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Dungeness

Dungeness
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About Dungeness

Wheatear perched on rock

If you haven't been to Dungeness, nothing can quite prepare you for the landscape – mile after mile of shingle, which is wild and a little weird! On a cold winter's day, it is a delight to sit snug in the visitor centre and look out through a huge picture window at all the waterbirds on the large gravel pit just outside. Often a rare grebe or diver is among them, and it is perhaps the best place in the UK for watching the delightful smew.

The nature trails lead around a series of hides where there is an excellent chance of seeing bitterns and bearded tits in winter. There is plenty to be seen at other times too. Dungeness's position, jutting into the English Channel, makes it ideally placed to watch for migrant birds arriving or departing, with wheatears, swallows, martins and warblers regularly seen.

In summer, redshanks, lapwings and reedbed birds breed, including, in 2007, two pairs of marsh harriers for the first time.

Dungeness is a great place for children to become 'wildlife detectives' and enjoy learning about nature at one of our regular family events. And with recently added hides and trails overlooking new wetland areas, there's more than ever to see.

Opening times

The reserve is open daily (except December 25 and 26) from 9 am-9 pm (or sunset if earlier). The visitor centre is open from 10 am-5 pm (4 pm November - February).

Entrance charges

RSPB and Wildlife Explorer members free. Non-members: adults £3, concessions £2, under 16s £1, families (up to two adults and four children) £6.

If you are new to birdwatching...

A good variety of waterfowl and seabirds can be easily seen from the visitor centre and hides. Staff usually on hand in the visitor centre to help with identification. Identification charts in all hides. Four beginners' walks run each year.

Information for families

Families are always welcome at RSPB Dungeness and a huge range of family friendly activities goes on throughout the year. Use a Wildlife Explorer rucksack (free of charge) to explore the reserve and the children's trail on your own or join one of our events to get expert tuition on activities such as pond dipping, minibeasts, bird watching or being a nature detective to name just a few. Family events run throughout the school holidays; children must be accompanied by an adult who joins in free of charge.

Information for dog owners

No dogs allowed, except registered assistance dogs. However, dogs can be exercised on a lead in the car park.

Contact us

01797 320588

Nearest town: Lydd, Kent

Grid reference: TR062197

Directions

For directions, please see our How to get here page.