Dungeness Lighthouse — Attraction in Folkestone and Hythe District

Located next to the Dungeness end of the Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch railway, The Old Lighthouse was built at the turn of the 20th century to replace the lighthouse next to the old lighthouse. Although the tower of that lighthouse is gone, the cottages remain and are now private homes.

Climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse, is not for the feint hearted as it is over 169 steps to the top, the last part being a ladder to the lantern. Also, you may find yourself having to either wait or allow other visitors time to get by. However, there are a few levels inside for people to wait in and catch their breath.

Access to the outside of the lantern is through a small hatch in the side. For the brave, then the reward is far reaching views from Sandgate (near Folkestone) in the east, out towards. Rye and Winchelsea in the west. On a clear day, you can also see over to France.

At the base of the tower is a small gift shop. For refreshments there is the café/giftshop across the road at the station. In addition, parking is free and close to the lighthouse, although this may be full at peak times.

It is well worth a visit to the Old Lighthouse, although not for those with mobility issues for obvious reasons. Best done in conjunction with a trip on the Romney, Hythe and...

This was an incredible experience situated in the desolate landscape of dungeness. This lighthouse is 145 feet tall and the wind was howling and circling this place. Be aware when planning to include this place that there is a wait of about 15 minutes before you can enter as they limit the number of people allowed inside. Once inside you leave your bag and then you venture up the 150 plus steps. There are floors displaying the history of the place. Be aware that it's not a place for a person afraid of heights. Once at the top you can crawl through a small doorway to the roof and once out you can experience in challenged views Dungeness and the English channel. It made me think being there that lighthouse men must have been hardy folk. I was there when the weather was calm but to be there regardless of the weather conditions must have been a frightening experience. Brave people doing a vital job. This place was replaced in the early 1960s by the unmanned lighthouse so...

We drove up from London & got to the beautiful old lighthouse at 3:31 - admittedly this is one minute past the last admission time of 3:30pm, but my Father In Law is getting old & although we rushed to make it in time, unfortunately we were one minute late. The lady working in the lighthouse was very dismissive, unfriendly & rude - I explained that we’d driven 2 hours from London to relive my husband & Father in Law’s holidays but she refused to let us in. I then saw her scurry to her car - she just wanted to go home early! So rude. I know she was probably bored & hadn’t had much custom but coming from a friendly part of the world (yes, London & Essex are both very friendly despite what you might hear) we found this part of the world lacking is hospitality. The kick in the guts is that the actual light house doesn’t shut until 4, but she had to get home to Neighbours I guess… you can actually see her going to her car...