St Margaret's Bay Beach
St Margaret's Bay Beach
St Margaret's Bay Beach
4.5
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The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
22 within 3 miles
Attractions
115 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
551 reviews
Excellent
306
Very good
202
Average
34
Poor
7
Terrible
2
IAN W
St Helens, UK4,464 contributions
Jul 2022
Winding down a precarious single lane(for the most part),your first sighting is a pay and display car park costing more than advertised!!!Or there are steps leading down from the top for walkers(not for the faint hearted or for those not in peak condition!).
Paying this rather expensive charge for not much return,except for a stoney beach with a bit of sand by the waterline and great views of the sides of the famous White Cliffs and a view over the Channel to France.
There is a restaurant and bar here(called "The Coastguard) with a patrons only car park.
Toilets are also available at rear of public car park!
Paying this rather expensive charge for not much return,except for a stoney beach with a bit of sand by the waterline and great views of the sides of the famous White Cliffs and a view over the Channel to France.
There is a restaurant and bar here(called "The Coastguard) with a patrons only car park.
Toilets are also available at rear of public car park!
Written July 12, 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.
Gareth T
Cambridgeshire, UK7 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
What an absolute beautiful spot of the world this is, water so clear you can still see your feet when you’re waist deep in the sea.
Make sure you bring your wet shoes with you as the whole beach is stones but I like it like that so much more comfortable to sun bathe!
The area is also beautifully clean we didn’t see a single bit of rubbish on the beach or floating in the water.
There is the beach hut which serves ice cream, light snacks, sandwiches/baps, Burgers, refreshments and possibly more. I had the 4oz Cheese burger with salad and fried onion in a flour bun which was delicious. The prices are reasonable for this kind of area.
There are also toilets and a Disabled toilet too, I didn’t use this so can’t judge weather they are clean or not.
The cliffs are so beautiful to look at, they make stunning backdrops for family photos or for Instagramers to show off this beautiful area.
The road down to the beach is very tight and steep at some points. Watch out for the hairpin turn. Some Pedestrians think the road is theirs I say this because 3 runners came bombing round the hairpin and only missed hitting my car head on by millimetres. I would say if you have a big family suv I would avoid driving down and opt for walking if possible.
I think I see a restaurant but I’m not 100% sure.
I would visit here again the next time I’m down this end.
Make sure you bring your wet shoes with you as the whole beach is stones but I like it like that so much more comfortable to sun bathe!
The area is also beautifully clean we didn’t see a single bit of rubbish on the beach or floating in the water.
There is the beach hut which serves ice cream, light snacks, sandwiches/baps, Burgers, refreshments and possibly more. I had the 4oz Cheese burger with salad and fried onion in a flour bun which was delicious. The prices are reasonable for this kind of area.
There are also toilets and a Disabled toilet too, I didn’t use this so can’t judge weather they are clean or not.
The cliffs are so beautiful to look at, they make stunning backdrops for family photos or for Instagramers to show off this beautiful area.
The road down to the beach is very tight and steep at some points. Watch out for the hairpin turn. Some Pedestrians think the road is theirs I say this because 3 runners came bombing round the hairpin and only missed hitting my car head on by millimetres. I would say if you have a big family suv I would avoid driving down and opt for walking if possible.
I think I see a restaurant but I’m not 100% sure.
I would visit here again the next time I’m down this end.
Written August 21, 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.
Morgan O Reilly
Dublin, Ireland141 contributions
Sep 2021
This is a beautiful little beach in enclosed by the famous white cliffs on both sides. Great to swim out and think that France is only a few miles away. To put it int o context, we visited from Ireland and as soon as we parked the car, we both got messages on our phone saying "Welcome to France". We were here at low tide so one thing I would say is that the beach is very stony so I would recommend flip-flops or booties if you're planning on swimming.
Written September 29, 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.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,268 contributions
Dec 2022
Our guide took us hear when we told him that we wanted to see the White Cliffs of Dover. We were able to get out and walk around to see the cliffs. However, the day we visited the weekend before Christmas was cool with a significant breeze so this may have been the coldest we felt on the trip. Still it was great to see the white cliffs here. Also on the way here you will pass several fields with sheep which were also a bonus to come here.
Written January 3, 2023
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.
Chris B
Milton Keynes, UK474 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Visited here on a beautiful morning whilst weekending,in the area.
Excellent views of the English Channel. Plenty of parking (pay and display)
Pub also near the beach and beach hut cafe.
Well worth a trip down to it if in the area.
Traffic is almost single file in places
Excellent views of the English Channel. Plenty of parking (pay and display)
Pub also near the beach and beach hut cafe.
Well worth a trip down to it if in the area.
Traffic is almost single file in places
Written May 19, 2024
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.
LynneJD
Kent, UK51 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Stayed at Parkdean at St Margaret’s Bay in October 2020 for 3 nights. Due to COVID it was well organised, safe and had a great time despite the weather. We stayed in Pine View 6. The caravan was very clean and loved it so much we have booked for September 2021.
We had booked the local taxi man in the village for our meals booked. We are looking forward to better weather this year. Ps sorry for the late review.
We had booked the local taxi man in the village for our meals booked. We are looking forward to better weather this year. Ps sorry for the late review.
Written March 1, 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.
Kate L
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Really lovely area, we had never been there before. A great local pub the Zetland Arms, stayed in Kingsdown in an Air B & B , drove right up the coast, visited Deal, Walmer castle, Dover Castle. Would recommend a visit.
Written September 3, 2023
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.
Papa T
Sidcup, UK205 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The beech is hidden away down a steep twisting hill road. Thats bring you out into a car park of a reasonable size.
We have visited several times as we like the walk to the cliff one way and the other way up too, what was Ian Flemings and then Noel Cowards home
There is some sand when the tide is out, but it’s mainly pebbles.
There a little hut that sells food and drink.
We enjoy it for the walk as mentioned and looking out what’s on the English Channel
We have visited several times as we like the walk to the cliff one way and the other way up too, what was Ian Flemings and then Noel Cowards home
There is some sand when the tide is out, but it’s mainly pebbles.
There a little hut that sells food and drink.
We enjoy it for the walk as mentioned and looking out what’s on the English Channel
Written September 13, 2023
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.
Pixie-Lou T
10 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
First time I went was amazing- great for rock pooling and caught loads of crabs. Rocks make walking unstable and I couldn't swim as it hurt to take my shoes of on the rocks to get into the water. The second time I went there was a lot of seaweed that smelt awful and we ended up leaving early.
Parking is annoying as the time zone changes to French time for some reason making it hard to pay on an app.
Ice cream shop was great and very reasonable price!!!
Parking is annoying as the time zone changes to French time for some reason making it hard to pay on an app.
Ice cream shop was great and very reasonable price!!!
Written September 2, 2024
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.
Markysparky65
Ramsgate, UK91 contributions
Jul 2020
Once you get down to the beach via a tight, hilly road, you are welcomed by a beautiful natural bay overlooked by lush greenery and some very well maintained houses.
The beach is pebbly and steep, so be warned. When the tide is in, the sea gets deep quickly, keep an eye on your little ones!
There's a nice pub there and quit a few parking spaces, but in peak season it gets full quickly. It is also pay and display but I don't know how much they charge.
The beach is pebbly and steep, so be warned. When the tide is in, the sea gets deep quickly, keep an eye on your little ones!
There's a nice pub there and quit a few parking spaces, but in peak season it gets full quickly. It is also pay and display but I don't know how much they charge.
Written July 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.
Hi, I would love to walk from Dover to St. Margaret’s bay to get a view of the cliffs from below but I understand getting back from there even to Bay Hill for a bus is not simple. So my questions are: is there any way to pre-order a taxi who could take me to Dover or Martin Mill station? Is it worth it to walk all the way to the beach or could I get nice enough views walking as far as the lighthouse and then back to Dover for the train? Thank you in advance!
Written April 18, 2024
Hi can you surf, body board, kayak or paddle board from this beach.
Written August 16, 2020
I don't know if you can surf or body board but I did see kayakers and paddle boarders there.
Written August 16, 2020
are dogs allowed in the caravan park
Written June 12, 2020
As far as I am aware yes just in certain accommodations but worth just checking out before booking should tell you on their site
Written June 12, 2020
Which beaches are pet friendly near Dover
Written June 23, 2019
Dymchurch and the far end of Deal by the golf course
Written June 24, 2019
Dogs are allowed on the beach but not between 9am and 6pm between May and September.
To be honest though this ‘rule’ does not appear hard and fast and you can expect it to be enforced only on busier dates.
The pub allows dogs in the bar area and half of the outdoor seating area.
Written June 18, 2018
Can you walk from Dover marina area to St Margaret's Bay Beach?
Written October 19, 2017
I think that you might be able to from the top side. The beach has lots of cliffs along it that jut out into the water, so the answer is no, not along the beach.
Written October 20, 2017
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