The sublime white cliffs along England’s southern shores offer adventure right on the doorstep just a couple of hours away from London, making them my prime destination for a day trip with the family.
From Dover’s iconic views to Durdle Door’s prehistoric limestone arch, each location revels in its own unique history and natural beauty. We particularly enjoy uncovering wartime tunnels, hunting for fossils, or simply enjoying a cliffside picnic as a family. With majestic hikes, charming seaside towns, ancient castles galore and activities to engage kids and pets alike, these cliffs will make you fall in love at first sight. For history buffs and nature lovers, the diversity across these destinations makes them accessible yet extraordinary day trip treasures. Whether you’re an experience-seeking Londoner or an eager tourist (I guess I’m a bit of both), the white cliffs await. Discover why they’re must-visit gems offering something for everyone along England’s southern coast. Note that the car travel time is from North London where I live. Public transport time is only mentioned when relevant.
The White Cliffs of Dover
Car Travel Time: 2 hrs
Globally recognised and famed for their symbolic value, the White Cliffs of Dover tower up to 350 feet above the English Channel. The cliffs not only present an iconic image of Britain but also serve as a haven for a variety of butterflies and birds, providing a delightful spot for nature lovers. The Visitor Centre, full of insightful wartime history, is a captivating attraction for all ages. A stone’s throw away lies the impressive Dover Castle. Managed by English Heritage (offering free entry for members), the castle offers an intriguing journey through time, complete with secret wartime tunnels and the oldest surviving lighthouse in the country. Make sure to book in advance! The on-site café at the cliffs provides a variety of locally sourced dishes, including traditional cream teas. A picnic overlooking the sea is just perfect to make memories, and pets are welcomed on a lead. The ‘White Cliffs Country Walk’, an 11-mile route taking approximately 4-5 hours, adds an adventurous edge to your visit, offering breathtaking views and encounters with local wildlife. National Trust Members get free parking.
Beachy Head
Car Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
About 65 miles from London, Beachy Head stands as the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain, offering unfiltered panoramic views over the English Channel. A walk along the cliff tops is a great way to take these stunning views in. A highlight for my children was the Beachy Head Countryside Centre, with its educational displays, fossil exhibits and fun activities that provided valuable insight into the area’s geology and ecology. A short drive away, the Redoubt Fortress, managed by English Heritage, offers an exploration into Britain’s coastal defence history, including exhibitions on the Napoleonic Wars. For a delicious meal, the Beachy Head Pub welcomes you with traditional pub food, a friendly atmosphere, and panoramic views. The ‘Beachy Head Circular Walk’, a 4.5-mile trail taking about 2-3 hours, is a family-friendly trek with views of the iconic lighthouse and unique local flora and fauna.
Seven Sisters
Car Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Further south from London, the astonishing Seven Sisters cliffs and Birling Gap welcome you with their stunning natural beauty. A particularly enjoyable activity for our kids here was to visit the Seven Sisters Sheep Centre, where they could interact with various farm animals and learn about rural life. Not too far away, the historical site of Lewes Castle, managed by the Sussex Archaeological Society, offers a panoramic view of the surrounding area and a fascinating insight into the Norman conquest. The Cuckmere Inn, located by the river Cuckmere, provides a diverse menu, ideal for a pit stop after a day’s exploration. For an all-encompassing experience, the ‘Seven Sisters Cliff Walk’, a 13.8-mile trail, offers stunning views of the white cliffs and the English Channel, requiring approximately 6-7 hours to complete at a relaxed pace.
Birling Gap
Car Travel Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
Nestled between the Seven Sisters and Beachy Head, Birling Gap provides an evolving landscape due to coastal erosion. The beach at low tide is perfect for rock pooling, a thrilling activity for children. The Birling Gap Café, part of the National Trust serves snacks and light meals, including delicious locally made cakes. Pevensey Castle, a nearby historical site managed by English Heritage, stands as a testament to Roman and Medieval England, giving visitors an insight into the area’s rich history. The ‘Birling Gap Circular Walk’, a 2-mile route, provides stunning views of the Seven Sisters and the beach below and takes around 1-1.5 hours, perfect for our young family.
Botany Bay
Botany Bay is one of my absolute favourite spots in the UK. The sandy beach is perfect for building sandcastles, exploring rock pools and the views are stunningly relaxing. A fossil hunting tour with the kids is highly recommended. Dogs on leads can join the fun from October to April. The Botany Bay Hotel is a great dining option offering classic British dishes with stunning sea views. Nearby Walmer Castle and Gardens, managed by English Heritage, is home to beautiful gardens, a woodland walk and provides impressive views over the English Channel. The ‘Botany Bay Circular Walk’, a 4.7-mile trail, offers a scenic exploration of the coastline and the picturesque village of Kingsgate, taking around 2-3 hours to complete – perfect for our family.
Durdle Door
Lastly, Durdle Door is an absolute gem, a natural limestone arch along the Jurassic Coast that provides a breathtaking view and a snapshot of geological history. Guided fossil walks are a unique educational experience for children. Man O’ War Bar and Restaurant, with its welcoming atmosphere and family-friendly menu, provides an ideal stop for a meal. The nearby Lulworth Castle and Park, managed by the Lulworth Estate, is an exploration of 400 years of history, and kids will love the extensive parkland. The ‘Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove Circular Walk’, a 6.5-mile trail taking approximately 3-4 hours, completes the visit with scenic views of the coast.
Must-Visit UK Cliffs On My To-Do List
In addition to the cliff locations already described, I have a few more noteworthy spots along the south coast on my to-do list that I’m yet to visit though definitely plan to, that you might want to beat me to it:
- The Needles, Isle of Wight: An iconic row of towering chalk stacks emerging from the sea. A chairlift ride to the top provides panoramic views, and coloured sand cliffs are a natural wonder. The Needles Old Battery, operated by the National Trust, offers glimpses of wartime history. (Picture credit to @redfunnelferry on Instagram)
- Golden Cap, Dorset: Further west in Dorset, Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast at 191 metres above sea level. Enjoy scenic views along the Golden Cap walk, looking out for rare birds and butterflies. Stop for refreshments at the Anchor Inn in Seatown, which serves delicious local seafood.
- Lyme Regis, Dorset: Also in Dorset, Lyme Regis is part of the Jurassic Coast and is famous for its cliffs, beaches and fossils. Join a fossil hunting walk for the chance to find ancient ammonites and sea creatures. Lyme Regis Museum showcases local history and palaeontology. Fish and chips on the Cobb harbour is a quintessential seaside experience.
These cliff locations, each with their distinct charm, history, and nature, offer family-friendly fairytale getaway, activities, picturesque walking trails, and fascinating historical landmarks. Their uniqueness and appeal make them perfect for a day out from London, providing an immersive British experience that leaves lasting memories.
