In Photos: A Walk Around Samphire Hoe Country Park & Beach

Samphire Hoe is one of my favourite places in Kent for a quiet, refreshing stroll.

I visited Samphire Hoe twice, a four year gap between so you’ll see a difference in photos! I loved my first visit as it was just turning to dusk and the lighting was incredible.

I had just visited Dover Castle and walking the White Cliffs of Dover (both I can recommend visiting) and was driving home until I saw a sign that caught my eye. It was summer so I was keen to continue exploring and decided to pull in.

I waited at the traffic lights, curious at the tunnel up ahead I had to go through. I’m not going to France am I?! After an anxious 30 second drive through the tunnel I entered a car park and the cliffs on my right hand side.This magical tunnel opened seemed to reveal an ldylic park by the sea.

Samphire Hoe Wildlife

The paradise continued with roaming wild animals (although I could have done with fewer sheep and their poop…). Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a leash at all times which makes sense due to the wild animals roaming.

Still, it was quiet and the air was fresh (with that usual brisk wind that hits you when you’re next to the sea!). The car park was closing soon so I went back down the path and stumbled upon this blue tower, perfect for watching birds (and escaping the wind!).

Samphire Hoe Beach

On my second visit to Samphire Hoe, I continued at the end of the path onto Samphire Hoe beach. It was pretty quiet with only a few other souls walking on it. Be warned the smooth path runs out pretty quickly.

I decided to walk the length of it and on the way back my feet began to hurt from walking on the stoney beach. Seriously, South East England needs more sandy beaches like Margate! You can check out The Beach Guide for tide times. There’s a pretty incredible beach house which comes with its own cave in the yard!

Samphire Hoe Lighthouse

I was glad to find a paved path again, this time walking along the coast. There were a number of people fishing, you can buy permits at the tea kiosk. I walked past the bird watching tower/lighthouse to the other side. Not a lot more to see but it was peaceful with not a soul in sight.

The car park is also a very reasonable price, costing £2 for the whole day (see the website for the latest prices). There’s also a small refreshment kiosk selling drinks and ice cream. Toilets are free to use too.

How long is the Samphire Hoe walk?

According to Explore Kent, the walk is 1.2 miles (1.9km). This will take you in a loop along the path through the grass and along the seafront.

How did Samphire Hoe get its name?

The name “Samphire Hoe” is derived from “samphire,” a plant that grows along the cliffs of Dover. This nature reserve, spanning 30 hectares, was officially opened to the public in 1997 after meticulous landscaping and ecological restoration efforts.

History of Samphire Hoe

Samphire Hoe is a unique coastal nature reserve located at the base of the White Cliffs of Dover in Kent. It was created in the 1990s using 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk marl excavated during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. The reclaimed land was enclosed by sea walls and officially opened to the public in 1997.

The site’s name was chosen via a public competition and refers to rock samphire, a plant once gathered from the cliffs and mentioned in Shakespeare’s King Lear. “Hoe” is an old term for a piece of land jutting into the sea. Historically, the area was used for railway construction, early Channel Tunnel attempts, and even coal mining. Today, Samphire Hoe is managed by the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership and owned by Eurotunnel, serving as a model of biodiversity, education, and sustainable land use.

10 Interesting Facts About Samphire Hoe

The site was built entirely from Channel Tunnel spoil, reclaimed from the sea.
It spans 30 hectares, making it one of the largest land reclamation projects in Kent.
The cliffs above were blown up with gunpowder in 1843 to build the Dover–Folkestone railway.
The name was inspired by a Shakespearean passage in King Lear.
It’s home to over 200 plant species, including the rare early spider orchid.
The Samphire Tower, built in 2006, offers panoramic views and is clad in larch.
The site includes a cooling station for the Channel Tunnel infrastructure.
It has received 17 Green Flag Awards for environmental excellence.
The Education Shelter was built using recycled railway sleepers and wood-fired stoves.
The park hosted the Olympic Torch Relay in 2012 — arriving via the Channel Tunnel.

Things to See and Do at Samphire Hoe

Walk the Nature Trail
Enjoy a 2 km circular path with gentle gradients, ideal for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
Explore the Sea Wall
Stroll along the concrete seawall with dramatic views of the English Channel and crashing waves.
Visit the Education Shelter
Learn about the site’s geology, ecology, and history through exhibitions and school programmes.
Spot Rare Wildlife
Look for peregrine falcons, meadow pipits, stonechats, and over 30 butterfly species.
See the Early Spider Orchids
Visit in April–May to catch the bloom of one of Britain’s rarest wildflowers.
Enjoy Sea Angling
Fish from the sea wall for bass, pollack, and wrasse (permit required, available at the kiosk).
Relax at the Spindrift Café
Grab hot drinks, snacks, and ice cream with views of the cliffs and sea.
Join a Guided Walk or Event
Seasonal activities include wildlife migration days, art exhibitions, and community festivals.
Picnic in the Meadow
Use the benches and open spaces for a peaceful lunch surrounded by wildflowers.
Access the Beach and Rock Pools
Explore the pebble beach and tidal pools at low tide — ideal for families and photographers.

Practical Information for Visiting Samphire Hoe

Location: Samphire Road, Dover, Kent CT17 9FL
Opening Times: Daily, 7:00 am – dusk
Entry: Free
Parking: £2 per day (pay-and-display); accessible bays available
Accessibility:
- Wheelchair-friendly paths and toilets
- Gentle gradients (average 1:15)
Dogs: Welcome on leads
Food & Drink: Spindrift Café (check seasonal hours)
Toilets: Available, including accessible and baby-changing facilities
Transport:
- Car: Access via single-lane tunnel off the A20
- Bus: Routes 61, 61A, 90 (nearest stop: Aycliffe Primary School)
- Train: Dover Priory Station (short taxi ride)
Nearby: Dover Castle, Fan Bay Deep Shelter, White Cliffs of Dover, Western Heights
Official Website: Samphire Hoe – White Cliffs Countryside Partnership

Looking for more Fun Things To Do In Kent? See my guide for families and adults.

More guides on Kent

In Photos: A Walk Around Samphire Hoe Country Park & Beach

Samphire Hoe Wildlife

Samphire Hoe Beach

Samphire Hoe Lighthouse

How long is the Samphire Hoe walk?

How did Samphire Hoe get its name?

History of Samphire Hoe

10 Interesting Facts About Samphire Hoe

Things to See and Do at Samphire Hoe

Practical Information for Visiting Samphire Hoe

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