Location and the Beach
A pleasant beach of sand and stone between Folkestone and Dover. Usually approached from Folkestone to the west or Samphire Hoe to the east. The white cliffs tower above the beach but they can be unstable. In 2006 a sudden chalk fall sent naturists running for their lives. Access to the beach from Folkestone involves walking along unguarded concrete sea defences. The unwary could fall 20 feet. Any children or pet animals would have to be carefully watched. The area is often referred to as “The Warren” but that name refers to the thickly wooded area lying along the coast towards Folkestone between the cliffs and the railway.
The beach is approximately 275 meters long with pebbles or rocks underfoot. Swimming is safe at most stages of the tide but can be dangerous if the sea is rough. At high tide bathers are quickly out of their depth. The chalk cliffs behind the beach reflect the sun's rays and provide warmth depending on wind direction. Large rocks along the beach act as wind breaks. During fine weather in summer the area can feel very hot and it is important to take plenty of fluids to drink.
The beach has been used by naturists for over fifty years and it is rarely crowded. During the holiday season non-naturists sometimes pitch camps and have barbecues – which contravenes the Countryside Code - but there has been peaceful co-existence with naturists.
Directions
Access From the East
The beach is between Samphire Hoe Country Park and 'The Warren' Country Park - an undercliff at the end of Folkestone's seafront. There are several ways of getting there. From Samphire Hoe Country Park (satnav: CT17 9FL, pay and display car parking). Samphire Hoe was constructed from the 4.9 million cubic metres of chalk dug out of the Channel Tunnel and deposited below the famous White cliffs of Dover. It is accessible by the public via single track tunnel controlled by traffic lights which crosses over the Kent Coast railway line. Visitor facilities are provided including car-parking, toilets and a cafe. From here, walk west (facing the sea, turn right), and walk at the base of the cliffs. Detailed information and an interactive map can be found on the White Cliffs Countryside Partnership website.
https://www.whitecliffscountryside.org.uk/visit-us/visit-us
To reach the naturist beach is a fairly long walk - approximately one hour from beach to car park. The terrain is generally flat. High tide may present a problem and care is needed in stormy weather.
Access from the West
By car from Wear Bay Road, Folkestone and a private road marked only by a Martello tower close to the entrance - now converted into a dwelling. The road ends at a gate where there are about ten parking places. Elsewhere there is a roadside parking space but it is very limited. In fine weather arrive early or find parking in Folkestone. To reach the naturist beach, walk down to the seawall and from there head eastwards for nearly two miles. The route is mainly flat with a gentle climb to the parking area on the way back.
The former access route via the cliff top cafe near Helena Road in Capel-le-Ferne was closed by Kent County Council in 2024
Access by public transport
The no 61 bus route offers regular departures from Dover to Aycliffe - alight at the Community Primary School. From there Samphire Hoe is reached by a footbridge over the A20 and a vehicle and pedestrian tunnel. The no 102 bus route offers regular departures from both Folkestone and Dover to Capel-le-Ferne and there is a bus stop close to Dover Priory railway station. Alight at the Royal Oak public house and from the adjacent cliff top coastal path an unmarked path (with superlative coastal views) leads down to the footbridge over the railway. Turn right there and follow the path which leads via some steps to the seawall. A pair of secateurs may come in hand to deal with any brambles on the footpaths. The naturist beach is about a mile to the east. Paths can be slippery after wet weather and the climb back to the clifftop is strenuous.
Motorists will find roadside parking along Old Dover Road just west of the Royal Oak
Warning
The Warren area along the seawall and Abbot's Cliff beach have no facilities of any kind; there is no lifeguard. Mobile phone coverage is uncertain. There are lurking dangers for the unaware, in particular big drops along parts of the seawall down to the beach; there are no guard rails. In the last decade there have been two fatalities! Access to the naturist beach is from a narrow ledge on the seawall via a metal ladder bolted to the cliff face. The ladder is not suitable for anyone who has a fear of heights or with children. At low tide one can avoid this by walking along the beach below the seawall but rocks at one point make passage difficult.
It follows from the above that visitors to the beach need to be physically fit. Children are commonly seen but arguably the seawall area is not safe for them. Dogs should be kept on a lead. Signs along the seawall warn of falling rocks. The danger is mainly confined to the winter months or periods of heavy rain, but vigilance is important.
Stormy weather can be impressive but waves may break over the seawall presenting a danger to life!
The beach offers no shelter so intending visitors should check both the weather forecast and the times of high and low tide.
In view of the dangers described it is important to be clear of the area before nightfall.
Abbot's Cliff and the Warren are unstable areas and this description may soon go out of date.
Compensations - In fine weather there are lovely views down the coast to Folkestone and out to shipping in the Channel. The French coast is often visible, especially from the cliff path to the Royal Oak. Bird lovers will see a variety of birds of prey wheeling around the white cliffs and over the sea; seals occasionally make an appearance. Spring and summer produce an abundance of wild flowers in places and samphire and other edible plants also. Blackberries are there for the picking in several places from August onwards.
Additional Information
View from Beach looking East followed by view looking west towards Folkestone
