Why St Margaret's?
Basking in the first light of the day, this isolated 'island' in the midst of the White Cliffs has at its heart the lovely seaside village of St. Margaret's-at-Cliffe and secluded cove at St. Margaret's Bay.
St Margaret's Bay (image (c) Olivia Payne 2008)
Experience “First Light” at the South Foreland Lighthouse. Breathe in history at the ancient church of St. Margaret of Antioch before following the valley down to the Bay and the Pines Visitor Centre and Museum. Opposite you’ll find the lovely Pines Garden, watched over by an impressive statue of Sir Winston Churchill.
South Foreland Lighthouse (image (c) Gavin Oakley 2008)
The surrounding countryside is spectacular at all times of the year, offering an inspiring backdrop to a range of activities. Roam along the deserted coastline and get off the beaten track amongst the rolling green hills of the Kent Downs, or take in clifftop scenery and wooded valleys under pedal power. For a different experience why not saddle up and follow the green lanes and tracks for a perfect hack through the country.
Langdon Hole (image (c) Kent Downs AONB 2008)
With a great variety of places to stay, eat and drink ranging from luxurious 4 star country house hotel accommodation to great Kentish pubs serving locally sourced beers, wines and dishes, there really is something for everyone.
Activities to enjoy in St Margaret's
The countryside around St. Margaret’s is part of the protected landscape of the Kent Downs, valued for its rare chalk grassland and great variety of wildlife. This is where the Downs meet the sea and there is certainly no shortage of things to do.
Walkers at St Margaret's (image (c) John Miller 2008)
Click below for more information on the activities you can enjoy in and around St Margaret's:
Planning your stay in St Margaret's
Whether you come to St Margaret's for the day or stay for a longer visit, click on the links below to find all you need to know about where to stay, where to eat and drink and other activities on offer in the area.
The Pines Gardens (image (c) Kent Downs AONB 2008)
Further Information
Information on the local area can be found at our own website www.firstlightcoast.com
First Light Coast aims to preserve and enhance the environment of St. Margaret’s Bay and St. Margaret’s-at-Cliffe whilst encouraging economic growth and attracting discerning visitors to enjoy the facilities, services, products and countryside in a responsible and sustainable manner.
Click here to download a copy of the St Margaret's leaflet (PDF file 2.2mb)
Kingsdown Cliff (image (c) Kent Downs AONB)
Our local visitor information centres can be found at:
Dover Visitor Information Centre
The Old Town Gaol
Dover
Kent
Tel: 01304 205108
Web: www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
Deal Tourism Information Centre
The Landmark Centre
Deal
Kent
Tel: 01304 369576
Web: www.ashford.gov.uk
St Margaret's is located within the Kent Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Visit www.kentdowns.org.uk for more information.
St Margaret's is situated approximately half way between Dover and Deal.
For further information on Dover and surrounding areas go to www.whitecliffscountry.org.uk
St. Margaret’s is also located within the Natural East Kent project area – developing sustainable tourism as part of the Green Tourism Project.
Visit www.nek.org.uk for more information.
St Margaret's is one of the destinations working with the Hidden Britain project here in the South East.
Click here to find out more about Hidden Britain.
This Country Break has been developed through the Kent Downs AONB Unit’s Transmanche Sustainable Tourism Project, in partnership with First Light Coast & Country and the Hidden Britain Initiative. The project is part financed through the European Regional Development Fund – Interreg IIIa.
