16th May 2010
In the afternoon, we drove to other attractions nearby. Even though the area is generally known as white cliffs of Dover, National Trust had built a visitor centre so that people can safely enjoy the place. South Foreland Lighthouse is located 2 miles away from the white cliffs visitor centre and visitors are encouraged to walk from there as it is stated as “no vehicular access” from National Trust’s website.
We didn’t explore much of the visitor centre as we were rushing for time to get to South Foreland Lighthouse. After walking quickly for about an hour, we reached the lighthouse with some 45 minutes to go before closing. We were still catching our breath and our guide asked us whether we walked or drove here! So for you readers out there, you should be able to drive to the lighthouse but maybe you have to get creative when parking.
This lighthouse has 2 claims to fame. Firstly in 1858, the scientist Michael Faraday oversaw an installation of an electric lamp, making it the first lighthouse to use an electric lamp. Secondly in 1898, Guglielmo Marconi, widely credited as the inventor of radio, received the first ship-to-shore radio transmission. We also saw first hand of the workings of a rotating mechanism that allowed the light to occult, giving the lighthouse its unique signature.
Visitor Information:
White Cliffs of Dover: No charge but parking payable. £1.50, 75p concession (NT members free).
South Foreland Lighthouse admission: adult £4, child £2, family £10
Globenomads review ratings:
White Cliffs of Dover: 3.5/5
The facilities are free and you only have to pay parking, so what is there to say? In addition, if you get here after 6, you can park for free at the road before the inner gates but the facilities will be closed. Another thing to note is if you are staying after 6pm, remember to park outside of the gates so you will not be locked out.
South Foreland Lighthouse: 4/5
The guided tour is most interesting and educational. It is certainly worth the 2 miles walking there and then another 2 miles walking back. Even though the experience of a guided tour largely depends on the guide, the lighthouse is well preserved and most visitors will gain an insight into the workings of a lighthouse.
(please refer to ratings explanation)
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South Foreland Lighthouse
The occulting mechanism use to give an impression of flashing lights
This lighthouse is no longer used in 1904. Originally paired together with South Foreland Lighthouse using the leading lights principle.
I believe it is a pill bug, some form of woodlice.
Not sure what are they, but if you do, let me know ok?
Hare
White Cliffs of Dover and South Foreland Lighthouse
16th May 2010
In the afternoon, we drove to other attractions nearby. Even though the area is generally known as white cliffs of Dover, National Trust had built a visitor centre so that people can safely enjoy the place. South Foreland Lighthouse is located 2 miles away from the white cliffs visitor centre and visitors are encouraged to walk from there as it is stated as “no vehicular access” from National Trust’s website.
We didn’t explore much of the visitor centre as we were rushing for time to get to South Foreland Lighthouse. After walking quickly for about an hour, we reached the lighthouse with some 45 minutes to go before closing. We were still catching our breath and our guide asked us whether we walked or drove here! So for you readers out there, you should be able to drive to the lighthouse but maybe you have to get creative when parking.
This lighthouse has 2 claims to fame. Firstly in 1858, the scientist Michael Faraday oversaw an installation of an electric lamp, making it the first lighthouse to use an electric lamp. Secondly in 1898, Guglielmo Marconi, widely credited as the inventor of radio, received the first ship-to-shore radio transmission. We also saw first hand of the workings of a rotating mechanism that allowed the light to occult, giving the lighthouse its unique signature.
Visitor Information:
White Cliffs of Dover: No charge but parking payable. £1.50, 75p concession (NT members free).
South Foreland Lighthouse admission: adult £4, child £2, family £10
Globenomads review ratings:
White Cliffs of Dover: 3.5/5
The facilities are free and you only have to pay parking, so what is there to say? In addition, if you get here after 6, you can park for free at the road before the inner gates but the facilities will be closed. Another thing to note is if you are staying after 6pm, remember to park outside of the gates so you will not be locked out.
South Foreland Lighthouse: 4/5
The guided tour is most interesting and educational. It is certainly worth the 2 miles walking there and then another 2 miles walking back. Even though the experience of a guided tour largely depends on the guide, the lighthouse is well preserved and most visitors will gain an insight into the workings of a lighthouse.
(please refer to ratings explanation)
View Untitled in a larger map