Dover, Kent, England, United Kingdom

Shakespeare Beach

Shakespeare Beach is a shingle beach situated in Shakespeare Bay, Dover, Kent, UK. The beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, providing a lengthy stretch of shingles for relaxation. In 2015, a storm destroyed the seawall, but it has since been reopened.

What is unique about this beach is that it is the shortest distance between the UK and France, making it a popular location for swimming across the Channel. Accessing the beach requires climbing over 100 steps or walking from the western side of the port near Dover Marina.

During low tide, visitors can explore the deep rock pools on the beach. Dogs are permitted on the beach year-round, making it an ideal place to take your furry companions.

Discover ideal places to stay near Shakespeare Beach and experience the thrill of being just a swim away from France.

However, visitors should be aware that there are no litter facilities and no on-site parking, so they must rely on on-street parking in Aycliffe.

Visitor Reviews

Visitor reviews highlight the lovely secluded pebble beach with great views, perfect for a quiet walk or to run dogs or kids around. However, visitors complain about the dirty path to get there, with dog poo and cans scattered along the way. The beach is also described as a bit grim under the subway.

Where to Stay near Shakespeare Beach?

Visitors to Shakespeare Beach often stay in the town of Dover, which offers a range of accommodations and easy access to the beach and other attractions like Dover Castle. Many also choose to stay in the nearby town of Folkestone, known for its vibrant arts scene and coastal charm, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

The following map shows available accommodations and their prices. See the full list of accommodation options here.

Where is Shakespeare Beach?

Latitude: 51.112777 / Longitude: 1.2987424

Shakespeare Beach is located in Dover. The following map of Shakespeare Beach shows the exact location.


Nearby destinations:

Shakespeare Beach: Weather Today

📅 Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Today is not the best day for the beach. Expect rain and strong winds, so plan your activities accordingly. The maximum air temperature will be 13 °C. The sea temperature is 11.9 °C, and the waves are high. With almost complete cloud cover, the sun will be hiding today.
🌬️

Air

Low / High11.8°C/13°C
Feels Like (High)9.2°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature11.9 °C
Wave Height1.8 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance68%
Rainfall5.9 mm
Rain Duration15 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset07:46/15:47
Sunshine Hours0.0 hrs
UV Index0.35
Cloud Cover98%
💨

Wind

Speed43.2 km/h
Gusts65.5 km/h
DirectionS

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