Dungeness in Kent is one of those places that when you first arrive, immediately you’ll want to venture off in every direction to discover what this strange and curious outcrop is all about.
 
Overwhelmed with so many questions from this untamed shoreline and nowhere near enough answers.

We’ve visited Dungeness several times and, on each occasion, it leaves us hankering for more. There’s just something about the brutal surroundings and the unforgiving shingle beach that makes it so appealing.

Gary has previously written a post on Dungeness; however, I wanted to add my ‘two penneth worth’ as I find Dungeness so absorbing.

I just love sitting wrapped up on the shoreline gazing out across the sea and letting all the worries of the world fade away.

The idyllic stroll to paradise

Shall we get the elephant in the room tamed, first of all, yes, there is a nuclear power station at Dungeness?
 
In fact, there are two nuclear power stations, one of which is still in use today. The original power station “A” built-in 1965 shut its doors 2006. Dungeness “B” is still going strong since 1983 and has been granted a licence until 2028.

Dungeness's Nuclear Powerstations

Located within a wildlife sanctuary, it makes for an unusual backdrop against the stark terrain of the weather-worn shoreline.
 
The nuclear power station may not be your main draw to visit Dungeness; however, it certainly adds to its character.

Dungeness in Kent is such an unusual place to visit any time of the year. Not just for its bizarre landscape and abandoned boats strewn across the cobbled beach, but also for its lighthouses.
 
Not content with having one lighthouse, Dungeness has had seven in total. Five high lighthouses and two low.
 
Dungeness's first lighthouse was erected in 1615, it was constructed of wood, stood only 35ft tall and powered by an open coal fire.

The second lighthouse was built in 1635 this time it was constructed of brick and lasted over 100 years, until its replacement in 1792. The third was built by Samuel Wyatt. Today only the bottom two floors remain which were converted into lighthouse keepers’ dwellings.
 
Standing proud is the fourth tall lighthouse, built-in 1901, and now a visitor attraction and at its feet is the third lighthouse.
 
They are both lovingly cared for and stand as a wonderful backdrop to the curious skyline of Dungeness.

Another couple of weird and wonderful structures are the Coastguard Lookout Tower and The Fog Horn.

The Coastguard Lookout Tower has now been transformed into a luxury holiday home; however, prior to 2000, it was used as a radar monitoring station.

What I love about visiting Dungeness is the diverse, brutal landscape and architecture.
 
There are not too many places where Fog Horns, lookout towers, multiple lighthouses and a nuclear power station can be seen, amongst a miniature railway and charming pubs and cafés.
 
Dungeness has all of this and more.

The peninsular of Dungeness may be scattered with weather-beaten old vessels, abandoned rusty motors. However, there are still some fishing boats keeping the traditions going.
 
Their vessels devotedly maintained from whatever the often-harsh seas of the English Channel throw at them.

Prospect Cottage once owned by Derek Jarman

The black weatherboarded Prospect Cottage is now owned by an Art Fund and will hopefully be preserved and loved for many years to come.

On one side of the cottage in raised letters are the words from a part of John Donne’s poem, “The Sun Rising”.

Now did you know that Dungeness had an exciting miniature railway too.

It runs from the Cinque Port of Hythe 13 ½ miles along the coastline, stopping at eight stations along the way, with its final stop of Dungeness.

The Dungeness Fish Hut Snack Shack

One of our favourites is The Pilot Inn pub just before Dungeness estate entrance and has a lovely warm family atmosphere and serves some delicious food by the sea.
 
As long as you have a designated driver, why not try one of the local Kent ales?

If you like to find out more about Dungeness and the history surrounding Romney Marsh, take a look at the Romney Marsh website.
 
Another great insight into this incredible part of the world was on the Paul O’Grady’s Great British Escape on ITV, aired in late 2020. If you catch episode 2, you’ll discover even more about Dungeness.

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