One of the great things about growing up in London is how much you can explore nearby. There is much to do with the big smoke, but whether you go to wander along one of the coolest streets in the world or discover some of the city's hidden gems, you can venture farther away and very easily. Contrary to popular belief, despite growing up in London, I spent much of my childhood outside and spent weekends at the nearby seaside, even being nominated as one of the greatest in the world.
I was a little before a generation that grew up on screen, but that doesn't mean I wasn't around. Tamagotchis, Gameboys and Nintendo Wiis were a big part of my childhood, but this weekend at the beach provided enough entertainment to my friends and I didn't want to sit inside the various gaming consoles. Considered to be one of Europe's largest shiny beaches, we spent our time surfing outdoors, exploring discarded bunkers and fishing boats along the beach, pretending to be pirates.
Located at the southernmost tip of the Kent Coast, Dungeness is different from the other beaches I have ever visited. In fact, it was once called the only desert in England thanks to its mild climate (as far as British weather is concerned).
Home to two spectacular lighthouses and the Dungeness Power Station, we spent the weekend at the Iron Beach. Previously home to filmmaker Derek German, it has doubled as the backdrop for TV shows like Doctor Who.
Overlooking the vastness of the English Channel, the beaches can attract an estimated 1 million visitors in the year they are trying to explore its unique landscape.
The railroad carriages converted into cottages are scattered along the beach, and it is not only the shiny beach that makes this strange seaside an attractive break from London, but also the Romney, Heiss and Dimchurch railways served by a fleet of steam ditches.
Dunganes, a national nature reserve, has a variety of protected species found in wet grasslands and in substantial wildflower meadows, and is also a popular birdwatch spot where many afternoons explored with hot chocolate brought in in flasks.
Although you can't swim at the beach in Dungeness, Camber Sands is just a 20-minute drive along the coast and during the summer months I often travelled here due to changes in scenery.
Growing up in London, Dungeness allowed me to connect with the outdoors in ways you don't do much in town. Yes, there's plenty of green space and a park, but nothing cooler than Dungeness.
