Sauna
BBQ
Dishwasher
Iron and board
Coffee Machine
Linen and towels
Shampoo & Conditioner
Travel Cot available
High Chair available
CoastalThese are experiences you can add at the point of booking, or contact Keepers Cottages to arrange for your stay.
St Margaret's at Cliffe, Kent
Dolphins Leap
Tucked away at the end of a quiet track, Dolphins Leap offers something unique - total seclusion, breathtaking sea views, and a sense that you have truly escaped. Perched on the Cliffs, high above St Margaret’s Bay, this is a place where you can relax, breathe in the sea air and watch the ships pass below. On a clear day, you can even see France across the Channel. The house sits in a large private garden with uninterrupted views and plenty of space to unwind. An old lighthouse, soon to be restored, stands proudly within the grounds, adding a sense of history. There are multiple seating areas in the garden so you can follow the sun all day, a firepit to enjoy long evenings outdoors and there's even a hot tub and a sauna where you can enjoy the spectacular sea views. For outdoor cooking, there's a Green Egg BBQ and a traditional charcoal grill. Inside, the house is light, welcoming and thoughtfully put together. The newly renovated kitchen is well-equipped for preparing home-cooked meals, and the sitting room has an open fire, for chillier evenings. There is also a ground floor bedroom with its own en-suite shower room, slightly set apart from the main living areas, offering a little more privacy and a quiet space to retreat to. This would be ideal for grandparents, guests with limited mobility, or anyone who appreciates a bit of peace and quiet. Upstairs, you’ll find two further double bedrooms, both tastefully furnished and comfortable, along with a bathroom featuring a free standing bathtub, perfect after a day out walking the coastal paths. Luxury soaps, shampoos and shower gels are provided. Dolphins Leap allows dogs, but please note the fence surrounding the garden is low with steep drops beyond. Dogs must be fully trusted not to jump or explore, please only bring them at your own discretion and risk.Although it feels wonderfully tucked away, Dolphins Leap is right in the heart of one of Kent’s most stunning coastal spots. Walk straight from the garden onto a variety of footpaths that run along the cliffs. The route to the South Foreland Lighthouse is a firm favourite. When you get there, enjoy tea and cake at the 1950s-themed Mrs Knott's tearooms.Just below and down the hill is St Margaret’s Bay, a small pebbled beach where you will find The Coastguard, a relaxed pub serving food and drinks on the beach. A 10-15 minute drive takes you to the coastal towns of Deal and Kingsdown, both worth exploring for their independent shops, restaurants and cafes. Deal also has a great Saturday market, a long pier, and a pretty seafront.Whether you spend your days out walking, exploring nearby coastal towns or simply sitting in the garden watching the light change over the water, Dolphins Leap is a place you’ll want to return to time and time again.
Facilities
Pets Allowed
Allocated Parking
Wifi
Garden
Open fire/log burner
Children Welcome
Sea View
TV
Microwave
Fridge
Freezer
Washing MachineProperty Details
A private, gated driveway leads you to Dolphins Leap;
Through the front door and into the hallway. The house has white-painted wooden floorboards throughout.
Downstairs WC and handbasin
Sitting room
Sitting room with two sofas, armchairs, coffee table, lamps, Smart TV (with SKY TV, movies & sports) and open fireplace (working).
Kitchen / Dining Room
Kitchen with oven, induction hob, under counter fridge and freezer, Smeg toaster and kettle, microwave, dishwasher, dining table with 8 chairs. Nespresso coffee machine and milk frother. The kitchen also has a washing machine and dryer.
Ground floor bedroom
Bedroom - Sleeps 2, with Kingsize bed, chaise lounge, side tables, mirror and wardrobe.
En-suite bathroom - walk-in rainfall shower with handheld hose, WC, basin and mirror.
Bedroom
Bedroom - sleeps 2, with Kingsize bed, bedside tables and lamps, wardrobe and mirror
Bathroom
Bathroom - with free standing bath, basin and wc
Bedroom
Bedroom - sleeps 2, with Kingsize bed, bedside tables and lamps, chest of drawers
Large, private garden with multiple levels and seating areas. Fire pit, wooden chairs, rattan sofa and chairs set, large outdoor table and bench seating, Green Egg BBQ and Charcoal grill. Hot tub and sauna.
Private driveway parking
Pet friendly - bring dogs at your own discretion and risk.
- Towels and linen are provided. Hot tub towels are provided too.
- The TV includes SKY TV, movies & sports channels.
- Dolphins Leap allows dogs, but please note the fence surrounding the garden is low with steep drops beyond. Dogs must be fully trusted not to jump or explore, please only bring them at your own discretion and risk. Please note additional pet charges are £25 each per stay.
- Wi-Fi access throughout.
- Central heating throughout.
- Travel cot and high chair available on request. Cot linen is not provided.
- There is a hot tub and sauna that guests can use.
- We would respectfully ask that the following house rules are adhered to, to avoid any damages. Should any damages arise please note charges may be taken from your security deposit.
- Please note check out is 10am. Please ensure you vacate on time to allow our housekeepers to enter the property and prepare it for the next guests.
- Smoking or vaping is not permitted inside or outside the property at any time. Please no charging of vapes or e-scooters.
- Please note for insurance purposes the number of guests must not exceed the total occupancy of the house.
- For fire safety reasons please do not use any candles in the property.
- Please be respectful to neighbours. Quiet hours are between 11pm and 9am.
- Parties and loud music are not permitted.
Availability
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Total Price
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Reviews
St Margaret's at Cliffe
Dolphins Leap enjoys an exceptional position in St Margaret’s Bay, set just above the shoreline with the beach only moments away. With uninterrupted views across the English Channel, staying here feels wonderfully close to the water, where the rhythm of the tides and the ever-changing light become part of daily life. Step outside and you are almost immediately on the beach, perfect for early morning swims, rock pooling or quiet walks as the coast comes to life.
The bay itself has a peaceful, unspoilt feel, with safe swimming in the summer months and dramatic coastal scenery year-round. Clifftop paths lead directly from the village towards South Foreland Lighthouse and along the White Cliffs of Dover, offering some of the most striking walking routes in Kent. The village has welcoming pubs and cafés, including the much-loved Coastguard, ideal for relaxed meals overlooking the sea.
For exploring further afield, Deal, Kingsdown and Dover are all within easy reach, offering historic sites, independent shops and traditional seaside days out. Dover and Deal railway stations provide convenient links to London, making Dolphins Leap an ideal base for short breaks or longer stays immersed in Kent’s most spectacular coastal landscape.
Around the area
The Pines Garden
The Pines Garden in St Margaret’s Bay is a peaceful, beautiful six-acre garden with a lake, labyrinth, organic kitchen garden and tea room, offering year-round walks in a beautifully tranquil coastal setting.
Golf courses in Kent
Kent boasts championship links golf at Royal St George’s, host of The Open, alongside Prince’s Golf Club, Walmer & Kingsdown and Royal Cinque Ports, offering world-class coastal courses and sweeping sea views.
Dock of the Bay Ice Cream Van
A much-loved local fixture in the warmer months, the St Margaret’s Bay ice cream van serves classic cones and cold drinks just steps from the shoreline. The perfect post-swim treat on a sunny seaside afternoon.
The Coastguard
Overlooking the sea, The Coastguard is a relaxed yet refined pub serving seasonal British dishes and local seafood. Enjoy long lunches or sunset drinks on the terrace with panoramic coastal views.
St Margaret’s Bay
A secluded shingle bay framed by dramatic White Cliffs, St Margaret’s Bay is perfect for coastal walks, wild swimming and peaceful seaside escapes. With sweeping English Channel views, it’s one of Kent’s most scenic and unspoilt spots.
Discover South Foreland Lighthouse
Striking and historical lighthouse high on The White Cliffs of Dover.
Walk the White Cliffs of Dover
No trip to Dover is complete without a hike along the world-famous White Cliffs. These towering chalk cliffs offer stunning views of the English Channel and are a symbol of British resilience. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of France across the water.
Extras & Experiences
The Beach Sommelier
Add a little something extra to your stay. Paola, The Beach Sommelier, brings her private tastings straight to your cottage. Wines chosen with real knowledge, poured with warmth. From bronze to gold, plus a cheese board if you fancy it. Perfect for a slow evening in.
Arno’s Breakfast Hampers
Add a locally sourced Arno & Co breakfast hamper to your stay, delivered in a branded Arno & Co yellow picnic box with sourdough, fresh Kent eggs, juice, muesli, marmalade, milk, butter and more.
Lucy, Wild Goose
Lucy, from Wild Goose Food, is a trusted local caterer known for vibrant, flavour-led dishes and relaxed, generous dining. Alongside private catering, she is also introducing frozen ready meals for guests, perfect for easy, delicious dining during your stay. The Keepers team have used Lucy on several occasions and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her!
Le Pinardier Hampers
We’re excited to introduce you to our good friends at Le Pinardier, the sister business to Frog and Scot. Whether you’re planning a cosy night in or celebrating a special occasion, their hampers are thoughtfully prepared to make your getaway even more memorable.
Pilates by Alice
Pilates by Alice offers tailored, feel-good sessions designed to strengthen, restore and energise. Whether you’re looking for a gentle reset or a more dynamic workout, enjoy expert-led Pilates in a relaxed, supportive setting during your stay.
Wine Garden of England
We work closely with Wine Garden of England to offer our guests private tours and in-house wine tasting of Kent’s finest vineyards and award-winning wine producers. To find out more, please contact the Wine Garden of England team here.
Olivia, Just One Cook
Enjoy a bespoke dining experience with Olivia from Just One Cook, a private chef creating fresh, seasonal menus tailored to your tastes. Perfect for special occasions or relaxed evenings, Olivia brings friendly, elegant and restaurant-quality dining to the comfort of your cottage.
Wellness Experiences
Offering wellness treatments such as private sound baths, yoga sessions and reiki treatments, local practitioner Crystal can help you relax, unwind and elevate your stay with a unique wellness experience. All equipment, incluidng mats, blankets and eye pillows can be provided. Email [email protected] or call to book, on 07712267200
Max Nevile
Max Nevile offers friendly & locally made private dining experiences tailored to your stay, from elegant multi-course meals to relaxed, seasonal menus. He also provides a popular fridge-filling service, so you can arrive to beautifully prepared dishes ready to enjoy from the second you arrive.
Fern and Farrow
Fern & Farrow, event chefs, are a fantastic, family-run local catering business based in Bishopsbourne. Known for beautifully prepared, seasonal dishes and a warm, personal approach. Their food celebrates the best of local produce, perfect for relaxed, memorable dining during your stay.
Eat & Mess Cakes
Handcrafted celebration cakes from Eat & Mess for birthdays, anniversaries or special occasions. Beautifully designed and made to order, they can be delivered to your cottage for a memorable, indulgent surprise during your stay.
Dinner with Cal
Callum Grundon, from Dinner With Cal, creates beautifully crafted private dining experiences, with bespoke menus designed around your stay. Expect seasonal and very local ingredients, creative dishes and a warm, personal approach that brings restaurant-quality dining into your cottage.
Lucy, The Aligned Studio
Lucy at The Aligned Studio offers expert-led Pilates and movement sessions designed to strengthen, lengthen and restore. She is based in Deal and with a thoughtful, personalised approach, her classes are perfect for resetting and re-energising during your stay.
Jake Normal
Jake has been cooking for over a decade in UK, France and Mexico. Cutting his teeth in some of London’s best restaurants (Ottolenghi, St John, Sabor and Bubala to name a few) he is now in the kitchen at the Updown Farmhouse in Deal. His food shares both a love for traditional of English, Spanish […]
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