Dover Patrol Memorial St Margaret's at Cliffe
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Dover Patrol Memorial St Margaret's at Cliffe

4.7
·347 reviews·Saint Margarets Bay, United Kingdom

A poignant memorial overlooking the English Channel, offering stunning White Cliffs views and access to historic coastal paths.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
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Dover Patrol Memorial St Margaret's at Cliffe

Dover Patrol Memorial St Margaret's at Cliffe

Best Time

Sunrise & Sunset

Magical light for photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A poignant memorial overlooking the English Channel, offering stunning White Cliffs views and access to historic coastal paths.

4.7
(347 reviews)

"Beautiful views around. Nice Free carpark, used a lot by campers. Great place for the coastal path walk."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead

The road up can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully! :car:

👟 Coastal Path Ready

Wear good walking shoes for easy access to White Cliffs trails and stunning views. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dover Patrol Memorial

Dover Patrol Memorial

St Margaret's at Cliffe

A poignant tribute to brave souls, offering a peaceful spot for reflection and history.

White Cliffs Coastal Path

White Cliffs Coastal Path

Adjacent to the memorial

Easy access to stunning trails with panoramic sea views and a breathtaking black-stone beach below.

WW2 Anti-Invasion Lookout

WW2 Anti-Invasion Lookout

Near St. Margaret's Bay

Explore a historic WW2 lookout with tight access and dramatic cliffside views, a glimpse into wartime history.

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Planning Your Visit

Navigating to the Memorial

The drive up to the Dover Patrol Memorial can be a bit bumpy with potholes, so take it slow. Google Maps is your friend here, but be prepared for a slightly rougher road. It's worth it for the stunning views and historical significance.

Embrace the Coastal Path

This memorial is a gateway to the White Cliffs trails. Pack comfortable shoes for exploring the coastal paths, which offer breathtaking views of the sea and St. Margaret's beach. It's a popular spot for campers, so expect company if you stay overnight.

Best Times

When
Sunrise & Sunset
Why
Magical light for photos
Crowd
Low
When
Daytime
Why
Explore coastal paths
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Explore the second location at st Margaret’s bay with us, a WW2 anti invasion look out warning (tight access and cliff edge on one of the look outs!) @Lea @WheresEdd? @JeauBrummell #dover #urbanexploring #tunnel #war #History
@leebenito99
28.1K likes • 392.9K views

🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead

The road up can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully! :car: Reddit

👟 Coastal Path Ready

Wear good walking shoes for easy access to White Cliffs trails and stunning views. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

reddit.com

Coming to Dover for a weekend, what shall we do?

🌟 Peaceful Reflection

Great spot for quiet contemplation, especially during sunrise/sunset. :star: Reddit

📸 Breathtaking Views

Capture amazing photos of the sea, cliffs, and beach below. :camerawithflash: Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Bumpy Road Ahead

The road up can be rough with potholes. Drive slowly and carefully! :car: Reddit

👟 Coastal Path Ready

Wear good walking shoes for easy access to White Cliffs trails and stunning views. :athletic_shoe: Reddit

🌟 Peaceful Reflection

Great spot for quiet contemplation, especially during sunrise/sunset. :star: Reddit

📸 Breathtaking Views

Capture amazing photos of the sea, cliffs, and beach below. :camerawithflash: Reddit

🏕️ Camper Friendly

Popular with campers; some find it daunting alone, but others feel safer with nearby campers. :tent: Reddit

🐄 Scenic Encounters

You might spot beautiful cows grazing nearby! :cow: Reddit

🗺️ Use Navigation

Google Maps is helpful for finding the memorial, but be aware of the road conditions. :iphone: Reddit

🕵️‍♂️ Urban Exploring

Discover WW2 anti-invasion lookouts with tight access and historical significance. :magnifyingglasstilted_right: TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(347 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Dover Patrol Memorial for its breathtaking views and peaceful atmosphere, making it a touching tribute to brave souls. It's a fantastic gateway to the White Cliffs coastal path, offering easy access for walks and stunning photo opportunities. Some note the bumpy road leading up, but agree the scenery is well worth the journey.

"The road / drive up required the help of google navigation. It is a lovely location to read and reflect on history and the access to the white cliffs trails / paths is easy to locate. You can see the view of St Margaret beach from up here."

Kandis C

"Beautiful views around. Nice Free carpark, used a lot by campers. Great place for the coastal path walk."

Gary Freemantle (GARY F)

"Great monument to walk to. Close to it is an amazing view down the cliffs with a black-stone beach that is breathtaking.
On the way you may find beautiful cows just enjoying their grass."

Anastazija Ratkajec

What People Like

Breathtaking sea views
Peaceful reflection spot
Access to coastal paths

What People Dislike

Bumpy access road

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The memorial is located near St Margaret's at Cliffe. While the road can be bumpy with potholes, Google Maps is generally reliable for navigation. Take your time driving up to reach this historic site and enjoy the scenic route. Reddit

Yes, there is a nice free car park available at the memorial site. It's frequently used by campers, so it can get busy, but it provides convenient access to the memorial and the coastal paths. Reddit

While not a direct walk from the center of Dover, the memorial is situated along the White Cliffs coastal path, which is a popular walking route. You can access it as part of a longer hike or drive directly to the site. Reddit

Travelers have noted that the road leading up to the memorial can be quite bumpy with numerous potholes. It's advisable to drive slowly and cautiously to avoid any issues with your vehicle. Reddit

Absolutely! The memorial is a great starting point for exploring the White Cliffs coastal path, offering stunning views of the sea and St. Margaret's beach. You can also find WW2 anti-invasion lookouts in the vicinity for history enthusiasts. TikTokReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Dover Patrol Memorial and its surrounding area, including the car park, are free to access. You can visit and enjoy the historical significance and natural beauty without any admission cost. Reddit

The memorial site is an outdoor historical monument and is accessible at all times. There are no set opening or closing hours, allowing visitors to experience it at their convenience, including for sunrise and sunset views. Reddit

There is no need to book tickets in advance as the Dover Patrol Memorial is a free-to-access public space. You can simply drive or walk to the location and explore at your own pace. Reddit

The WW2 anti-invasion lookout near St. Margaret's Bay has tight access, as noted by visitors. While it's an interesting historical site to see, be mindful of the limited space and potential safety considerations. TikTok

Yes, the Dover Patrol Memorial can be visited year-round. Each season offers a different perspective of the coastal scenery, from the vibrant greens of spring and summer to the dramatic skies of autumn and winter. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can reflect on the history of the Dover Patrol, enjoy the panoramic views of the sea and coastline, and easily access the White Cliffs coastal path for a walk. It's also a popular spot for photography and quiet contemplation. Reddit

Yes, the memorial is right by the White Cliffs coastal path, offering easy access to beautiful walking trails. These paths provide breathtaking views down to St. Margaret's beach and along the dramatic coastline. Reddit

Absolutely! The memorial offers fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light is magical. The sweeping sea views and dramatic cliffs make for stunning shots. Reddit

The car park is popular with campers, and some visitors have stayed overnight. While it can feel daunting to be alone, other campers often create a sense of community and safety. Reddit

You can expect spectacular views overlooking the sea, with vistas stretching towards France on a clear day. The memorial also provides a vantage point to see the black-stone beach below St. Margaret's. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Sunrise and sunset are highly recommended for photography due to the beautiful, soft light that enhances the coastal scenery. The dramatic skies during these times create stunning backdrops for the memorial and the sea. Reddit

Focus on the sweeping sea views, the dramatic White Cliffs, the black-stone beach below St. Margaret's, and the memorial itself as a poignant subject. The grazing cows can also make for charming wildlife shots. Reddit

The area around the memorial offers numerous viewpoints overlooking the sea. As you walk along the coastal path, you'll discover various angles that capture the grandeur of the coastline and the vastness of the English Channel. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes and sea views. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the coastline or distant ships. Don't forget a tripod for those sunrise/sunset shots. Reddit

Yes, you can photograph the WW2 anti-invasion lookout, but be aware that access is tight. It offers a unique perspective on wartime history against the backdrop of the coast. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Dover Patrol Memorial offers a blend of history and natural beauty that can engage families. The open space around the memorial is great for kids to run around, and the easy access to the coastal path means you can enjoy short, scenic walks with stunning views. Pack a picnic to enjoy with the sea as your backdrop! Reddit

Keep an eye out for the local cows grazing nearby – a fun sight for children. While the WW2 lookout has tight access, the main memorial and the coastal path are generally safe and accessible. Ensure children are supervised, especially near cliff edges. The drive up can be bumpy, so be prepared for a slightly adventurous arrival. TikTokReddit

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Walkers

This location is a dream for hikers and walkers. The Dover Patrol Memorial is situated directly on the White Cliffs Coastal Path, offering immediate access to well-maintained trails with spectacular sea views. You can embark on short, leisurely strolls or more strenuous hikes, depending on your preference. Reddit

The path provides access to the unique black-stone beach below St. Margaret's and offers continuous vistas of the English Channel. It's an ideal spot for those looking to immerse themselves in the dramatic coastal landscape and enjoy invigorating walks. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and bring water, especially for longer excursions. Reddit

📸 Photographers

Photographers will find the Dover Patrol Memorial and its surroundings incredibly rewarding. The panoramic sea views, the dramatic White Cliffs, and the striking black-stone beach offer a wealth of photographic subjects. The memorial itself provides a poignant focal point for compositions. Reddit

Sunrise and sunset are particularly magical times, bathing the landscape in golden light and creating dramatic skies. The open space allows for creative framing, and the coastal path provides numerous vantage points. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique atmosphere of this historic and scenic location. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Historical Significance of the Dover Patrol

The Dover Patrol Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the Dover Patrol, a crucial naval force that operated during World War I. This patrol was responsible for defending the English Channel against German U-boats and surface raiders, ensuring vital supply lines remained open for the Allied war effort. Their bravery and dedication were instrumental in protecting Britain from invasion.

Visiting the memorial offers a chance to connect with this significant chapter of history. The location itself, overlooking the Channel, underscores the strategic importance of Dover. It's a place for quiet reflection on the sacrifices made by those who served in the patrol, ensuring a sense of peace and remembrance for visitors. Reddit

Beyond the main memorial, the area also holds remnants of wartime defenses, such as the WW2 anti-invasion lookout. Exploring these sites provides a more tangible link to the past, allowing visitors to imagine the vigilance required during those turbulent times. The tight access to some of these lookouts adds an element of discovery to the historical exploration. TikTok

Exploring the White Cliffs Coastal Path

The Dover Patrol Memorial is a perfect starting point for exploring the iconic White Cliffs Coastal Path. This section of the path offers breathtaking views of the English Channel and the dramatic coastline. The trails are generally well-maintained and provide easy access for walkers of all levels.

As you traverse the path, you'll be treated to panoramic vistas. Look down, and you might spot the unique black-stone beach at St. Margaret's Bay, a striking contrast to the white chalk cliffs above. The natural beauty of the area is a major draw, with opportunities to see diverse flora and fauna, and perhaps even some grazing cows adding to the pastoral charm. Reddit

For those who enjoy longer hikes, the coastal path connects to a wider network, allowing for extended exploration. Whether you're seeking a short, scenic stroll or a more challenging trek, the White Cliffs offer an unforgettable experience. Remember to wear sturdy footwear, as some sections can be uneven. Reddit

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