South Foreland Lighthouse

The walk from the White Cliffs Dover Visitor Centre to the South Foreland Lighthouse is dramatic, and a must if one has the time and can manage the walk.

The English Channel is home to the infamous Goodwin Sands. These are sandbanks that are hidden under the sea most of the time causing many ships to go aground. Legend has it that the sandbanks are littered with wrecks and sailors’ bones! This lighthouse was built to warn mariners and guide them safely through this strait. It had humble beginnings when a local villager, said to have been a priest, hung a lantern on the cliff. The first structure was probably built in the 17th Century. This lighthouse is also famous for being the first to use an electric light anywhere in the world! Modern navigation equipments and the fact that the Goodwin Sands is marked by illuminated buoys means this lighthouse literally went out of business. After many years in darkness, it was lit up during the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of Queen Elizabeth II in December 2012.
There are approximately 70 steps to reach the amazing views at the top where one can spend some time watching the ships go by. A great place to relax after the walk is Mrs. Knott’s Tearoom which is set in the former lighthouse keeper’s cottage. Tea, served in elegant and delicate bone china-cups, can be sipped over a slice of homemade cake or an English scone. The tearoom is open through the week from 11am-5pm.