog UNfriendly. I remember being able to walk all over the area to explore and take pictures. Now instructions are to stay on the single path and keep dogs on a lead.
I realise this is a wild life protection area, but draconian measures like this mean I won;t be returning to this my local area. Our grandchildren who all have dogs, also will be warned of rules, so doubt if any of them will be visiting.
The place is fine for walkers to view the grass and cliffs, but not for general recreation and enjoyment with families.
I realise this is a wild life protection area, but draconian measures like this mean I won;t be returning to this my local area. Our grandchildren who all have dogs, also will be warned of rules, so doubt if any of them will be visiting.
The place is fine for walkers to view the grass and cliffs, but not for general recreation and enjoyment with families.
Written July 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ninja45
kent50 contributions
Apr 2022
It’s a lovely place. Made from the channel tunnel digs.. nature is everywhere…animals, plants, the cliffs, the sea… we often walk the wall one way to the beach and if low tide often go further… to the water in Folkestone once.. you pass a few little bays and woodlands. We walk back the hilly route past the little ponds, quite often greeted by cows sheep or a horse. The beach itself is also a good place to sit and relax Although toilets are then a fair walk so need to plan toilet stops. The snack place is reasonable and usually parking can be found, on occasion it has been very busy and we couldn’t stop until. Others left.
Written October 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex W
United Kingdom7 contributions
Jul 2020 • Solo
I've visited a few times and I'm still impressed with the view. On clear days, you can easily make out the French coastline and see for miles.
The sea wall is a brilliant walk, sometimes it can get a congested towards the stairs because of the fishing, but it's open and wide for the most part.
The pebble beach at the end of the wall is quite good, even though its a little tricky to navigate the stones.
There are a variety of animals on the Hoe itself and you can take this path if you wish to avoid the sea wall. You can usually catch a glimpse of the train and there are some great views of the cliffs. Be wary of animal poo though, as it can be pretty abundant in places.
The sea wall is a brilliant walk, sometimes it can get a congested towards the stairs because of the fishing, but it's open and wide for the most part.
The pebble beach at the end of the wall is quite good, even though its a little tricky to navigate the stones.
There are a variety of animals on the Hoe itself and you can take this path if you wish to avoid the sea wall. You can usually catch a glimpse of the train and there are some great views of the cliffs. Be wary of animal poo though, as it can be pretty abundant in places.
Written September 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie A
London, UK96 contributions
Aug 2020
The path through Samphire Hoe was well kept and the area was beautiful. It was a shame it was absolutely pouring with rain as there was no shelter but it was worth getting wet. Definitely worth visiting to get snippets of the cliffs and some open spaces.
Keep in mind: bring cash for parking.
Keep in mind: bring cash for parking.
Written August 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Neil T
Lewes, UK74 contributions
Mar 2020
There is a real feeling of stumbling on to another world as you descend through the tunnel. Once you're down there, you have a choice of routes to explore (although it was so windy that the sea wall was closed) and all the time you are aware that the land you're standing on didn't exist 40 years ago. Excellent coffee from the hut and a sheltered place to drink it: lovely staff too. The dog loved it.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Zottle
198 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
Visited with my daughters age 9 and 12 and our puppy. You arrive via a tunnel which is very cool. When you enter the site there are loads of parking spots so no problem parking. It is quite a small country park with a circular trail but it is lovely to see the cliffs and the cows out grazing. We also went on Samphire Hoe beach which my daughters loved as there were loads of rock pools to explore. We had a picnic in the picnic area near one of the car parks/cafe and then walked to the tower and the sea wall. Beautiful place.
Written August 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JulesbSouthLondon
Coulsdon, UK236 contributions
Aug 2021
Samphire Hoe is definitely worth a visit. It's not huge but there is a circular walk you can do that takes about 40 minutes and also a beach at the end where you can look for sealife in the rock pools. We found crabs, sea snails and jelly fish. It's a great place to come with small children.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah Sheldon
Bromley, UK
Is there a camp site nearby?
Katharine_Alyse
Dover, UK22 contributions
Hi, I think the closest one is 'Little Satmar Campsite & Holiday Park' in Folkestone (Winehouse Ln, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone CT18 7JF), it's about 10-15mins drive. Hope this helps.
Tina935
Corringham48 contributions
Is it wheelchair friendly -as in I'll be pushing one!? Thanks
RocheLeeds
Leeds24 contributions
I think it may be, if I recall correctly most of the paths would be wide enough, especially on the "front". However, to be certain see if you can get in touch with the visitor centre there for them to confirm. Good luck and have a nice trip
Baino99
Folkestone, UK3 contributions
What’s the deal with the rude guy that lives in the shack/hut at the end of the beach? Told us to get off his driveway! The fact my 9 year of son and I were stood on the middle of the beach was a bit confusing, and how the hell is it a driveway when you can’t get a car anywhere near it?
Zottle
198 contributions
I saw him having a go at some people when I was there mid August !
Can you have a BBQ there?
Brian M
Ashford, UK14 contributions
Not sure wouldn't think so as there is a cafe
Tavistock21
Orpington, UK6 contributions
is it possible to hire mobility scooter?
Vic W
20 contributions
I think you could contact tourist information and ask for advice
Sam M
Spokane, WA13 contributions
How can I get here using public transportation? Also willing to bike, weather permitting!
Michael M
Sittingbourne, UK273 contributions
Not sure about public transport but cycling is a possibility but the main road before the turn off is very busy with freight traffic and when you leave the main road it is important you wait for the traffic lights as the tunnel down to Samphire Hoe is narrow and you wouldnt come off too good if traffic was coming the other way!
char5323
Folkestone, UK1 contribution
Can you use disposable bbq's on the beach at samphire hoe?
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Claim your listingSamphire Hoe - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Samphire Hoe
- Hotels near Samphire Hoe:
- (2.21 mi) Churchill Guest House
- (2.29 mi) Bleriot's
- (2.17 mi) Maison Dieu Guest House
- (0.85 mi) Premier Inn Dover (A20) Hotel
- (2.99 mi) Alkham Court Farmhouse B&B
- Restaurants near Samphire Hoe:
- (0.84 mi) The Plough Beefeater
- (0.72 mi) Little Farthingloe Farm
- (1.74 mi) The Happy Chef
- (2.20 mi) The White Horse Dover
- (2.03 mi) Cafe Melange
Samphire Hoe Information
Excellent Reviews | 204 |
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Very Good Reviews | 144 |
Samphire Hoe Photos | 245 |