If you're looking for a place where time is slower and the world feels a little quieter, feel the dunginess east at Lydd in Kent, and it might be the perfect place. This atmospheric spit of iron offers a strange yet charming beauty, a must-see for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life.
Driving towards the dungeons, the flat, open field begins to give way to a wide, wide spread of shingles that stretch in all directions. The beach is made up of rough, uneven pebbles that hit your feet, and the area feels open and spacious. The landscape is flat and the vegetation is very low, giving it a clean and open feeling. The ocean is always in sight, and there's something calm about the simplicity of the setting.
The air smells fresh and salty, and seagull calls are often heard when flying overhead. You'll notice old boats and fishing sheds scattered along the beach. Many of them have been reused for many years. Some are used by artists looking for inspiration, while others remain as reminders of the past. The beach itself is quiet. Most days, you feel like you are one of the only people there.
Dungeness East is not just an impressive place, it is also an important ecological place. The region is home to one of Europe's largest shiny beaches, creating unique habitats for a variety of plants and animals. The iron fragments provide an optimal environment for a wide range of species of birds that rely on the area for breeding and migration. In fact, Dungeness is a designated location of special scientific interest (SSSI), and its value for wildlife is widely recognized.
The area is known for attracting a variety of bird species, including seagulls, terns and gadwalls. During migratory bird season, birdwatchers are often treated to sightings of rare species that pass through. The surrounding marshes and wetlands support the life of plants that thrive in salty, changing environments.
Despite the challenges posed by human intervention, such as the presence of track-in-ones and nearby nuclear power plants, Dungeness East remains an important and diverse ecosystem. The delicate balance between the raw beauty of nature and human activities makes it an interesting place for both nature lovers and those interested in how to manage and protect the environment.
The drive from London to Dungeness East takes about 80 minutes and is an easy-to-access retreat for anyone looking to escape the city life of the day. Once you reach Lydd, follow Dungeness and The Pilot Inn. PilotInn is made from shipwrecks, adding the charm of the area. Drive about 650 feet, turn “Rh & Dr Dungeness” and head to the famous prospect cottage painted in black and yellow (TN29 9ne). After parking, it quickly walks across the shingle into the sea, passing an old boat and hut along the way.
One visitor, “Birdbrain99,” has the shape of an old fishing boat sitting on the beach, which is impressive. I enjoy filming them against the ever-changing skyline.”
If you're lucky, you may have an entire beach yourself. This is a rare experience in today's busy world. It makes the dunginess even more magical.
Another visitor, “Lorraine T” commented: “This place is sooo unique. I really believe there is no other place in the UK that is unique. Crazy Homes and the Shed are worth ££££, but I don't know if you can live here. When we visited last summer, we saw a lot of seals – joy. There is absolutely nothing to do except absorb loneliness or fully embrace nature. The steam train runs, brings the area to life, there is a cafe and some eateries. If you want to get away from it – this is where it should be.”
The remoteness of Dungeness East is combined with its solid and beautiful landscapes, providing an unusual opportunity to truly cut and enjoy the beauty of nature without distracting modern life.
