Abbot's Cliff Beach

Abbot's Cliff Beach - Kent
© Peter Facey and licensed for reuse under this Licence

The beach under Abbot’s Cliff is little known outside the naturist community with whom it is a popular spot. Set below the high chalk cliffs between Samphire Hoe Country Park and “The Warren” Country Park, this is not the most accessible beach along the Folkestone / Dover coast.

The beach here is mostly pebble and shingle with rocks off the shoreline. It is a pleasant, natural feeling spot that has not been developed.

There are a few hazards to negotiate at Abbots Cliff, not least getting there! One of the easiest ways is from Samphire Hoe, however this becomes cut off by the tide. The other way is down the steep cliff path from Capel-le-Ferne which is almost as hard work as the walk back up.
Alternatively you can walk along the sea wall from the Warren, this requires a climb down a rope ladder from the wall to the beach, but nothing too challenging.

A more serious risk is from cliff falls, which are not uncommon. For this reason it is not advisable to sit too close top the cliffs.

Whilst Abbot’s Cliff is not officially a nudist beach it is long established. Some even suggest that it may escape the anti-nudity by-laws applying to other Folkestone beaches on account of the land being owned by the railway authority.

Type of beach

Shingle

Lifeguard service

No

Dogs friendly beach?

Dogs allowed

Kent dog friendly beaches »

Nudist/naturist beach

Yes

Nearest town

Folkestone

OS grid ref.

TR 2753 3850

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Abbot's Cliff Beach Reviews

Paul
Sep 10th 2023

Great beach, I took advantage of the late summer this Sep. Around 10-15 nudists and as many ‘textiles’. A few hikers / walkers passing through but no sign of them taking offence. I guess weekends could be a problem with kids around.

Our Happy Place

Ken and Leah
Jul 24th 2023

We have been away for some years but were determined to return here as this was the first beach Leah went nude on…little changed really and happy to report that the access ladder still there and secure. Few textiles wandering through and only one other Nudist we saw.

Sandgate camper

Linda
Jun 12th 2022

Its a great beach unfortunately it’s getting more dangerous with rock fall from the under cliffs and access harder via ladder.
.Unfortunately they are planning on putting more sea boulders   on that beach which will limit use for sunbathing and only allow enough room for walking.

Beautiful

Sep 08th 2021

I love this beach for its natural unspoilt beauty. If you want to bathe, best to avoid low tide because of the rock’s. It’s isolation seems to insure a pleasant group of fellow users

Alan Hobbs
Jul 08th 2022

Great place to meet other like-minded (nudist) people