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.

Find the best nearby activities

What to do near Shakespeare Beach?

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

📅 Saturday, July 26, 2025
Today might not be ideal for a full beach day at Shakespeare Beach. Expect some rain, so it's worth packing an umbrella. The maximum air temperature will be 20.6 °C. The wind will be moderate, but occasional stronger gusts are possible. The sea temperature is 18.8 °C, so it's probably too cold for swimming. The waves are low. The UV index will reach 6.2, so consider applying sun protection if the sun peeks through the clouds.
🌬️

Air

Low / High16.3°C/20.6°C
Feels Like (High)22.8°C
🌊

Sea

Sea Temperature18.8 °C
Wave Height0.5 m
🌧️

Rain

Rain Chance28%
Rainfall0.4 mm
Rain Duration1 h
🌞

Sun

Sunrise / Sunset05:12/20:50
Sunshine Hours8.3 hrs
UV Index6.2
Cloud Cover86%
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Wind

Speed24.4 km/h
Gusts34.9 km/h
DirectionSW

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