The village in Kent is a prime location for spotting wildlife – some of which aren’t found anywhere else in the country. It also offers coastal walks and beachside beer gardens
As the summer season approaches and temperatures rise, many of us will be contemplating our next domestic holiday destination. This charming village on the Kent coast, primarily composed of a shingle beach, could be the perfect choice.
Dungeness is a headland on the edge of Romney Marsh, characterised by a cuspate foreland – or nesse – that extends from the shoreline in a triangular form. It’s one of the largest stretches of shingle in Europe. The village, which is a mere 24 nautical miles from France, is also globally recognised for its conservation importance, hosting over 600 different types of plants – a third of all those found in Britain.
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Dungeness is one of the prime locations in Britain to spot invertebrates including moths, bees and beetles. Many of these are incredibly rare, found nowhere else in the country. This quaint fishing village offers everything from coastal walks to beachside beer gardens, overflowing with coastal allure.
Along the shingle beach, you’ll encounter weather-worn wooden cabins and abandoned fishing boats scattered along the expansive sea view, reports Kent Live.
A must-visit landmark is the Old Lighthouse, a historic Grade II-listed building that was in operation between 1904 and 1960. From the top of the tower, you can take in breathtaking views across Dungeness and Romney Marsh – a vast expanse of low-lying wetland.
For keen bird enthusiasts, a trip to the RSPB Dungeness Nature Reserve is an absolute must. The circular trail guides you through vibrant wildflower meadows, shingle ridges and marshland, providing a habitat for species such as bitterns, spotted flycatchers and wheatears.
After a bustling day at the seaside, why not pop into one of the village’s coastal shacks for a nibble? Snack Shack serves up flatbreads stuffed with the freshest catch of the day.
For the town’s top-rated fish and chips, Time Out suggests a visit to The Pilot Inn, conveniently situated by the beach. Romney Marsh Brewery, located at the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway station in Dungeness, also known as Ales by the Rails, boasts a fantastic beer garden where guests can savour a local pint as the sun dips below the horizon.
Speaking of sunsets, be sure not to miss the breathtaking display of pinks, blues and oranges that paint the sky and shimmer on the tranquil open sea as evening falls.
The three-star Captain Howey Hotel in New Romney has rooms available in May starting from a mere £69, including a snug one-bedroom suite.
Mouth-watering meals are served at the hotel’s onsite restaurant, or you can unwind with a drink at their inviting pub. Conveniently, it’s just 16 miles from Ashford International Station.
A recent visitor was utterly charmed by the locale, leaving a rave review on Tripadvisor: “Wow! What a beautiful and amazing place!”
They elaborated, calling it “not the usual ‘beach’, but an eclectic mix of old and new – wooden houses on the beach – old and new lighthouses, a power station and a railway station (end of the line)”.
Another tourist shared similar enthusiasm, remarking: “What a lovely place to visit; great things to photograph and peaceful, so peaceful.
“We had a wonderful walk, looked around the outside of Prospect cottage, and walked to the sea. Will definitely return with a picnic.”
