Climbing over a few cliffs, the quiet and peaceful Abbot’s Cliff Beach can be found in Kent, just under two hours from St Pancras in London. Beneath high chalk cliffs, this cliff beach is made out of shingles and pebbles.
Due to a weird quirk of local laws, the sand and stone beach is popular with those who prefer to go au naturel, according to The Beach Guide, though it's not required if you're looking for a nice autumnal walk along the coast.
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Things to do in Abbot’s Cliff Beach
The windswept beach, made up of mostly pebbles, is popular for a peaceful walk. Because it sits right under chalk cliffs, walkers are advised not to sit directly underneath them due to rock fall. Luckily, you can swim at high tide too.
According to Komoot, there are lots of nice walks along the coast, though most of them are for intermediate walkers who don't mind a bit of a trek.
The shortest one is just under five miles and would take just over two hours. You start from Winehouse Lane bus station and loops back around.
The walk takes you past Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror, which was created during World War II. The two sound mirrors built on top of cliffs near Dover were formed as a warning system to detect any enemy aircraft which could detect sounds up to 40 miles away with the ability to pick up on the height and direction of the sounds.
One sound mirror was built on Abbot’s Cliff while the other was at Fan Bay.
Nearby, you can also check out Samphire Hoe Country Park. It is located at the foot of the white cliffs of Dover. Or how about visiting the Battle of Britain Memorial. There’s a visitor centre and cafés with stunning views.
Where to eat and drink in Abbot’s Cliff Beach
The nearest café to the beach with a 25-minute walk is Cliff Top Café . The address for the café is Old Dover Road, Capel-le-Ferne, Folkestone, Kent, CT18 7HT.
You can get between one third and 60 per cent on rail travel with a railcard. See the website for full details.
£30 for one year, £70 for three
TrainlineHow to get from London to Abbot’s Cliff Beach
You can take a Southeastern train from Kings Cross St Pancras International to Folkestone Central which is around an hour-long journey. Then take a 102 bus straight to Helena Road on a 15-minute journey. From there it’s an estimated 25-minute walk on cliffs to Abbot Cliff Beach.
You can book a hotel on Booking.com.
Address: Capel le Ferne Folkestone, Kent CT18 7HZ.
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