Days out
Dungeness
DungenessClosed | Opens tomorrowSee opening timesWatch Hobbies performing their acrobatic displays over the nature reserve as they try to catch dragonflies. Bring a picnic and discover which other insects are feasting on the wildflowers in the meadow.
About
The Dungeness reserve is set back from the sea, boasting mile after mile of open shingle, freshwater pits, wet grassland and stunning wildflower meadows. We look after the reserve's wet and dry grasslands to create good breeding conditions for Lapwings, Redshanks and Garganeys, as well as two uncommon bumblebee species – the Brown-banded Carder Bee and Red-shanked Carder Bee.
Watch the sky in spring and autumn for hundreds of Swallows, Swifts and martins feeding over Burrowes pit. Listen for the booming of our Bitterns and the unmistakable call of the Cuckoo. In the summer, the meadows are a riot of colourful wildflowers which attract nectar-loving pollinators like bees and butterflies.
It is always a joy to watch the Hobbies performing their acrobatic displays over the reserve as they hunt insects during the summer months. In the autumn, many different species of waders will stop to feed here in their hundreds before migrating elsewhere for the winter. Other migrating birds such as Whinchats, Redstarts, Wheatears and Ring Ouzels, will all be present in varying numbers.
Winter sees large numbers of Wigeons, Gadwalls, Teals, Shovelers, Pochards, Tufted Ducks, Goldeneyes and Pintails. Bewick's and Whooper Swans are also a species highlight seen around the reserve at this time. Other birds such as Goldcrests, Firecrests, Goldfinches, Robins and Fieldfares can be spotted when they overwinter here.
Lade Pits is a unique site for history as well as wildlife, as it contains three Scheduled Ancient Monuments, which are of international significance. The Denge Sound Mirrors (also known as the Acoustic Mirrors or Listening Ears) are three concrete structures which range in size from 20 to 200 feet. They were built between 1928 and 1935 as part of Britain's national defence strategy. The Sound Mirrors are open to the public during organised events.
Download our trail map, to help you plan your visit.
At a glance
Our main car park is located at the end of our access track which is approx. 1miles from the main road.
60 spaces and 4 Blue Badge spaces. Surface hard-packed shingle, occasional potholes. No height restriction barrier.
Alternative parking at ARC site is located opposite the reserve main entrance. Also hard-packed shingle, occasional potholes. 15 spaces. No designated blue badge spaces. We do not allow any overnight parking or camping at the reserve.
Our accessible toilets are open during reserve opening hours.
The toilets (with accessible and baby changing facilities) are situated opposite the visitor centre, a short distance across the car park, with a Blue Badge space outside.
Our baby changing facilities are open during reserve opening hours.
This is located in the accessibility toilets, opposite the visitor centre, a short distance across the car park.
The level, circular walk around our Discovery Trail makes RSPB Dungeness a suitable place for a stroll in nature with a pushchair.
You and the little ones can spot ducks and geese on the pools, taking in the stunning views across the reserve and fresh air as you go.
Visitor centre: Ground floor with step-free, level access throughout. 3 Blue Badge parking spaces close to visitor centre and 1 Blue Badge parking space outside accessible toilet.
Nature trails access: Our main route is a Discovery Trail which is 3.2km (1.7miles).
Hides have adapted wheelchair spaces. Paths are hard packed shingle or gravel with some loose stones.
Picnic area: Two tables in the car park, all with wheelchair spaces. Five tables all with wheelchair spaces at Dennis's Hide.
Prior to your visit, please contact the reserve directly for detailed information.
Our toilets are open daily, 9am – 5pm.
They are situated opposite the visitor centre, a short distance across the car park.
BBQs are a fire risk, endangering other people and the precious wildlife and habitats here. They are not permitted here at any time.
Sorry, dogs are not permitted on the Discovery/Main trail or the Hanson ARC trail (except assistance dogs), due to the sensitive wildlife and habitats here.
However, dogs can be exercised on a lead in the car park.
Please keep your dog on a lead and under close, effective control at all times whilst walking the public footpaths that cross parts of the site, due to the sensitive wildlife, habitats and livestock here.
Dogs are permitted in the visitor centre and shop.
Dogs die in hot cars, please do not leave your dog in the car when visiting us.
There are no dog waste bins on the reserve, we ask that you please take their waste home with you to dispose of.
Assistance dogs are welcome in all parts of the reserve.
See what’s here
Save nature while you staycation
Holidaycottages.co.uk is working with the RSPB to restore UK woodland for future generations to enjoy. Every booking with Holidaycottages.co.uk supports woodland restoration projects at key RSPB reserves around the country, protecting the wildlife that makes the UK an extraordinary place for a holiday.
New to Holidaycottages.co.uk portfolio of handpicked self-catering holiday cottages is the Showcase Collection: Near RSPB Reserves. At these extraordinary homes, immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes of RSPB reserves and get up close to some of the UK’s most cherished native wildlife.
Find out about school visits
Bring your science and geography lessons to life with our curriculum linked sessions run by our learning team on the reserve. We offer a variety of hands on, practical sessions which you can choose from. Find out more about our school visits here.
Contact Dungeness
dungeness@rspb.org.uk Boulderwall Farm, Dungeness Road, Lydd, Kent, TN29 9PN 01797 320588