Dungeness Lighthouse
Resplendent in matt black, the 'old' Dungeness Lighthouse still stands proudly overlooking the vast expanse of shingle that is Dungeness, Kent. Opened in 1904 and in commission for 56 years, this is the fourth lighthouse to be built on this spot. Apparently, three million plus bricks were used in its construction but sadly, I didn't have time to count them.
Work on the Dungeness power station in the 50s rendered the lighthouse untenable, as its beam towards Rye Bay was partly hidden by the rising nuclear plant. To overcome this, lighthouse number five, erected a few hundred yards away, was shining away in 1961.
A great way to spend £4, the old lighthouse is a photographers joy, an architects delight and history buffs marvel. With stunning panoramas from atop binoculars are a must. It was misty over the channel on our visit day but inland was glorious. This is one trip out we shall do again and again.
