Traverse the South Foreland Lighthouse Walk

Deal, Kent

A stunning coastline walk in Kent from the Deal waterfront to South Foreland Lighthouse.

Aside from the stunning views, this scenic walk along the Kent coast will give you a leisurely history lesson.

It all starts on Deal waterfront, opposite the eponymous castle (built around 1539 as part of Henry VIII's state-of-the-art coastal defences), and you simply carry on along the shore, keeping the sea on your left.

After a mile or so of strolling past smart seaside guesthouses, you could stop at another castle – this time Walmer – which was also built by Henry, and features a rather lovely garden.

Carrying on along the coast from here, you might want to nip in for a cheeky pint at the Zetland Arms, before following the cliff-top path along to South Foreland lighthouse, near St Margaret's Bay.

This was the first lighthouse to be powered by electricity don't you know, and was also where the first international radio transmissions were sent, way back in 1899. If that's not enough to impress you, though, the view from the top, out across the channel, is rather fabulous.If you're peckish after all that sea air, then how about heading back along to The Coastguard at St Margaret's Bay, for lunch – before following your footsteps back along to Deal.It's about 12 miles (19 km) in total, but there's so much to see, you'll probably be too busy taking pictures to notice...

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For more local tourist information:

  • Deal Visitor Information Centre Tic
  • Email Address info@deal.gov.uk
  • Contact Details 01304 369576

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North Foreland LighthouseNorth Foreland Lighthouse © VisitBritain/ Rod Edwards

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