Beach so remote you have to walk through a narrow tunnel and a ladder to get there

The Port of Dover is located on the south coast, just 27 miles from the coast of northern France. Often in the news for long ferry delays and controversial border control issues, it is easy to overlook the town’s rich history and unique geography.

Famous for the iconic White Cliffs, often recognised as the “Gateway to England”, the 300ft high chalk cliff face is instantly recognisable. With a history dating back to Roman times, the cliffs have guided Caesar’s army ashore, housed Napoleonic soldiers, held 19th century prisoners awaiting transport to penal colonies and played a key role in protecting the country during World War II.

Visitors come to explore the Churchill Wartime Tunnel at the Fan Bay Deep Shelter or step back in time at medieval Dover Castle, while there are also a number of unique, scenic spots hidden beneath the cliffs.

READ MORE: Britain’s remote ‘dinosaur egg beach’ has stunning sunsets and a submarine wreck

Not all British beaches are suitable for sandcastle building and paddling. This rugged spot is ideal for beachgoers who want to enjoy the rugged, windswept views that are typical of this part of Kent.

When Zoe Tehrani, an adventurous walker from London, was looking for a day trip along the coast not far from London, she found Langdon Bay, near Dover, on the map.

The small rocky beach lies below Langdon Cliff and is only accessible via the Langdon Stairs. According to the National Trust, the 7-metre-long, almost vertical ladder with iron rungs that leads down to the rocky beach was most likely an old smuggling trail, also used by the coastguard in the 19th and early 20th centuries.

In a short video on Instagram, she shared her journey as part of her ongoing mission to find sunny days within easy reach of the capital.

Zoe begins her hike on the Stairs Trail, which runs along the top of this majestic section of cliff. To reach the beach, she said, you have to “leave the tourist trail and embark on an adventurous descent down the cliffs.” The six-section trail, which the travel vlogger describes as “very zigzagging,” leads to an eerie entrance.

Explorers must walk through a 35-metre long, dark tunnel to reach the final leg of the journey to the beach, which Zoe calls “scary”.

As you emerge, the historic Langdon Steps lead down to the beach, which is only accessible at low tide. Anyone wishing to visit the area should check the tide times at the nearby visitor centre before embarking on their epic journey, as the beach and the base of the iron ladder are submerged at high tide.

Zoe immediately gets in the water, impressed by how clear the water is. She says, “You can actually see my legs.” Referring to the location, she adds, “If you look hard enough, you might see France.”

One thing she doesn’t mention in her video is the Langdon Bay shipwreck. The rusty hulk is the remains of the iron screw steamer, the SS Falcon.

The ship, once owned by the General Steam Navigation Company, caught fire and ran aground in 1926. Its cargo of hemp and matches sealed its burning fate.

The charred and disintegrating hull has not moved since, and the thick steel hull and ribs can still be seen at low tide. People can also walk through it.

There is plenty of wildlife here, so keep an eye out for kestrels, peregrine falcons and buzzards, all of which live nearby.

For adventurers wanting to see Langdon for themselves, there are signposted trails from Dover harbour, train station and town centre.