Dungeness, the shingle headland on Kent’s south‑east coast, has been named among the 50 best beaches in the UK in a new survey published by The Times. The selection follows a five‑week nationwide visit by travel writer Chris Haslam, during which he is reported to have examined more than 600 beaches across Britain and Northern Ireland.
What made Dungeness stand out
The Times highlights Dungeness for its unusual landscape and atmosphere. The report points to the way longshore drift gathers material on the foreshore and the area’s “dilapidated‑looking” shacks and gravel gardens, set against the silhouette of the decommissioned nuclear power station and passing shipping.
"England’s strangest foreshore is where remains of beaches from England’s north and west end up, driven here by longshore drift."
The guide notes that what might first appear bleak or otherworldly often reveals a peculiar charm on closer inspection — a factor that places Dungeness on the list alongside more conventional seaside destinations.
Local features and visitor information
Dungeness is accessible from London in around two hours, making it an achievable day trip for city residents seeking a very different coastal experience. The headland is known for several distinctive features that the article cites:
- Shingle foreshore shaped by longshore drift;
- Disused nuclear power station forming part of the skyline;
- Heritage railway — the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway provides views across marshland to the coast;
- Cultural links — the town inspired parts of Ed Sheeran’s work while he stayed there in 2023.
The article also reminds readers that while Dungeness has been compared to a desert because of its sparse vegetation and microclimate, it was not classed as a desert by the Met Office in 2015.
At a glance
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| Survey | The Times: UK’s 50 best beaches (2026) |
| Reviewer | Chris Haslam (visited c. 607 beaches over five weeks) |
| Travel time from London | About two hours |
| Local attractions | Shingle foreshore, disused power station, Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway |
For Kent residents and visitors, Dungeness offers a markedly different coastal visit from sandy bathing beaches: the experience is more about landscape, wildlife and unusual human‑made landmarks than sunbathing. Those planning a trip should expect shingle underfoot and check local facilities and accessibility in advance, particularly if arriving by car or using the heritage railway.
This inclusion in The Times' list is likely to attract visitors who are drawn to the location’s distinctiveness rather than traditional seaside amenities, and may provide a boost to businesses and services in the area that cater to walkers, photographers and rail enthusiasts.
