Things To Do In Dungeness

From certain angles, the headland of Dungeness, which consists largely of a shingle beach, can look like the end of the world albeit in a really cool “doing it for the ‘gram” type way. Abandoned boats and shacks, prominent lighthouses, and a pair of nuclear power stations – one of which is still in operation – combine to give the place a haunting, weirdly futuristic, feel.

The wooden board walk on Dungeness beach seemingly stretches on forever and is a must for people who love nothing more than going on coastal strolls. It’s worth saying at this point that the winds, especially in winter, can really pick up speed here so make sure you’re wearing a good coat.

No discussion of Dungeness would be complete without mentioning that the Dungeness National Nature Reserve is home to a third of Britain’s plant species. Nature lovers, and members of the Sir David Attenborough fan-club (literally everyone on Earth), will love spending time in amongst it; watching out for the wildlife that calls this place home. The RSPB Dungeness Visitor Centre is well worth a look.

Where To Stay

If you’re looking for a self-catering ‘shack to rent’, Dungeness and its surrounding coastal area has them by the bucketload. One of the standouts, in this respect, is Wi Wurri house. Situated on the edge of the shingle beach, the porch out the front of this place will serve you up an idyllic view of the sea and the fishing boats; on a clear day, you’ll even see France.

If you’re a couple looking to book yourself in at a super stylish beach cottage, book yourself in at Radar. Big windows, with stunning uninterrupted sea views, a woodburning stove, a sunken bathtub, an interior design layout that’d make Kevin McCloud froth at the mouth and WiFi (because it’s the 21st century after all) – this place is just really, really, nice. Treat yourself.

People who live and breathe the van life / people who want to go camping in Dungeness, should get themselves into Herons Park Mobile Home and Camping Site. Prices for a pitch start at £10.

Other good accommodation options in the Dungeness area include Castaways B & B, The Watch Tower B & B, and The Gallivant Hotel (situated a few miles away in Camber).

Eating and Drinking

If fresh, tasty, seafood is what you’re all about then look no further than Dungeness Fish Hut. Smoked cod chowder, lobster and crab rolls, Mexican flatbread combined with the day’s catch, and fisherman rolls are some of the establishment’s most popular dishes. A seasonal business that relies on good weather and fish stocks, this place is definitely worth checking out.

In terms of drinking in Dungeness, as well as various pubs and the like, there’s also a regular event run by Romney Marsh Brewery at Dungeness Station. It’s called Ales by the Rails, and is on Easter and May Bank Holidays as well as every weekend through the summer.

Check out our other adventure travel destinations for 2020.

This destination guide was brought to you in association with outdoor fashion retailer Blackleaf.

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