our holiday cottages in St margarets
All five cottages sit within the grounds of Reach Court Farm. Each has been individually converted from original farm buildings and has its own character and outside space.
-
The Hayloft: Exposed beams, natural textures and gentle tones, offers calm, countryside charm. Well-suited to couples or families of four who want the farm setting with a slightly different perspective on it. Sleeps 4
-
The Stable: Beautifully proportioned with the warmth and character of the building it once was. A lovely choice for couples or small families, with outside tables overlooking the grounds. The horses grazing in the field directly behind are a feature guests consistently mention. Sleeps 4.
-
The Dairy: A cosy character rich retreat for families or small groups looking to relax, explore and reconnect. Outside tables, access to the shared barn and the private path to the clifftop right on the doorstep. Sleeps 5.
-
The Granary: The Granary stands out for it’s soothing colour palette, exposed beams and inviting cottage style interiors – A perfect mix of rustic warmth and contemporary comfort. Sleeps 6.
-
The Barn: The most spacious of the Reach Court Farm cottages, The Barn suits families or groups of friends who want room to breathe as well as the extraordinary setting. Sleeps 6.
Why St Margaret’s Bay?
- The location: St Margaret’s Bay sits in a gap in the White Cliffs between Dover and Kingsdown – a sheltered, south-facing cove that catches the sun and feels genuinely removed from the world while being fifteen minutes by car from Deal. Closer to France here than anywhere else in England.
- The Coastguard: Sits at the bottom of the bay and is a wonderful place to eat. Log fires, sea views and food that takes the local coastline seriously. On a warm evening with the bay lit up behind you it is a genuinely memorable place to be.
- The Pines Garden: A six-acre organic garden free to enter. One of the quiet treasures of this coastline and an easy ten-minute walk from the bay.
- South Foreland Lighthouse: A National Trust property and a remarkable destination. The site of Marconi’s first international radio transmission and the place where Mrs Knott’s tearoom serves tea in bone china cups in a room that hasn’t changed since the 1950s. Open
- Fan Bay Deep Shelter lies between the farm path and the lighthouse. A network of tunnels carved into the chalk cliffs during the Second World War, open for guided hard-hat tours at selected times.
- The White Cliffs wildflowers: Spectacular in Spring. The clifftop between the farm and the lighthouse is one of the finest places to see them.
A Forelands Day in St Margaret’s Bay – The way we’d spend it:
Every Foreland Cottages guest receives a list of our tried and tested local loves near their property, so you can find your own version. In the meantime, this is our suggestion:
- Early morning: Walk the private farm path through the grounds and out onto the clifftop as the light comes up over the Channel. The path is yours alone at that hour. France is there on the horizon if the day is clear.
- Mid-morning: Follow the clifftop right to South Foreland Lighthouse. Borrow a kite from the grounds, climb to the balcony for the view, then settle into Mrs Knott’s tearoom for tea in bone china and very good cake.
- Late morning: Return along the clifftop and descend into St Margaret’s Bay. Walk the beach, explore the Pines Garden.
- Lunch: The Coastguard. Log fire if the season calls for it, outside terrace if it doesn’t.
- Afternoon: Back to Reach Court Farm. The covered barn with a bottle of something, the outside tables, a book and the horses grazing in the field behind. The kind of afternoon that is very easy to extend.
- Evening: Drive into Deal for dinner and a little glass by the sea.
Find out more
-
St Margaret’s Bay for Families: The Pines Garden is free to enter and the lighthouse activities — kite flying, giant noughts and crosses, skittles — are specifically designed for families. Read our ‘Family Holiday on the Kent Coast guide’ for more ideas.
-
St Margaret’s Bay for Couples: The farm setting, the private path, the clifftop walks and The Coastguard at the bottom of the bay make for a restorative combination. Read our ‘Romantic Weekend on the Kent Coast guide’ for the full picture.
-
St Margaret’s Bay for Dog Owners: The farm path, the clifftop walk and the bay are all excellent for dogs. The Coastguard welcomes dogs. The White Cliffs walk is dog friendly throughout — keep on a lead near the cliff edge. Read our ‘Dog Friendly Kent Coast guide’ or everything you need.
-
St Margaret’s Bay for Walkers: The Saxon Shore Way and the clifftop coastal path in both directions. South Foreland Lighthouse, Fan Bay, Kingsdown and St Margaret’s Bay are all accessible on foot. Read our ‘Best Coastal Walks on the Kent Coast guide’ for route maps and details.
on the map
St Margaret’s Bay sits at the southern end of the Foreland Cottages coastline, with everything else within easy reach:
- Kingsdown → — 3 miles north along the clifftop path, with the wildflowers and the Zetland Arms
- Walmer → — a short drive or coastal walk, with Walmer Castle gardens and Hut 55
- Deal → — fifteen minutes by car, with the pier, restaurants, Saturday market and high street
- Sandwich Bay → — a short drive north, with Royal St George’s and the nature reserve
FAQs
Where exactly is Reach Court Farm?
Reach Court Farm sits above St Margaret’s Bay in the village of St Margaret’s at Cliffe, approximately fifteen minutes by car from Deal and five minutes from Dover. The farm has its own private path leading directly to the clifftop walk.
How far is it from Reach Court Farm to St Margaret’s Bay?
The bay is approximately a mile away via the private path through the farm grounds and down into the village. Allow around twenty to twenty-five minutes on foot at a relaxed pace.
How far is it from Reach Court Farm to South Foreland Lighthouse?
The lighthouse is approximately twenty minutes on foot from the farm via the private path and clifftop fields. Turn right at the end of the farm path rather than left towards the bay.
Are St Margarets walk suitable for children?
Yes — the path are easy walking suitable for children. The clifftop section requires the usual care near cliff edges but is well-walked and clearly defined.
What train station serves St Margaret’s Bay?
Martin Mill station is the closest, on the Southeastern line from London. A taxi from Martin Mill to Reach Court Farm takes around five minutes. Deal station (on the high-speed line from St Pancras) is fifteen minutes by taxi.
Can multiple cottages at Reach Court Farm be booked together?
Yes — All five cottages sit within the same farm grounds and can be booked together for larger groups or family gatherings. The covered outdoor barn and shared grounds make Reach Court Farm a wonderful setting for a group stay. Please get in touch to discuss availability and arrangements.
What is The Coastguard like?
The Coastguard is a Beach Group restaurant at the bottom of St Margaret’s Bay. Log fires, sea views, excellent food and a genuinely warm welcome for walkers and dogs alike. Your Foreland Cottages 10% discount applies here. It is the natural endpoint of the walk down from the farm and one of the finest places to eat on the Kent coast.
Where is St Margarets Located?
St Margaret’s Bay sits on the Kent coast between Deal and Dover, beneath the famous White Cliffs of Dover.
Is St Margarets Bay good for walking?
Yes. The bay sits along several coastal walking routes including sections of the Saxon Shore Way and White Cliffs trails.
Can you see France from St Margarets Bay?
On clear days, the coastline of France can sometimes be seen across the English Channel from the cliffs above the bay.
Have further questions? Contact us and we would be happy to help.
