Samphire Hoe
Samphire Rd, Dover, England
A small nature reserve with views of the sea and Dover’s white chalk cliffs, Samphire Hoe is home to wildflowers, including orchids, hundreds of moths and butterfly species, a wealth of birdlife, and grazing livestock in season. A network of well-maintained paths crisscross the reserve, providing several short walks for you to take to see its wildlife wonders.
The basics
Samphire Hoe is a manmade reserve created on a site excavated for the Eurostar Tunnel. There are many more species than the founders initially seeded. Wildflower fans come to Samphire Hoe to see the rare early spider orchids. It's also an important spot for bird watchers, particularly in spring migration. Ramblers, dog walkers, and families enjoy the views of the White Cliffs of Dover. There’s a food kiosk on site, but many visitors bring a picnic.
Things to know before you go
Samphire Hoe is great for ramblers, dog walkers, bird watchers, photographers, and nature lovers.
The reserve is family-friendly, with bathrooms and a baby changing area.
Most paths in the reserve are accessible to wheelchair users, although some are steep. There is a wheelchair-friendly bathroom, but you may need a Radar key to unlock it.
How to get there
Samphire Hoe lies just west of Dover, about a 7-mile (11-kilometer) drive from the ferry port. The nearest bus stop is in Aycliffe, about a 1.5-mile (2.5-kilometer) walk from the Hoe, so most travelers drive. There’s affordable on-site parking.
When to get there
Samphire Hoe is open from around 7am until dusk, but the latest you can enter is 7pm. The kiosk is generally open from 11am–5pm between Easter and September and on weekends during the cooler months. Visiting midweek or early in the day is the best way to beat the crowds in summer.
The White Cliffs of Dover
A symbol of England to many English people and the subject of a World War II song, the White Cliffs of Dover rise so high that you can see them from France on a clear day. The cliffs' chalk nurtures a rich and rare ecosystem with wildflowers, butterflies, and birds. WWII history buffs enjoy visiting the Fan Bay Deep Shelter, a network of tunnels for gunners based on the cliffs above that's open seasonally.
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