In Photos: Why Dungeness Is Worth Visiting - Things To Do & History

While there isn’t a ton of things to do in Dungeness, I still think it’s worth a day trip or visiting just once. It’s a pretty unique location not just in the south east of England, but the UK. I enjoyed taking photos around Dungeness and can recommend it to others too. To take full advantage of Dungeness, I’d recommend visiting on a sunny day as there aren’t a ton of places to take shelter (as I found out).

Full Article/The Scenic Route/Photos

Dungeness feels apocalyptic. Like I’m in a movie which takes place after a disaster.

Or the wild west, once the gold rush has disappeared and the town falls into ruin.

Either way, the atmosphere is quite eerie.

According to Which?, Dungeness is the best seaside town in Kent. I’d argue there are several coastal towns better than Dungeness such as Margate, Whitstable, Folkestone, Broadstairs and Deal.

Dungeness holds the title of the largest expanse of shingle in Europe. The pebbled beach is habituated by abandoned old boats, long past their sea-faring days.

A couple of small buildings in similar state stand solitary on the beach.

The outline of a rail track leads nowhere.

Things to do in Dungeness

In 2019, Dungeness was voted one of the best places to visit in the UK by Rough Guides.

The Telegraph also included Dungeness in its list of top 20 beaches in the UK.

But apart from spending the day at the beach and taking photos of abandoned objects, what else can you do at Dungeness?

The conditions make Dungeness perfect for wildlife to flourish. A unique national nature reserve home to 600 species of plants, which is a third of all plants found in the UK.

There’s a brilliant food stall serving fresh seafood (which is the busiest part of Dungeness it seems, but worth the wait).

Dungeness Railway

There’s also a miniature railway which has been running since 1928, making it fun to visit neighbouring towns Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch. Fun fact, the Dungeness railway was actually opened by Laurel and Hardy cutting the ribbon…

Dungeness Lighthouse And Power Station

You can visit the old Historic Grade 11 lighthouse, which offers views at 46 metres high, and the EDF power station.

And it’s worth visiting Prospect Garden which was once owned by the late British director and artist Derek Jarman. For the first time, it’s now possible to see the interior of the house as it was bought by the Art Fund.

Prospect Garden

I’d also recommend bringing an umbrella. It was once claimed Dungeness was Britian’s only desert, due to the low rainfall (the Met office has debunked this myth). It rained heavily for about 10 minutes! I was lucky as I had a car, but many did not have any shelter and were soaked!

Dungeness Snack Shack

Food options are few and far between in Dungeness. I would recommend the Dungeness Snack Shack on the beach for some fresh seasonal seafood like lobster rolls available June to October. Note, their opening times are weather dependant. At the time of writing the opening hours are 11am-3pm Friday to Sunday. They also have a toilet located at the back of the seating area.

Here are more of my photos of Dungeness.

Dungeness History & Facts

Geological Origins

Formation of a Shingle Spit

Dungeness, a headland on the coast of Kent, England, is a geological wonder. Its unique landscape began forming around 5000 years ago when pebbles and shingle from the surrounding area were deposited, creating a long spit of land.

The Dynamic Shingle

Dungeness is known for its ever-changing shingle beach. The shingle constantly shifts and reshapes due to natural processes, including tides, currents, and prevailing winds.

Rich Maritime History

A Hub for Fishing

Dungeness has a rich history as a fishing hub. Its location on the English Channel has made it a prime spot for fishing activities for centuries. Fishermen have traditionally used the beach for launching boats and drawing in their catches.

The Lifeboat Stations

Given the treacherous waters in the English Channel, Dungeness has been the site of lifeboat stations for over 200 years. These lifeboats have saved countless lives and continue to serve as a vital part of the coastal community.

Nuclear Power and the ‘Sound Mirrors’

The Nuclear Legacy

In the mid-20th century, Dungeness took on a new role as a site for nuclear power generation. The Dungeness A and B nuclear power stations were constructed, supplying electricity to the national grid. Dungeness B remains operational today.

Sound Mirrors: Acoustic Early Warning

Dungeness is also home to the intriguing ‘sound mirrors’—massive concrete structures designed as early warning systems for incoming aircraft. These acoustic marvels, developed in the years leading up to World War II, still stand as historical relics.

Unique Biodiversity

A Nature Reserve

Dungeness is not only a site of human activity but also a thriving nature reserve. Its shingle landscape, saltmarshes, and nearby wetlands provide a diverse habitat for wildlife. Birdwatchers flock to the area to spot both native and migratory birds.

Flora and Fauna

The unique habitat supports a variety of plant species, including rare and endangered ones. Dungeness is also home to numerous insect species, including the unusual and aptly named Dungeness black-spit ladybird.