Kingsdown is a charming, seaside village nestled between St Margaret’s at Cliff and Walmer with parts of the village built along the shingle shoreline, some on the high cliffs and others slightly inland. With its characterful beach huts, it’s the perfect spot to watch the sun rise over the English Channel or to enjoy a late afternoon bbq on the beach.
Set at the northern end of the famous White Cliffs of Dover, Kingsdown can be reached on foot from Dover and St. Margarets Bay along a stunning coastal path that forms part of the Saxon Shore Way. Pass through chalky grassland with its abundance of wildlife, migrating birds and rare plants. Just along from Oldstairs Bay, you will find the beautifully refurbished Zetland Arms on the seafront which offers very good pub food and is very child and dog friendly; enjoy a fish chowder from tables set on the pebbles whilst admiring far-reaching views out across the English Channel to France.
There is a flat, safe cycle/footpath that is perfect for young families with buggies and older children that like to scoot and cycle. This path leads from the Zetland Arms to Deal. This is a great route to follow as it hugs the back of the beach with its abundance of shore plants and takes you past both Walmer Castle & Gardens and Deal Castle, both belonging to English Heritage.
Kingsdown Beach is a favourite with kayakers who like to launch from Oldstairs Bay at the south end of the beach. It is possible to follow a footpath alongside the former Royal Marines rifle range at the base of the cliffs where wild orchids grow. At low tide, areas of sand and chalk rocks are revealed which children love to explore. The village offers a post office, a newsagent and a very good butcher as well as two other pubs the Rising Sun and the Kings Head.
There is a good bus service to the centre of Deal or travel towards Dover for a day out. The closest train station is at Martin Mill or Walmer with a fast train connection to London St Pancras. the medieval cinque port town of Sandwich and Thanet with its sandy bays can be reached by train too.
