Dungeness

After a super lazy weekend last weekend, I spent this weekend traveling. On Friday I went to Dungeness, part way between Dover and Brighton. I parked at New Romney and got the mini steam train from there to Dungeness. It's a cute little train, almost like a toy, but can move pretty fast.

Mini steam train.

Apparently health and safety isn't a priority. They didn't care if you left the doors open, which as the weather was pretty hot, was a good thing.

Who needs a door?

Dungeness is a strange place, very Mad Max. It is set between 2 old power stations in a very desert like area, full of singles.

Mad Max land.

There are a couple of lighthouses near the beach and train station. Unfortunately it is closed Mondays and Fridays. Of course.

Old lighthouse.

Path through the waste land

To the beach

There were a couple of schools groups but for the most part, if you were willing to walk a bit, I had the place to myself. So lunch on the beach. (And a nap.)

Beach!

Lighthouses and power station

Dungeness is almost like a grave yard. There are a bunch of old shipping containers and old boats lying along the beach. It's pretty creepy but makes for some good photos.

I spent a few hours wondering around taking photos. There were quite a few other single women doing to the same, which was a surprise. I am usually the only one. The train back was a different one which an interesting name.

"Doctor Syn" train. 

On the way back I got one of the open carriages (no bother about even windows). Though I regretted it when the sun went in and was glad to get to my warm car.

On the way to my hotel I stopped at Chapel Down vineyards but forgot to take any photos. They are supposed to give you 3 free samples but the guy was bored so I got to try all of the them! :) And then had to sit in the car for a while. They were very tasting (though I wasn't impressed with the one that Will and Kate apparently chose for their wedding) and picked up a few for home. I did pick up a box of what I thought was cider, until I got it home and realised it was beer. Well, at least my brother-in-law will be happy when he gets them.

View from my hotel outdoor seating

My hotel, a little place in Capel-le-Ferne, had a set of benches just over the road with a fabulous view, so I set with a glass of cider for a while until lit got too cold. Not many more chances to sit in the sun this year.