Dungeness beach, located on the Kent coast, is a unique and divisive destination. Some find its bleak, arid landscape and the presence of a nuclear power station at its southern end to be off-putting, while others are drawn to its otherworldly atmosphere and surreal features, such as a miniature railway that runs across the beach. The area has long been an inspiration for artists, photographers, architects, and writers, who are drawn to its shifting blue-grey light and strange clash of styles. The author of this article was inspired by Dungeness beach to set a key scene in their psychological thriller, featuring a fictional hotel called the Metropole. The beach offers a variety of dining options, such as the Dungeness Snack Shack, which serves delicious seafood at affordable prices. The Pilot Inn, a retro pine-clad establishment, is another popular spot for food and drink. Accommodation options in the area include West Cottage, a former lighthouse keeper's home with an interesting history. The cottage dates back to 1843 and has been meticulously renovated by its current owner. The area around Dungeness beach is characterized by its unique architecture, with a mix of cottages, cabins, and former lighthouse keeper's homes. Just a short distance along the coast, Camber Sands offers a different coastal experience, with softer landscapes and bluer seas. Nearby is Harry's, a restaurant that is part of the Gallivant boutique hotel. The restaurant offers a variety of dishes, including local fish and an impressive range of English wines. Despite its beauty, Camber Sands does not quite pass the Marmite test for the author, who prefers the ghostly fog and bleak desolation of Dungeness beach.
