can you visit dungeness power station

Glory of the Snow

July 1, 2022

Unusual Things To Do In The UK: Why You Should Visit Dungeness

Are you looking for the most unusual things to do in the UK? Dungeness should be on top of your list! It’s a super eerie place with a post-apocalyptic landscape, nuclear power station, majestic lighthouses, miniature railway, abandoned fishing boats, quirky architecture, and thriving wildlife.

Words cannot truly describe the incredible landscape of Dungeness!

There’s a real end-of-the-world feel about Dungeness, and its mysterious landscape is a photographer’s dream. It’s one of the most haunting, thought-provoking places I have ever visited and definitely one of the most unusual things to do in the UK.

Dungeness means’ dangerous nose’, a reference to how the land juts out into the channel. It has been referred to as a “ghost town” and described by The Guardian as “where the wild west meets the post-apocalyptic”. It’s an eerily beautiful place and is one of my favorite day trips from London as it’s so unique and there is so much to do.

This tiny fishing town is located less than 2 hours from London and lies on the border between Kent and East Sussex. It’s set in a spectacularly stark and uncompromising wild landscape with the Dungeness Nuclear Power Station as its backdrop.

I always search for the most unusual things to do in the UK, and Dungeness certainly doesn’t represent the ‘Garden of England’ tag usually associated with Kent. But there is something utterly fascinating about the place, with its lighthouses, miniature railway, abandoned fishing boats, wooden cabins, and thriving wildlife.

The Dungeness headland is Europe’s largest expanse of shingle. It was formed 10,000 years ago when rising sea levels threw up pebbles from the sea bed and has been subject to steady growth ever since as the sea picks up shingle from the west and deposits it around the headland to the east.

The landscape certainly divides opinion with its broad flatness and famous nuclear power station on one side, the shingle protruding far into the sea on the other; railway carriages turned into quaint and spooky dwellings with post-apocalyptic-looking huts thrown into the mix.

Dungeness is home to the smallest passenger railway in the world and serves some of the best fish and chips on the Kent coast. It’s also an absolute must for nature lovers, with a flourishing population of birdlife and over 600 species of plants.

Top 7 Things To Do In Dungeness

If you are looking for some cool things to do in Kent , here are my top 7 things to do at Dungeness!

1. Dungeness Beach

There are so many things to see and do on the beach!

Described as “Britain’s only desert”, Dungeness beach is full of decaying boats, rusty engines, and abandoned huts, scattered all around. You’ll find a wide variety of weird items abandoned or washed up on the shore. There’s an area of storage containers littered with nets, gas canisters, ropes, lobster pots, and all sorts of boating items.

Is it just me, or can you see a hooded figure inside the boat as well?

It’s like an Aladdin’s cave full of treasures and the perfect place for beachcombing, and you never know what you’re going to find.

Dungeness also boasts beautiful sunrises and sunsets. It’s the perfect place to watch the sun appear or disappear with the flat, open ground and broad sky.

2. RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve

The nature reserve at Dungeness is the RSPB ‘s (The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds) oldest nature reserve and covers nearly 4 square miles. It is an absolute must for avid wildlife watchers as it is home to a variety of domestic birdlife as well as a third of Britain’s plant species with stunning wildflower meadows.

3. Dungeness Old Lighthouse

The Old Lighthouse was opened by His Majesty, The Prince of Wales (later George V) in 1904 and guided ships through the English Channel for over half a century. It was built using over 3 million bricks and stands at nearly 46 meters tall.

Decommissioned in 1960, this Grade II building is now a popular tourist attraction and museum. Head to the top using the 169 steps that hug the wall on the inside of the lighthouse for incredible panoramic views across the English Channel and the surrounding area.

A word of warning: if you fear heights and/or open spaces, going up the stairs inside the lighthouse may be quite challenging for you. I actually bought a ticket but didn’t make it to the top.

The stairs go around on the side of the wall, and you can see all the way down in the middle. It’s very high and it looks like the stairs are “hanging”. I had to stop halfway up, and it took a long time for me to go back down.

On your way to the summit, each level provides interesting facts, including information on how the lighthouse operates and the stories of those who worked there when it was operational.

In total, there have been seven lighthouses over the years, with one, Dungeness Lighthouse, still being fully operational today. Dungeness Lighthouse started operating in 1961 and was built as the result of the newly built nuclear power station (Dungeness A), obscuring the light of the Old Lighthouse.

4. Dungeness Power Station

The power station at Dungeness is actually made up of two power stations, and they are identified simply as “Dungeness A” and “Dungeness B”. Dungeness A was connected to the National Grid in 1965 and Dungeness B in 1983.

Dungeness A closed on 31 December 2006, while Dungeness B has had its license extended to 2028 and is currently owned and operated by EDF Energy.

Dungeness B has a visitor center and is open to the public for tours. As a result of the September 11 attacks, all tours were stopped in 2001, and the visitor center subsequently closed in 2003. EDF opened a new visitor center in 2013 and resumed tours with tighter security measures in place.

5. RHDR Miniature Railway

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is known as “Kent’s Mainline in Miniature” and offers a truly magical way to admire some of the county’s most beautiful countryside.

It was opened in 1927, and the one-third full-sized steam and diesel locomotives power their way along thirteen and a half miles of track from Dungeness to Hythe.

There are four stations along the route, all within walking distance of a beach, and the journey takes just over an hour, but you can get off along the way.

6. Dungeness Architecture

At Dungeness, in addition to the power station and lighthouse, there is a mixture of unique residential properties and holiday homes scattered across the landscape. They range from award-winning modern architecture, higgledy-piggledy shacks, and wooden weatherboard beach houses to converted railway coaches.

One of the famous properties to be found while walking around is the Prospect Cottage.

Prospect Cottage was formerly owned by the late artist and film director Derek Jarman . The cottage was originally a Victorian fisherman’s hut and is painted black with distinctive yellow frames. The garden cultivated in the shingle surrounding the cottage reflects the bleak and windswept landscape – a mixture of sculptures made of driftwood and scrap metal with a few hardy plants scattered in between.

There is a part of John Donne’s poem “The Sun Rising” written on the black timber wall of the cottage:

“Busy old fool, unruly Sun, Why dost thou thus, Through windows, and through curtains, call on us ? Must to thy motions lovers’ seasons run ? Saucy pedantic wretch, go chide Late school-boys and sour prentices, Go tell court-huntsmen that the king will ride, Call country ants to harvest offices ; Love, all alike, no season knows nor clime, Nor hours, days, months, which are the rags of time. In that the world’s contracted thus ; Thine age asks ease, and since thy duties be To warm the world, that’s done in warming us. Shine here to us, and thou art everywhere ; This bed thy center is, these walls thy sphere”

7. Best Places To Eat In Dungeness

Britannia inn.

The Britannia Inn is located between the two lighthouses, not far from the RHDR station, and only a two-minute walk from the shingle beach. It’s open all day throughout the summer months and at lunchtimes and early evenings in winter, with real fire keeping everyone warm. The pub also has an outside area with a fantastic view.

The Britannia Inn serves excellent quality home-cooked food with locally sourced products, including fresh fish. They also offer quality British beer from the UK’s oldest brewery.

The Pilot Inn

The Pilot Inn is located close to the RNLI Lifeboat Station and is famous for serving some of the most delicious fish ‘n’ chips in Kent. Its roots go back to the year 1633 when it was built using the old timbers from the wreck of the Spanish ship called Alfresia.

Dungeness Snack Shack

The Dungeness Snack Shack is a family-run hut located right on the shingle at Dungeness. All of their fish and seafood are freshly caught by the shack’s very own fishing boats.

The shack’s ethos is to sell its own fresh, local fish in a tasty, unpretentious way with a strong focus on sustainability and traceability.

Year-round favorites include their fisherman’s rolls served with grilled fillets in a delicious warm bun and flatbreads filled with the catch of the day, zingy lime, chili, coriander, and sour cream dressing. Lobster and crab rolls are super popular in summer, as are steaming bowls of smoked cod chowder, which is absolutely to die for.

The Dungeness Snack Shack also has a fish hut next door, which sells freshly caught produce for you to take away and enjoy at home.

If you like visiting eerie and unusual places, you will love Dungeness! It’s the perfect day trip from London that you will never forget.

If you are interested in more UK travel destinations, check out the posts down below.

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DISCOVER NORTHUMBERLAND: WHAT TO DO ON HOLY ISLAND OF LINDISFARNE

THE MOST HAUNTED HOTEL IN THE UK: GHOST STORIES FROM THE MERMAID INN

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Explore Dungeness

Dungeness, kent.

Dungeness attracts both visionary artists and nature lovers.

There’s something distinctly otherworldly about Dungeness. It might have something to do with the strange combination of nuclear power stations, battered fishermen’s huts, lighthouses, the ‘acoustic mirrors’, concrete oddities and the largest expanse of shingle in Europe. The ‘ness is simultaneously a desolate dystopian land and a place of awe-inspiring beauty.

It’s no wonder then that this headland on the Kent coast has attracted both visionary artists and nature lovers for years. Be sure to check out Prospect Cottage, where film-maker Derek Jarman once lived – again its prettiness jarring with the surroundings, an uneasy juxtaposition. The large ‘acoustic mirrors’ are also worth a visit - these concrete structures were England’s first early warning system before the dawn of radars but today they just add to the eeriness as they stare out to sea. For bird lovers, there’s an RSPB observatory as well as two hides on the beach, offering ideal vantage points for spotting the migratory birds and seabirds that stop off at Dungeness.

If you’re lucky you might spot firecrests, long-tailed Tits, or Lapland buntings. There’s so much to take in at Dungeness that the best thing to do is walk along the shingle, giving your brain to time to make sense of this contrasting yet wonderful place.

• Find out more about Dungeness and plan your visit
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All you need to know about visiting dungeness, kent.

Honestly, it probably doesn’t get more unique in the UK than Dungeness.

Part desolate shingle shelf, part abandoned fishing village, part post-apocalyptic industrial wasteland, it’s a heady mix that has photographers and travellers with a penchant for the weird and wonderful drooling!

Almost uninhabited, save for a few converted weatherboard fisherman huts and a smattering of re-gen railway carriages, this place is a bizarre and offbeat coastal area that’s utterly unique.

Thought to be the UK’s only desert and with a subtle hint of wild west / American prairies thrown in for good measure – it’s hard to advise you to do anything here but simply go and enjoy Dungeness for yourself.

And for that very reason, I’m bringing you all the lowdown about why you should visit as well as how and what to do when you get there in this, my ultimate guide to visiting Dungeness in Kent…

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Why Visit Dungeness?

If you’re into abandoned places and other kinda quirky spots when you travel, then you’ll love Dungeness.

If you’re feeling a bit burnt out by the kitsch seaside clamour of much of the southern English coastline and fancy a change, then you’ll love Dungeness.

If you want to see a different side to Kent, a different kind of day trip that can’t fail to impress, then you’ll love Dungeness.

A land that time seems to have forgotten (sort of), Dungeness makes for a great London day out or the perfect inclusion in a longer Kent or East Sussex weekender.

For those into their fishing, or seafood, this is also a great spot and for those into their photography, it’s hard to go wrong here too.

And for those who just want miles of undisturbed coastline to feel windswept and melancholy along, Dungeness could be the answer aswell!

Civilised in tone, but wild in feeling, Dungeness is the perfect coastal spot to get off the beaten track in the UK!

Where is Dungeness?

Dungeness is located in Kent, a county in the southeast of England.

Situated right on the coastline, the way the landmass of Dungeness juts out is actually what gives this place its unique geographic features, coupled with the marshland that largely lies inland behind it.

Just a hop, skip and a jump away from East Sussex, Dungeness is one of the most westerly points of Kent and very close in nautical miles to the French coastline – although you’ll have to scoot up the road to Dover to catch a ferry there!

When to Visit?

There’s no question in my mind, the best time to visit Dungeness is during the summer season, when the UK’s good weather allows you to get the nicest experience from your time there.

This is especially true if you want to walk along the shoreline, eat fresh seafood on the cobbles and generally soak it all in.

Wild, winter weather might also be appealing in this desolate landscape (although photos will not be as good).

Just make sure you wrap up in suitable gear if you’re opting for this!

How Long to Spend There?

One full afternoon is enough to explore Dungeness, as you can easily walk along the coast, snap some of the quirky views and get a good feed-in during this time.

If you’re looking to extend this to a day trip, then why not take in some attractions on your way down here – perhaps Rye and Camber Sands in East Sussex or some fun in Folkestone or Dover.

With any of these options, you can absolutely create a brilliant and jam-packed day itinerary here that includes both history and nature.

If you’ve got time to go even further afield, then the Medieval city of Canterbury, the golden sands and kitsch charm of Margate, the wonderful seafood of Whitstable, plus all the vineyards, castles, walks and cycle routes of Kent are just waiting to be discovered.

Learn more in this list I wrote about the 13 best places to visit in this county .

How to Get To Dungeness?

The trickiest thing about Dungeness, and part of what makes it so quirky, is that this place really is the end of the road!

As such, getting to it isn’t always the easiest, especially if you’re on public transport.

But it is possible, so read on to leanr more…

In all honesty, if you want to get to and explore Dungeness without a huge mission, the best option is probably to drive (sorry environment!)

To get to Dungeness from London, the best route to take is the M20 via Maidstone. Turn after just after Ashford and take the A2070, then the A259 and finally Romney Road towards Lydd, which takes around 2 and a half hours from London.

If you’re looking to rent a vehicle in the UK, I recommend Discover Cars as they offer some great rates and are highly reputable.

And don’t forget to check out these top tips I wrote if you’re looking to hire a car on a budget in England .

Once you arrive at Dungeness, there is free parking available along the side of the road in, although this can fill up quickly, so I do suggest getting there in the early morning if possible.

By Public Transport

Otherwise, if you are limited to public transport, the best way to get to Dungeness is via the highspeed train to Ashford and then to catch the number 11 bus down there, which will drop you at The Pilot pub.

Otherwise, you can also get the train to Folkestone and then hop on the number 102 bus from there down to The Pilot as well.

In order to get the best prices for trains in the UK, I always book tickets at least a few days in advance, preferably a bit more, using the excellent website Trainline .

Trainline’s split-fare technology guarantees you the cheapest fares and their handy app allows you to store your e-tickets on your phone, meaning you don’t have to mess around with collecting tickets at the station.

I also really like Trainline’s journey planner feature, which allows you to track whether your train is on time and also lets you know when it’s time to get ready to disembark.

For further discounts on the UK train tickets, you may consider getting a Network Railcard.

These have an annual fee, but usually get you up to a third off trains in and around London and the southeast.

If you live in London or plan to be travelling this part of the country a fair bit, they make a great investment.

By Steam Train

Finally, there is one more way to get down to Dungeness and in my opinion, it perfectly sums up the slightly offbeat nature of this place.

And that is taking the steam train!

Otherwise known as the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, this historic locomotive operates on a line that began operating in 1928 – and you can see many of the old railway carriages, which have now become converted cottages there, as proof!

The RH&D Railway operated from either Hythe or Romney Sands to Dungeness and back.

Tickets must be booked in advance and can be done so here .

Given the infrequency of trains, this is certainly a journey you’ll have to fit your timetable around but, if you can manage it, it’s quite the way to arrive!

Top Things to Do at Dungeness

Honestly, the main thing to do when you reach Dungeness is to wander around!

Ambling about on 2 feet is the best way to take in this otherworldly landscape and to get under the skin of its quirky charm.

Strolling the shingle Dungeness beach is a great way to start your time here, as you pass semi-abandoned boats and shoreline fishermen.

Once you’ve tired of waking on pebbles, you can then divert back along the single-lane road, snapping the quintessential fisherman huts and converted railway carriages along the way (many have now become bouji Airbnb’s which seems a little incongruous with their humble roots it must be said!)

The best one is probably Prospect Cottage, so try to find this for photos if you can.

You’ll also want to see if you can spot the old BT Phone Box, which looks weirdly out of place propped up just beyond the shoreline and, behind that, it’s hard to miss the Dungeness Power Station – a huge hunk of nuclear power industrial concrete and heavy fencing that looks like something out of a science fiction narrative.

There’s also the lighthouse to enjoy in Dungeness – occasionally open and well worth a look-in if it is –  as well as the RSPB bird reserve to explore in the marshlands around Dungeness, so do bring your binocs!

…And your camera!

For Dungeness is a photographer’s paradise and you can happily snap away here to your heart’s content.

Once all the hard sightseeing work is over, it’s then time to relax with some food and drinks.

The Pilot is the famous pub where the railway stops, but it is a little out of the main action and you’ll have to walk a way from here to the lighthouse.

The more central option is the Britannia Inn, which offers outdoor seating and some hilariously rude staff.

Honestly, this is one of the worst pubs I’ve been to in years, so pop in for a drink if you’re looking for a good laugh at how bad hospitality can get!

By the train depot, there’s also Ales on the Rails , which looks great but sadly wasn’t open when I visited.

This leaves The Dungeness Fish Hut , otherwise known as the Dungeness Snack Shack on Google Maps.

This is definitely the place to head for food and drinks when you come to Dungeness – it was packed when I was there.

The place is one of those brilliant joints that you see popping up in many an old English fishing village these days.

The aesthetic is rough and ready – think small hut and picnic benches by the water – but the fresh seafood (if that’s your thing) and craft beer is top-notch, making it a hit with those wanting a super tasty but casual and authentic option.

Ok, I’ll just say it, this is the trendy place to get all the Reel feels for your Instagram shots, minus the pretence.

Where to Stay Near Dungeness?

If you want to stay in Dungeness itself, then your only choice is for chalet-type accommodation in some of the revamped fisherman cottages dotted along the pebbles.

If you’re really looking to get away from it all, this could the perfect option .

Alternatively, you can head down to the road to the great sandy strip of Camber Sands, where a number of self-catering properties and holiday parks might suit those of you travelling as a group or family.

For something a bit more upmarket, check out The Workshop @ The Grange in Lydd or The Ship Hotel in New Romney .

Otherwise, why not motor on to either Folkestone, Deal, Rye or Hastings, where there’s a lot more options owing to the popularity of these spots.

5 Key Packing Items for Dungeness

And finally, here’s my list of the top 5 packing essentials you shouldn’t head to the weird and wonderful world of Dungeness without.

#1 A Good Camera

No doubt you’re going to be snapping like crazy in this otherworldly spot and need to ensure you have a good camera to do the place justice.

I love my Sony A6000 , which is light, compact and great for travel.

#2 Decent Walking Shoes

You can’t come this far and not enjoy a walk along the shoreline.

Get prepared therefore and ensure you have a decent pair of walking shoes – these cross-trainers from New Balance are ideal (and totally stylish) for the job.

#3 Light Waterproof Jacket

Whatever the time of year, you have to remember this is England after all, a country in which the heavens can open at any point!

Don’t get caught out and ensure you have a good lightweight and waterproof jacket with you!

This North Face Venture 2 is perfect.

#4 Compact Hiking Day Pack

I never go on any trip, no matter how short, without a sturdy backpack to ensure I’ve got everything I need and that the weight is equally distributed across my back and shoulders.

This super featherweight Kompressor from Marmot is my go-to, because it folds down to nothing and is water-resistant.

#5 Portable Charger

And finally, I would never head off anywhere without my trusty Anker Portable Charger , which keeps my phone charged, meaning I can take all the snaps and use all the maps I need wherever and whenever I am!

Things to Know Before You Go

This includes not drinking alcohol if you’re the designated driver, as well as ensure you play by the water safely.

Most importantly, do not swim at Dungeness.

The currents and tides here can be quite treacherous due to the steep shelf of the beach and there certainly aren’t any lifeguards, or even enough people around, to help you if you get into difficulty.

You’ll also want to bear in mind the weather, and make sure you pack accordingly for your trip to Dungeness, as the climate here can be wild and changeable – see my top 5 recommended items above.

In the winter months, it can be freezing, wet and windy here, so waterproofs are a must.

In summer, it can be seriously hot and there’s little shade protection, so de ensure you bring sunscreen as well as a cap or other sunhat with you.

I’d also bring plenty of snacks and waters as there are few facilities around, including toilets, shops and general amenities.

The nearest town of New Romney has some very basic options, but you really need to drive to either Rye, or better Ashford or Folkestone, to find a decent level of supplies.

Where to Head After?

There’s plenty of great options within Kent and nearby East Sussex if you’re continuing the exploring on after Dungeness.

Favourite Kent spots of mine include walking along the iconic White Cliffs of Dover , punting in historic Canterbury , oyster-snaffling in Whitstable and taking in the kitsch charm of sandy Margate .

Just across the county border in East Sussex, Rye and Camber Sands are just a short distance from Dungeness and then, a little further on, the towns of Battle and Hastings make for a super combination.

Continue into Sussex to discover the dramatic South Downs National Park and the iconic Seven Sisters Cliffs .

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So there you have it, my ultimate guide to visiting Dungeness in Kent, England

Have I inspired you to explore these utterly unique place?

Or perhaps you’ve been already?

Tell me all in the comments below…

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

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Minister visits Dungeness Power Station to see progress and look at future possibilities for the site

The Minister for Nuclear and Networks, Andrew Bowie MP, met with Leader of KCC Roger Gough, Cabinet Member for Economic Development Derek Murphy and his deputy  David Robey.

The Minister for Nuclear and Networks has visited Dungeness B Power Station, as the government steps up its focus on investing in nuclear power as an alternative source of energy.

EDF’s Dungeness B power station went offline for scheduled maintenance works in 2018 but as that work progressed further engineering challenges were identified. In summer 2021 the company decided to move the station to the next stage of its life, defueling, in which all remaining nuclear fuel is removed. This process will take about five years and was started in May, after site teams completed preparatory works and secured regulatory permissions.

During his trip to Dungeness B, Andrew Bowie MP visited several parts of the plant, including the reactors, and was able to see for himself how teams are getting on with the job.

Gavin Lancaster, Station Director at Dungeness B, said: “For the past few years Dungeness B’s focus has been to do everything we could to prepare ourselves for defueling this power station. Within weeks of starting our defueling operations we have been visited by the UK’s first ever nuclear minister on his first ever visit to a defueling nuclear power station. I’m sure he’ll have been impressed by our team’s determination to deliver this job quickly, efficiently, and effectively.”

Andrew Bowie MP was given a guided tour of Dungeness B to see how the defueling is progressing

The Minister was joined by representatives from Kent County Council (KCC), Folkestone and Hythe District Council, EDF and Damian Collins MP. As well as the defueling progress, the group discussed the government’s backing for the next generation of nuclear technology, which includes its support of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These could offer the potential for nuclear power generation in Dungeness to continue, with the reduced space required for a new breed of SMRs, meaning that Dungeness can again be considered as a future nuclear site.

“It has been a fascinating morning, and so great to see such overwhelming support for the site here at Dungeness,” said Andrew Bowie MP.

“I have been really impressed by such an engaged, enthused and upbeat workforce, and an entire community that is so focused on what comes next here. This is a moment that we need to grasp. For the first time in about thirty or forty years nuclear energy is seen as a net positive. Plans for SMRs are proceeding and we will be announcing more details soon.”

The Minister held talks with representatives from KCC, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, EDF and Damian Collins MP

KCC Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Derek Murphy, said “Dungeness has a long and proud heritage of nuclear power generation and an impeccable track record.

“As such, KCC believes Dungeness is a perfect location for one, or more, of the new breed of SMRs and could safely produce green, low carbon energy, while also retaining high-quality jobs and skills in the area, helping to power local growth.

“We will continue to work closely with Folkestone & Hythe District Council, EDF, and Central Government, assembling evidence to support and shape the campaign for the siting of SMRs at Dungeness.”

Councillor Jim Martin, leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council said: "We will explore any new technology initiative that has the potential to ensure that a significant number of well-paid jobs are created in the Romney Marsh area which will grow the local economy and provide new career opportunities for young people”.

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What life is really like in the shadow of Kent's only nuclear power station

Since the it opened in 1965, Dungeness has come to be defined by its nuclear landmark, Dungeness B

• 21:20, 20 JAN 2020

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The isolated community of Dungeness has lived in the shadow of the nuclear power station since 1965.

The area is built into an enormous shingle headland that is constantly in flux, giving both the village and the power plant their signature and unique beauty.

From an outsider's perspective Dungeness B is its most intriguing aspect, standing out as a grey blot against the sky, sea and shingle.

The nuclear reactors were temporarily shut down over safety fears 16 months ago.

How much of Kent and Sussex will disappear if there’s a nuclear disaster at Dungeness Power Station

But they are expected to be turned back on at Station B later this month and will continue to operate before the site is completely closed down in 2028.

The two nuclear reactors - Dungeness B-21 and B-22 - are currently out of use due to ongoing inspection and repair work of pipes.

However, for the residents of Dungeness, this is all just part of the scenery.

'There isn't much of a community here anymore'

The stunning scenery of Dungeness coupled with its excellent transport links and reasonable house prices have seen it become a popular option for those looking to buy a second home.

Some locals still remain however, like the Thomas family who are known locally as 'the fishermen'.

Their family run fishing business has been operating for generations and dates back to a time when Dungeness.

Dave Thomas, 55, has lived on the headland all his life and can't imagine the area without its nuclear landmark.

He said: "The power station has been here all my life, and we’ve been here generations.

"It’s been very good for the area and made a lot of high paid jobs. Those people don’t really live here, because very few people live here.

"There isn't much of a community here anymore, this used to be all fishing houses but most of the houses have been bought up."

'I don't really worry about the power station'

Many of the eighty or so houses that cluster the headland lie empty, used as holiday homes or bed and breakfasts in the weekend.

Paula Rossiter, 52, moved to the area with her partner in 2011 and has noticed an increase in these empty houses.

She said: "The majority of the houses have been sold and are used by Londoners on the weekends.

"A lot of them are using them as B&Bs and holiday lets."

Paula moved to Romney Marsh when she was 7 and has lived in and around Hythe all her life.

When asked what was different about living in Dungeness, Paula's answer was surprising.

She said: "The first year I lived in Dungeness was tough because of the cold, I didn't realise how chilly it gets out here. Since then I've got used to it.

"I don’t really worry about the power station, it's just there."

Paula's indifference to the areas most famous feature is one that is shared by her neighbour Luisa Whendy, who has lived in the area for 40 years.

She said: "I don’t have much to do with the power station. It’s not noisy and I forget it’s there."

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Luisa's house, like many in the area, contains the insides of a railway carriage that was left on the headland when the railway closed.

The 82-year-old has lived alone since the death of her husband ten years ago.

She believes the headland is the best place for her.

She said: "I like the isolation of Dungeness, most people who own houses don’t come until the weekends.

"My son lives next door, he’s never left Dungeness. I was born in Devon but I’ve never been tempted to leave."

'Dungeness has evolved'

Mike Golding has also lived in Dungeness for 40 years.

The semi-retired property manager, who is in his 60's thinks the area is like any other with one key exception.

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He explained: "When people say what’s it’s like living here I say 'probably the same as where you live but you don’t have people coming along asking you how you live!'".

As the former head of the Residents Association, Mike believes Dungeness isn't what it once was.

He said: "Most of the people with houses don’t live here, there’s no community anymore.

"The community here ended 10 or 15 years ago, we used to have a residents association but now there’s just a bunch of empty houses."

Like his neighbours, Mike has noticed an influx of DFL's in the area something that he puts down to its advantages.

He said: "Dungeness has evolved, most of the people that complain about the DFL’s don’t actually live here.

"It’s lovely living here, you have Folkestone 20 miles away, Ashford 20 miles away, The French Coast 20 miles away and you can be in London in an hour."

Mike's property lies adjacent to the service road that runs down to the power station, were it not for the signs he'd forget it was there.

He said: "I never even think about the power station. I was brought up on V bombers so I’m not worried about that stuff, I’ve had my dose of radiation.

"Sometimes when the wind is blowing very hard you hear it a little bit, but it’s nothing that they worry about.

"The worst ones are the Chernobyl type ones on the French coast so if they go up we’re more affected than by this one."

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Dungeness B

Key information at a glance.

Dungeness B is situated near Romney Marsh, Kent on the south east coast of England.

Dungeness B is a twin reactor advanced gas-cooled (AGR) station. It was the first commercial advanced gas-cooled reactor to commence construction (1965) and started generating power in 1983. The power station is built on a large area of open shingle, measuring 12 km by 6km. The three small towns on the headland nearest the power station are Lydd-on-Sea, Greatstone-on-Sea and Littlestone-on-Sea, which lie to the north on the east coast of the Dungeness headland.

In June 2021 Dungeness B  announced that with immediate effect  it has ended its generation activities and has now entered the defueling phase  of its life which is expected to take several years.

Dungeness B is operated by the licence holder EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd, a subsidiary company of EDF Energy plc.

Latest site news

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Contractor sustained serious injuries to their foot

ONR serves improvement notice on EDF

Worker suffers electric shock from a portable heater

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Conventional health and safety and cyber security highlighted

For all previous reports please use our publications search .

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Visit Dungeness Day Trip: What To Do And History

• March 30, 2022 October 19, 2023
• by Elite Travel Blog
• This Must Be The Place , UK

Is Dungeness a desert? See my photos of the beach, mini railway and old lighthouse .

Dungeness feels apocalyptic. Like a movie which takes place after a disaster.

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

Either way, the atmosphere is quite eerie.

Dungeness is the best seaside town in Kent according to Which? , competing against the likes of 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!

Here are more of my photos of Dungeness.

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.

Contemporary Communities

Life at the edge.

Dungeness is home to a small but resilient community. The area boasts a number of distinctive and creatively designed houses, which serve as both homes and inspiration for artists and writers.

The ‘End of the Line’

The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway, a miniature steam railway, runs through Dungeness. This historical railway line connects to nearby towns and serves as both transportation and an attraction.

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Dungeness B Power Station Visitor Centre

Nuclear lowdown, description.

It is now in a defeulling phase. Dungeness B is no longer running public, school or education, tours. For information about visiting EDF’s other sites please visit their power stations page .

Picture Credit: © EDF Energy.

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The UK’s only ‘desert’ with 'bleakly captivating’ views and a 10-mile beach

If you want to star in your own personal version of Dune , you don’t need to go all the way to Arrakis.

The idyllic and peaceful landscapes of Dungeness, the UK’s only desert, should be all you need for an otherworldly getaway right without going abroad .

Based in Kent, Dungeness is described by reviewers on Tripadvisor as a ‘history-filled natural paradise’ with sandy terrains stretching 16km long.

From seals, to Arctic terns, to porpoises, Dungeness is full of lively wildlife and unexpected treasures to discover.

‘At times, it feels like a ‘forgotten about film set,’ one visitor named Ashford28 wrote on TripAdvisor, while another, 863garym , described it in a review titled ‘history filled and natural paradise’ as ‘a fantastically strange place,’ with beaches ‘full of history and things to look at.’ 

Similarly, @worldshirl dubs it ‘bleakly captivating’ while @BirdBrain99 said there was ‘scenery like nowhere else.’

The crumbling fishing boats, deserted shores, and the towering power station add a foreboding and gothic vibe to the landscape that would make Emily Bronte shudder.

It’s sea defenses also date back to the Roman era — although we can expect most of Dungeness to ‘return to the sea’ within 150 years.

So, arguably, there’s never been a better time to visit…

What’s the history of Dungeness?

Located in the Southern England, Dungeness has a rich history. According to the official Dungeness website, it’s been inhabited for thousands of years. In fact, there’s evidence of prehistoric settlement too, in the Mesolithic/Middle Stone Age era. 

The only people who loved Dungeness more than Tripadvisor reviewers were the Romans, who recognised the coastline’s importance in terms of military and defense.

Henry VIII emphasised the area’s strategic importance in the Tudor period, building two forts on the coast to defend against potential attacks from the French.

Other notable moments in Dungeness’ history include the 19th century, when the Dungeness lighthouse was constructed, and it’s role as a military base in WWII, and the nuclear power station established in the 1960s, marking a huge industrial development.

But later on, there was a little less warring and a lot more fishing. Dungeness has, in fact, become renowned for its fishing community, with it being the primary source of income for a lot of residents, even today.

How to get to Dungeness

From London, Dungeness is a four hour and 57 minute drive. It’s easiest to get there via the M20, though you can take some detours through A13 and A2.

But you’re probably best off going there directly.

Alternatively, if you want a more scenic journey, you can get to Dungeness by steam train via the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Its nearest train station is Folkestone Central, which you can get to via Dover, London St Pancras , and Ramsgate, among other places.

There are also two main bus routes. The number 11, for instance, goes from Ashford International train station to Boulderwell Farm, followed by a short one mile walk.

The 102 bus runs less frequently throughout the day, but stops at key locations like Dover Priory train station, Folkestone bus station, New Romney light railway station and Lydd.

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Dungeness estate is a turning off the Lydd/Dungeness Road. It is a ‘no through road’ so once the obligatory visit has been made you will return from whence you came.

Before you enter the gates of the Estate proper you may observe to your right a row of cottages and a squarish building at right angles. These are the original coast guard cottages and part of the original watchtower, dating back to Napoleonic times. This is not Napoleon Solo of the ‘sixties’ but the other European, diminutive, Napoleon who, in the early 1780’s was sitting across the English Channel awaiting the opportunity to sail across and conquer this little Island. Fortunately we excelled at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805 and we, fortunately, still speak English. I digress – there were many watchtowers along the coast to observe any potential attack on England and the building here at Dungeness (now a smart Bed and Breakfast house – see ‘Where to Stay‘ ) was just one of the many observation posts.

Continue your walk to the estate entrance and you will see on the right hand side a traditionally build brick building called the ‘Watering House’.

This building, as the name implies, had something to do with supplying fresh water – in this case by a resident family, to passing shipping.

The road then meanders for a mile and a half ending at the old lighthouse and security fencing around the nuclear power station. Close by, adjacent to a large car park is with the miniature railway (RHDR) station cafe. However before you get there you will cross the railway tracks – all of fifteen inch gauge and possibly the world’s smallest public railway.

Rounding the bend in the road on the left hand side there is the latest (and one of three in my lifetime) lifeboat stations which is open to the public most days of the week. Now installed, since March of 2014 is the new lifeboat the Shannon Class ‘Morrell’, named after Barbara Morrell from Bromley who left £6 million in a legacy to the RNLI.

This craft is unique in that it is driven by water power and having no propeller can drive up the beach. It is significantly faster than previous boats. Visit the lifeboat page through links to see short videos of the craft in action and the naming ceremony by HRH The Princess Royal.

The lifeboat, part of the self-funding National Lifeboat Institution, provides an invaluable service to distressed mariners on one of the worlds busiest seaways. It may seem strange to foreign visitors to this site that such an institution is reliant solely on donations from the public. God forbid the government spend any of the tax payers money on such a worthy cause when the gravy train of civil servants is fighting for their increase in indexed linked pensions and other hard to justify expenses. Crewed by locals and mainly fishermen the lifeboat is a cause worthy of any spare pennies you may have in your purse.

Just in front of the lifeboat station you will see one of the original Tan Coppers which, in years gone by, were used for ‘tanning’ the fishing nets. Before the advent of mono-filaments and oil based ‘ropes’fishing nets, left in their untreated stated would soon rot – hence the dip in ‘Kutch’. This tanning of the nets became a ritual and their were special ‘Tanning Days’when all the new nets and fishing smocks went into the coppers. From the 1920’s nets were supplied pre-treated and so the ‘Tanning Day’ died a natural death. We used to have a ‘May Day open day’ on the beach – but it always rains on May Day – maybe there Tanning Day could be resurrected!!!

As you look up towards the new lighthouse the view is one of, what appears to be, a mishmash of wires and telegraph poles. It would seem that most who visit the area to take their ‘potted history’ photographs tend to ignore this array of disorganised wiring and concentrate on buildings and plants. To my mind the overhead telegraphy and electricity wiring is this is the most memorable vistas of the area and one that is recognised instantly in any painting or abstract photograph you might stumble across. There is a little café/restaurant in the old town of Budapest where, and as soon as you walk in, one is confronted by a painting on the wall immediately recognisable as the Dungeness skyline! (It was not established as to why and how a depiction of the Dungy should adorn a wall in an off beat café. Attempting to question the proprietor only resulted in a bowl of goulash and garlic bread!).

Half a mile on from the lifeboat station on your right you will not fail to notice the black, ship lapped with yellow trim house of the late Derek Jarman.This house not only attracts the attention of many followers of Derek’s works but keen gardeners. Featured extensively over the years on, predominantly BBC gardening programmes, there is a continual stream of visitors to admire this very unusual wild garden creation which fortunately is today lovingly maintained by Keith Collins

Somewhere on the left you may detect a mound of beach which, in the late 1940s and into the early fifties, was the location of the then lifeboat station. Considering the boat was launched straight down into the sea this will give you some idea on how much the sea has receded or rather an indication on how the beach has been built up over time by the natural effects of movement of shingle around the point from the West.

You may also note large pieces of concrete debris which are leftovers from World War 2 installations – Dungeness playing an important role in the war effort.

Onwards, with the new lighthouse in sight you will pass a cottage with a square ‘watchtower’. This was a lookout and contact point for the local ‘pilots’ who were responsible for the navigation of shipping through the channel but now forms part of the dwelling within.

You will observe, on the left, the now disused mini rail tracks that, in the days gone by provided the only means to transporting the days fishing catch from the boats to the road. Also in the distance the largish (too heavy to move) now redundant winches previously used to pull the fishing boats ashore. Prior to this members of the family used to haul the boats onto the beach by hand. It must have been an exceptionally hard life and in a way ‘thank goodness’ for progress. The fishing boats themselves have changed dramatically over the years and the old and new can still be seen scattered around the beach. In one garden the very basic rowing boat and on the sea shore the large twin hulled craft of today.

Further down on the left a local house selling daily fresh caught fish. Run by one of the original and third generation of ‘local’ families you cannot buy a fresher fish ‘straight off the boats’. In recent months (March 2014) a ‘Fish Shack’ has opened offering all the traditional fare from the sea.

Over on the right and set back from the road is one of the latest rebuilds. Distinctive in its box like construction this property has been cleverly designed with the end glass room capturing not only the views over 180 degrees but all day sunshine. In the past there would have been much criticism for any bold designs with the objectors claiming ‘not in keeping’ with the area – forgetting completely that the uniqueness of Dungeness has always been the diversity of the various buildings. When everything is different how can anything be ‘out of keeping’?. We should be grateful there are people around to put money into projects which will ensure there will still be a good mix of structures in another 100 days time!!

Further down on the right again set back from the road one can view the individual and quite clearly identifiable, air raid shelter/ ‘Pluto’ pumping station.

Once one of the many buildings that housed the ‘PLUTO’ pumps this was, until very recently, a building used as the local church, a meeting place for the community and the local ‘Buffalo Lodge’. It has recently been sold by the trustees of the estate for private re-development. There was some disquiet regarding the sale as it went ahead without the knowledge of locals, who would have preferred to keep it as a church and community centre. Unfortunately there is no ‘community’ anymore to warrant maintaining it and the trustees do have a responsibility to create wealth for the owners of Dungeness.

Anyway it will be interesting to see what the finished building will look like.

In the good old days – pre nuclear power stations – local fishing boats used to navigate home by lining up the lighthouse with the Church tower in Lydd. Following the building of the Nuclear Power Station the church was no longer visible and at the time GPS was not a known aid.

Two structures were erected on the beach – one a diamond shape and the other a ‘T’, seen to the east of the power station. Fishing boat crews would simply line the ‘T’ up in the diamond and head straight for home! No one seems to have an answer as to what happened when foggy! Today of course the faithful ‘sat nav’ is an affordable item of equipment.

Further along on the right is a small shop – Fifth Quarter – selling mystical and other gift items and also, by appointment, Tarot card readings and other such ‘mystical’ and healing practicers.

On the right just on the corner is the long established bait and fishing tackle shop who also offer deep sea fishing. Dungeness beach is also the birthplace of the world famous (if you are a beach fisherman) ‘Zziplex’ fishing rods.

With the new lighthouse now in full view a concrete road runs off to the right directly down to the old lighthouse. Originally constructed as an emergency route to and from the power station but since the enclosure of the nuclear sites as a security measure, the road is open to the general public.

Somewhere on the left and hidden under the beach is a listening post. This was created during WW2 to house listening devices to pick up the propeller noises transmitted by passing shipping. It must have been very effective as it is still possible to feel vibrations through my bed when large liners pass by.

Prior to the construction of the new lighthouse – deemed necessary following the construction of the power station sat a ‘low light’ or more commonly called the ‘Fog Horn’, which indeed it was. The low light was a gift from the Americans and, unlike the quaint squeak the modern lighthouse transmits it produced an exceptionally loud and deep base noise. Standing in front of it as we did as children in the fifties it would physically rattle the rib cage. No such thing as health and safety in those days!

One of the few remaining relics at Dungeness, apart from some residents, is the odd shaped structure pictured above. As children we called it the ‘Decca Research Station’ but in fact it was the Marconi structure or ‘sheds’. Built around the late 1890’s Guglielmo Marconi (best known as the ‘man who invented radio’) it was used for research and development in the transmitting of radio signals – and in 1899 Marconi became the first person to send a message across the English Channel. The structure still stands in a forlorn state. The current owner had applied for planning permission to re-build on the site with something ‘sympathetic’ to the area and a structure attempting to emulate what it was too replace. Nothing heard to date about any further development and in the meantime it deteriorates rapidly.

In front of the Marconi building (no longer there, having been replaced with a more modern holiday home) on the roadside, sits a residential dwelling which was  constructed around, what was reportedly,  one of six carriages built in 1885 as part of Queen Victoria’s support vehicles.  It was delivered in the early 1930’s, along with a couple of dozen other mixed bag of rolling stock (various guards vans  and ordinary 2nd and 3rd class carriages).   When it was left, it is assumed (reported) that it would have been in the Southern Railway green, not the brown and cream associated with a ‘Pullman’ class wagon – which it was in the 1950’s   It did have all the expensive fittings a ‘Pullman’ coach would be renowned for.  A newly married couple who bought the building in the early ‘seventies’, (then known as ‘Windwhistle’), covered the exterior with ship-lap wood and painted it pink. It has changed names since and at present (2019) is being stripped back to the bare bones as part of a sympathetic renovation.

Passing the new lighthouse to your left you will notice a small structure in the shape of a ‘T’ with two little windsock affairs dangling from either side. These fine mesh ‘socks’ are designed to collect any radioactive particles. The contents are evaluated regularly by the nuclear power station. It was interesting to note when radioactive detection equipment was installed in my property (as with others) there were no significant measurements of any radioactivity in contrast to samples of ‘Evian’ water and rocks from Cornwall which registered a higher reading than those taken in the local area.

Onwards toward the lighthouse we have on the left a small art studio and small shop selling original photographs, paintings and prints created by the resident owners Chris Shore and Helen Taylor. Further along on the left we find another small art studio and gallery open to the public and then a large area being redeveloped from a mishmash of old pre war buildings into modern high spec quarters suitable for renting.

Directly in front of you – the two ex-lighthouse keepers cottages and the base of the first Dungeness lighthouse. The bungalows are of traditional bricks and mortar in contrast to the ‘Roundhouse’ which, built in the 18th century is of concrete block construction some 2 feet thick. The roundhouse provided accommodation for the keepers together with storage for fuel (originally wood then oil) as well as the main support for the wooden structure of the lighthouse itself. Internally the Roundhouse has been transformed into a comfortable unique living area with a separated self contained 2 bedroomed maisonette.

Prior to arriving at the Roundhouse Precinct looking left you will see the former coast guard lookout post, which was de-commissioned a dozen years ago. This has been transformed into a very high spec weekend retreat with quite amazing uninterrupted views across the channel to France.

And on to the Lighthouse:

The ‘new’ lighthouse, now fully automatic with its new high pitched squeak (as opposed to its previous manly horn) is part of a national set up under the auspices of Trinity House. It is funded by a system of charges levied on commercial shipping.

The old lighthouse is now in private hands and if you hand over a few coins of the realm you can exercise the thighs on the 269 steps to the top. Surprising there are so few suicide jumps. The country cannot be in as bad a condition as we are lead to believe.

The Dungeness ‘Trio’ of lighthouse, ‘Old’, ‘New’ and ‘Oldest’ now known as the ‘Roundhouse’.

And as a backdrop to this area of natural beauty and dominating the area are the two (for the time being).

These two monstrosities, one the ‘A’ Station – the square looking in the foreground is currently being dismembered (I think de-commissioned is the correct word). A task expected to last up to 10 years although the radioactive areas expected to be around for up to 100 years. The other white elephant, with the rounded exterior is the ‘B’ station which is likely to be joined by a third and then possibly a fourth in the not too distant future. ‘Over my dead body’ is the plaintive cry from the locals – which, with another little mishap with the reactor, could possibly be a prophecy in the making. In the meantime its ‘fission’ chips as usual at the ‘Pilot’.

Especially for the lovers of the steam era, a slide show of the Romney & Hythe District Railway Dungeness steam locomotives:

The Slideshow of Romney & Hythe District Railway Dungeness steam locomotives: is missing

Dungeness is also the ‘end of the line’ for the Romney Hythe & Dymchurch Railway which claims to be the worlds smallest public railway, having a gauge of just 15 inches.

Apart from the small railway there was a main line service to Dungeness.

In the Railways Act of 1881 permission was granted to open a line to serve the new port to be built at Dungeness (that quite clearly never went ahead!) to run from Ashford via Appledore and Lydd. On the 7th December 1881 the Appledore to Lydd section was opened for passenger service and the final link to Dungeness for freight only. However in 1883 a passenger service was introduced which continued until 1937. Freight movement continued until after the war, during which period Dungeness played a major part in the war effort. The rail tracks were then ripped up and today any signs of what went before have been erased.

Over to the right and partially concealed by a huge, now flourishing, shingle bank is the oft incorrectly called ‘Coast Guard cottages. This row of eleven terraced houses, ten of which are let to private individuals – the 11th being a bird observatory respite were in fact built and owned by the Royal Navy. Officially they were known as RNSSS Cottages – the SSS standing for Shore Signalling Station. This was in the days when semaphore was the only safe way to signal shipping off Dungeness. The Pilot Public House has a picture of the flags as used.

Dungeness is also infamous for its numerous appearances in films, TV shows and adverts.

In 1947 funny men, Laurel and Hardy made a splash at Dungeness when they formally re-opened the Romney Hythe and Dymchurch Railway (RH&DR). They were greeted at Hythe by the then owner of the railway, Captain J E P Howey following which they boarded an ‘express’ train to Dungeness, stopping only at New Romney. The beautiful steam locomotive ‘Black Prince’ pulled the VIP guests. This engine is now known as ‘Doctor Syn’- I guess it was decided ‘Black’ was not very pc or more likely Doctor Syn was more commercial!

The 1950’s saw the making of probably the first film on the beach – ‘The Dark Man’ and then ‘The Loves of Joanna Godden’ with Googie Withers and John McCullen.

In 1981 the fantasy film ‘Time Bandits’ shot its ‘Time of Legends’ sequence on the beach and much of the 1998 Rachel Weisz movie ‘I Want You’ was set in and around Dungeness, with the lead character’s home being one of the wooden beach dwellings.

Since then we have had Doctor Who, a Dennis Waterman ‘Minder’ episode and in it was also featured in episode 5 of the popular tv series ‘Citizen Smith’, as the location for an interview with the ‘Rubbish Men’.

2005 Channel 4 TV filmed an episode of ‘Up Your Street’, featuring this Website owner plus another property owner. Well everyone has to have their 15 minutes of fame I suppose! Anyway the ½ hour program was a glimpse into two of the shacks on the estate – both constructed around an original railway carriage.

March 2007 a special ‘Eastenders’ episode filmed around the Britannia Public house.

Many years before I recall another spoof TV series in which our renowned band leader Jools Holland brought a little person from MARS to look at the shacks and interview some of the locals. Must say the Martian looked very much at home at Dungeness! Oh and they arrived in a ‘cut down’ Rolls Royce!

Anna Maxwell-Martin, accomplished theatre and film actress but probably best remembered for her BBC Television appearance in the acclaimed period drama series Bleak House and repertory actor Neal Barry filmed ‘The Other Man’ which eventually won the Edinburgh Film Festival award for ‘Best Short Film’. Also with the two actors was local Dungeness girl, five year old Tilly O’Neil who later appeared with Robert Kretschmann, Franke Potente Stephen Fry and Troy Garrity in the taught drama ‘Eichmann’, filmed in Budapest and Malta in 2007.

In recent weeks we have had BBC TV filming further editions of the ‘Coast’ program to be shown later in the year.

Dungeness has also featured in an episode of the BBC detective serial ‘The Inspector Lynley Mysteries’ and shortly after saw Robbie Williams making his video for an unmemorable pop song.

In the 2010 film ‘Robin Hood’, Dungeness is the landing point for King Phillip of France’s siege on England, and the subsequent battle at the climax of the film. As it was not filmed here, the site on screen bears no resemblance to Dungeness at all.

2011 brought a crew from Channel 4 to film, another, ‘Ident’ sequence, this time from other structures on the beach including the navigation ‘T’ structure.

Over the years numerous ‘pop’ videos have been filmed here and in no particular sequence of importance or relevance:-

The album/project titled Bass Communion, (one of Porcupine Tree&’s front man Steven Wilson’s other bands/projects), features the T-shaped Shipping Marker. It is located near the fisherman&’s huts in Dungeness.

The acoustic mirror which can be found at Dungeness is featured on the cover of the album Ether Song by the British indie band Turin Brakes. Dungeness appears on the covers of albums as diverse as So much for the City by The Thrills and Aled by Aled Jones.

Athlete have a song on the album Vehicles and Animals called “Dungeness” which is about the area. Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly mention Dungeness and the lighthouse in their song “Lighthouse Keeper”.

The Kent-based Hardcore Punk band November Coming Fire released a 2006 album entitled Dungeness, featuring a track called “Powerstation” which included a recording of waves on the beach. The Prodigy’s single “Invaders Must Die” video was filmed here, and shows both the acoustic mirrors and the lighthouse.

The nuclear power station at Dungeness was mentioned in “I’m Ebola” by the band The Stripper Project who live in nearby Hastings “…I’m like a three-handed child in the shadow of Dungeness…where we can grow our extra toes.”

Dungeness is also relished, by photographers, not only for its unique location but for its good light. This in turn brings the catalogue companies and their anorexic models for their ‘shoots’, together with the serious wildlife photographers and of course the ‘twitchers’. (Any foreigner tuning in and not au fait with the terminology can make use of the guest book – you may get an answer – hopefully useful).

Film companies do need to get permission from the estate trustees before utilising the area.

Down to the Beach

Well we have come to the end of our walk down the pot holed road and observed some of the ‘sights’ along the way. But it int over yet! There is more to see ‘off the beaten track’.

If you continue your walk across the beach in a more or less northerly direction (away from the old lighthouse) you will pass the site of the Dungeness main line railway station and over to the left, behind a large bank of shingle a row of ten cottages. These in past years were the Coast Guard employees homes, now let to those wishing to be the first to be annihilated in any power station mishap. One cottage is reserved for the RSPB and bird watchers fraternity. Continuing northwards in the direction of Lydd Church, usually visible in the distance, you will eventually stumble across the ‘lakes’. There are fishing rights for a peaceful day out and they also provide a safe for swimming site. Not to be confused with the other lakes clearly visible from the Lydd/Dungeness road which are fenced of and deep!

Dungeness enjoys significant protected status under many guises and for good reason. It is one of the largest naturally formed shingle beaches in the world and contains an abundance of fauna and wild life. There are other links dealing in great detail what to see.

Dungeness is also home to a unique variety of wildlife and more than 600 different types of plants – about one third of all plants found throughout the UK. It is also one of the best places in Britain to find rare species of moths, butterflies, bees, beetles and spiders. Many of the insects not to be found anywhere else.

A walk back along the high tide mark can prove interesting, especially after a storm or very high tide, when an abundance of flotsam and jetsam can be observed and rummaged through.

The ‘Fog Horn’ that is and was not! The structure is what remains of an ‘electric’ loudspeaker which was at one time linked to equipment that was used for experimenting in the making of noises. Known as ‘Decca’ experimental station it also provided unimpeded access for the testing of navigational radar.

This stroll will eventually bring you to the fleet of fishing boats – (a slide show of pics below). Fishing from Dungeness goes back generations and has supported many families over the years. It is still an important industry for the area albeit strangled somewhat by the enforcement of EU. Regulations. There are probably half the number of boats than 50 years ago although it is fair to say the size of the vessels and subsequently the size of catch has contributed to less boats.

However we and the occasional visitor can benefit by purchasing fresh daily caught fish off the beach. If you live too far away Richardson’s will always post your some!!!

Last and not least just for the boat aficionados a slideshow of the Dungeness fishing boats:

The slideshow of fishing boats is missing

Having struggled along the high tide mark from the old lighthouse you will eventually come across the fishing boats. Still very much a commercial venture for a couple of families on the beach. It is worth reflecting on the fact that in the past 30 years the number of boats has diminished from 25 – 30 to only 4 today – largely due to various European Union quotas.

The area around the boats may, at first, appear to be a mass of discarded junk. It may well be just that but in fact, upon closer investigation, it is possible to interpret this as a pictorial living history of the fishing industry. In the old days the fishing vessels were simply large rowing boats which were launched and landed by the hands of family members.

We can see the advance of technology in the form of a wooden winch and the on to several hand cranked iron affairs. Later motor driven winches were installed and although basic and crude in design they continue in use to date. Also one can see the old ‘tannerised’ nets which were succeeded by more durable nylon items of today. You may still find some of the lead weights which held the nets down. These have history in their own right. It would seem, from a very reliable source, that when electricity first came to the area (late 1950’s) the heavy duty electricity cables were encased in a great deal of lead. No sooner had the electric companies delivered stock it disappeared – to make the weights!!!! At least this upholds the reputation of the past when smuggling and looting was prevalent

It is hoped to salvage the wooden winch and bring it back to its former glory, together with one of the replacement cast iron affairs.

Before you get to the lifeboat station the location of the previous site, some 50 yards inland can be seen. An indication on how, in a very short time, the beach has been built up by the continual movement of shingle around the ‘point’.

Behind the mound of shingle upon which the boat house itself was located is the original building which was used for all the lifeboat equipment and crew rooms.

NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The UK’s only ‘desert’ with ‘bleakly captivating’ views and a 10-mile beach

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If you want to star in your own personal version of Dune , you don’t need to go all the way to Arrakis.

The idyllic and peaceful landscapes of Dungeness, the UK’s only desert, should be all you need for an otherworldly getaway right without going abroad .

Based in Kent, Dungeness is described by reviewers on Tripadvisor as a ‘history-filled natural paradise’ with sandy terrains stretching 16km long.

@lotteboo3 If you want a unique adventure, this is it. #fyp #foryou #JDSummerDrip #uniqueplaces #strangerthings #uktravelblogger #uk #dungeness #tiktoktravel #thingstodo #roadtrip #thingstodoinlondon #weekendadventure #adventuretravel ♬ Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God) [2018 Remaster] – Kate Bush

From seals, to Arctic terns, to porpoises, Dungeness is full of lively wildlife and unexpected treasures to discover.

‘At times, it feels like a ‘forgotten about film set,’ one visitor named Ashford28 wrote on TripAdvisor, while another, 863garym , described it in a review titled ‘history filled and natural paradise’ as ‘a fantastically strange place,’ with beaches ‘full of history and things to look at.’ 

Similarly, @worldshirl dubs it ‘bleakly captivating’ while @BirdBrain99 said there was ‘scenery like nowhere else.’

The crumbling fishing boats, deserted shores, and the towering power station add a foreboding and gothic vibe to the landscape that would make Emily Bronte shudder.

It’s sea defenses also date back to the Roman era — although we can expect most of Dungeness to ‘return to the sea’ within 150 years.

So, arguably, there’s never been a better time to visit…

@urban_guide_ldn Are you a fan of dark tourism? Well, I’ve got the perfect place for you. #darktourism #dungeness #beach #uk #travel #guide ♬ original sound – Adrian Urban

What’s the history of Dungeness?

Located in the Southern England, Dungeness has a rich history. According to the official Dungeness website, it’s been inhabited for thousands of years. In fact, there’s evidence of prehistoric settlement too, in the Mesolithic/Middle Stone Age era. 

The only people who loved Dungeness more than Tripadvisor reviewers were the Romans, who recognised the coastline’s importance in terms of military and defense.

Henry VIII emphasised the area’s strategic importance in the Tudor period, building two forts on the coast to defend against potential attacks from the French.

Other notable moments in Dungeness’ history include the 19th century, when the Dungeness lighthouse was constructed, and it’s role as a military base in WWII, and the nuclear power station established in the 1960s, marking a huge industrial development.

But later on, there was a little less warring and a lot more fishing. Dungeness has, in fact, become renowned for its fishing community, with it being the primary source of income for a lot of residents, even today.

How to get to Dungeness

From London, Dungeness is a four hour and 57 minute drive. It’s easiest to get there via the M20, though you can take some detours through A13 and A2.

But you’re probably best off going there directly.

Alternatively, if you want a more scenic journey, you can get to Dungeness by steam train via the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway. Its nearest train station is Folkestone Central, which you can get to via Dover, London St Pancras , and Ramsgate, among other places.

There are also two main bus routes. The number 11, for instance, goes from Ashford International train station to Boulderwell Farm, followed by a short one mile walk.

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The 102 bus runs less frequently throughout the day, but stops at key locations like Dover Priory train station, Folkestone bus station, New Romney light railway station and Lydd.

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Ukrainian Drones Strike Town Near Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant, Russia-Installed Official Says

(Reuters) -A Russian-installed official said on Saturday that Ukrainian attack drones again struck Enerhodar, a town near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, after drones earlier in the week hit two of the town's electric substations.

Eduard Senovoz, the top official in Enerhodar, said on Telegram that two drones exploded on Saturday in a residential area and a resident was hurt. Another drone was downed.

In attacks on Wednesday and Friday on Enerhodar, a few km (miles) from the nuclear plant, he previously said one of Enerhodar's substations was destroyed, while the other was damaged. Power was cut to most residents.

An official at the occupied Zaporizhzhia station, Europe's largest nuclear plant with six reactors, had initially reported that it was unaffected by those military actions.

But the Russian management of the station said on Telegram on Saturday, before the latest drone strikes, that some "infrastructure facilities" including the transport department and print shop experienced disruptions following the attacks earlier in the week.

Nuclear safety measures remained fully operational, it said.

Ukrainian officials have made no comment on the incidents and Reuters could not independently confirm the reports.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the attacks exposed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's disregard for nuclear safety.

"In view of the Zelenskiy regime's total inability to negotiate anything, our country will take all necessary measures to deny the Kyiv regime all means of carrying out such strikes," Zakharova said on the ministry's website.

Russian troops seized the Zaporizhzhia plant in the early days of the February 2022 invasion, and Moscow and Kyiv have since routinely accused each other of endangering safety around it. It produces no electricity at the moment.

Russian news agencies quoted Yevgeny Yashin, director of communications at the Zaporizhzhia station, as saying the damaged substation in Enerhodar could be repaired.

Russia launched mass attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure in the first winter of the conflict and resumed a long series of attacks in March.

Kyiv says the renewed attacks have knocked out half of Ukraine's energy-generating capacity and forced blackouts.

Russian missiles and drones damaged energy facilities in southeastern and western Ukraine on Saturday, wounding at least two energy workers and forcing record electricity imports, officials said.

Ukraine has stepped up its use of drones this year to attack Russian oil facilities.

(Reporting by Ron Popeski; editing by Diane Craft, Alistair Bell and Cynthia Osterman)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

Photos You Should See - June 2024

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