Visit us

Located between Dover and Folkestone in Kent, Samphire Hoe is a place for both wildlife to thrive and people to enjoy. To maintain the balance between the two, we ask that people stay on the paths, keep dogs on leads and scoop the poop.

• Access by car

  

  Samphire Hoe is off the Dover to Folkestone carriageway of the A20. You access Samphire Hoe through a traffic light controlled tunnel in the cliff.
  
  Samphire Hoe is signposted.

• Access on foot or by bicycle

  The cliff top footpath (North Downs Way) and a cycle track (Sustrans NCN Route 2) pass close to the tunnel entrance providing easy access.

• Access by bus

  Bus D2 to Aycliffe, then on foot.

• Map

  

• Opening times

  7am until dusk every day of the year.

• Car park

  There is plenty of car park spaces, on a pay and display basis.
  
  In February 2012, current rates are: up to 30 mins 50p; 30 mins-2 hours £1.00; anything over 2 hours £2.00.
  
  Disabled badge holders and motorcycles are free.
  
  Coaches £2.00.
  
  

• Wheelchair and pushchair access

  Samphire Hoe is wheelchair and pushchair friendly. There are toilet facilities including those for the disabled (RADAR key) and a baby changing room.
  
  There is a recommended 'access for all' way around the Hoe. The route follows the front path, signposted "West shore via the Hoe" passing through the chicane. The full circuit is 2km long. The section through the Hoe is tarmac; the sea wall is smooth concrete with two ramps giving access to and from the middle terrace providing good sea views. The average gradient is 1:15 with some steeper sections and occasional cross slopes maximum 1:25.
  

• Dogs

  

  At Samphire Hoe, dogs are allowed but must be kept on a lead at all times and any poo picked up.

• Tea kiosk

  

  The site office provides toilet facilities, rangers office and a tea kiosk, which is open every weekend of the year and most days from Easter to September.
  
  Staff and volunteers are present to answer your questions and give you information.
  
  There are free leaflets, an information board and panels with the latest wildlife sightings.

• Groups

  

  Guided walks for private groups can be booked.
  
  The cost is £2.00 per person with a minimum of £20.00.

• School visits

  

  School visits can be arranged and organised be they Outside Learning activities with themes that that can include:
  Samphire Hoe rock pooling - Discover the creatures that live in the fascinating turbulent world of rock pools.

  Samphire Hoe Safari - Discover the beach and coastal environments, go on a scavenger hunt, investigate the chalk grassland habitat and its mini beasts, play the food chain game and join in a fossil hunt.

  Samphire Hoe Science - Carry out a bug survey, discover the rocks and soils, measure the weather, find out about plant adaptations.

  Practical Learning with hands on conservation work which could involve scrub clearing, grassland management or beach cleans.

  Visits cost £75.00 for a morning or afternoon session.

  To discuss any arrangement and set up a date, please contact us.

• Fishing / Angling

  Permits are available from the tea kiosk.
  
  Adult maximum fee for a day is £4.00; there are reduced rates for members, juniors and groups.
  
  For more information, please call 07747 310 275

  

  Best fish of the Samphire Hoe season competition runs from May to September each year. The heaviest fish caught at the Hoe wins 6 months free fishing and the Crosbie Memorial Trophy. The second heaviest fish wins 3 months free fishing and the Eurotunnel Trophy. Both trophies are on display at the Eurotunnel Terminal in Folkestone.
  For more details, please ask at the tea kiosk.