Dungeness Lighthouse

Dungeness Lighthouse stands on the Dungeness headland in the Folkestone and Hythe district of Kent, on England's south-east coast. Its black-and-white concrete column rises above a flat shingle promontory and is one of the most recognisable landmarks of Romney Marsh.

What makes this lighthouse unusual?

The tower is about 43 metres tall, with the lamp roughly 40 metres above ground. Historic England records that it is built from 21 concrete drums, each around five feet high, hoisted into place by a crane designed for the job. A white concrete spiral ramp wraps around the structure, and the black and white banding is impregnated into the concrete itself rather than painted on.

It was designed in 1957 and built in 1959-60 by Ronald Ward and Partners with Trinity House. Pre-stressed concrete meant the tower did not have to taper towards the top. It was also the first lighthouse to use a xenon arc lamp, later swapped for a sealed beam unit. The building is listed Grade II*, a status it received in 2003.

Why was a new lighthouse needed?

Dungeness nuclear power station blocked the beam of the older 1904 lighthouse. The new tower entered service on 20 November 1961 and is still active today. Trinity House monitors and controls it remotely from its Operations and Planning Centre in Harwich, Essex.

What else is on the headland?

The 1904 lighthouse still stands nearby, listed Grade II and run as a museum, so it is easy to confuse the two. The base of the 1792 lighthouse, designed by Samuel Wyatt, was converted into lighthouse keepers' dwellings (also Grade II). Three chapters of navigation history sit side by side on one patch of shingle.

How do I get there?

Dungeness is at the end of the road across Romney Marsh, at about 50.91 N, 0.98 E. Drive from Lydd or New Romney. The terrain is open and exposed, so bring a windproof layer even in summer.

When should I visit?

The tower is visible from far away in any season. Low morning or evening sun gives the best photographs, with strong contrast between the black and white bands and none of the flatness of midday light over the shingle.

Frequently asked questions

Is Dungeness Lighthouse still working? Yes. It has operated since 1961 and is controlled by Trinity House from Harwich.

Is it the same as the Old Lighthouse? No. The Old Lighthouse dates from 1904, is no longer in service and operates as a museum beside the current tower.

Why was it built? The nuclear power station obscured the light of the previous tower.

What is it made of? Precast concrete drums with black and white bands set into the material.