3.  Derek Jarman Garden, Prospect Cottage, Dungeness, Kent (May 2022)
1 / 10

Prospect Cottage Dungeness

4.6
·129 reviews·, United Kingdom

Derek Jarman's former home and garden, a vibrant artistic sanctuary on the desolate Dungeness shingle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Late May to Early July

Garden is most colorful

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
3.  Derek Jarman Garden, Prospect Cottage, Dungeness, Kent (May 2022)

Prospect Cottage Dungeness

Best Time

Late May to Early July

Garden is most colorful

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Derek Jarman's former home and garden, a vibrant artistic sanctuary on the desolate Dungeness shingle.

4.6
(129 reviews)

"Absolutely incredible place, a carefully cultivated oasis of beauty and calm in an eerie, otherworldly desolate landscape."

Vertical photo
TIP

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Dungeness is all shingle! Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the unique landscape around Prospect Cottage.

📅 Book Cottage Tours

Tours of Prospect Cottage are highly recommended for a deeper understanding. Book well in advance!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Prospect Cottage Garden

Prospect Cottage Garden

Dungeness

A vibrant, artistic sanctuary of driftwood, found objects, and colorful flowers against a stark, beautiful landscape.

Instagram+1
The Iconic Yellow Windows

The Iconic Yellow Windows

Prospect Cottage Exterior

Derek Jarman's signature bright yellow window frames stand out against the black-tarred walls, a beacon of creativity.

Instagram+1
Dungeness Landscape

Dungeness Landscape

Surrounding Prospect Cottage

An eerie, desolate shingle beach with a nuclear power station, shipwrecks, and vast skies. Truly unique.

InstagramReddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Book Your Visit in Advance

Prospect Cottage tours are popular and require advance booking. Check the official website for available slots to avoid disappointment. The unique garden is accessible without a tour, but seeing inside offers deeper insight into Derek Jarman's life and art. Instagram

Embrace the Dungeness Landscape

Dungeness is an otherworldly, desolate shingle beach with a unique atmosphere. Be prepared for wind and the stark beauty of the power station and shipwrecks. Comfortable shoes are a must for exploring this unique coastal environment. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
Late May to Early July
Why
Garden is most colorful
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

this is how I started my morning today 🥹 #coastalliving #coastaltown #londontiktok #londonhotspots #folkestone #margate #londonfood
@bethanyexplores
466K likes • 3.4M views

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Dungeness is all shingle! Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the unique landscape around Prospect Cottage. Reddit

📅 Book Cottage Tours

Tours of Prospect Cottage are highly recommended for a deeper understanding. Book well in advance! InstagramReddit

So much fun with #katebush #folkestone #folkestoneharbourarm #community @Folkestone Harbour
@amanda.harrison00
100K likes • 856.9K views
A lovely day with other people who have volunteered at Derek Jarman's garden at Prospect Cottage on Dungeness. Late May and early July is when it is looking most colourful. Thanks @j.bruce.garden for organising . . . . . . .. . #lgbtqia #lgbtq #lgbt #garden #prospectcottage #dungeness #horticulture #landscape #shefplanting #gayhistory #queer #queerhistory #gardening #gravelgarden #englishgarden #...
owen_the_gardener
523 likes • 7.3K views

🌬️ Prepare for Wind

It's a coastal location, so expect wind. Dress in layers and bring a windbreaker for comfort. Instagram

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The stark beauty and artistic touches make for incredible photos. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

My pilgrimage to Prospect Cottage home of Derek Jarman. Complete harmony with the beautiful bleak Dungeness landscape. Thank you Sheila for sharing the Folkestone Triennial, your sea bathing spot and Margate wonders with Richard Hawley in concert. Just always inspiring🫶🏻 . . . #folkestonetriennial #margate #prospectcottagedungeness #goodfriendsgoodtimes #gardendesignerontour #seabathing #gar...
jocharltongardendesign
7 likes • 69 views

Tips

from all over the internet

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

Dungeness is all shingle! Sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the unique landscape around Prospect Cottage. Reddit

📅 Book Cottage Tours

Tours of Prospect Cottage are highly recommended for a deeper understanding. Book well in advance! InstagramReddit

🌬️ Prepare for Wind

It's a coastal location, so expect wind. Dress in layers and bring a windbreaker for comfort. Instagram

📸 Capture the Atmosphere

The stark beauty and artistic touches make for incredible photos. Don't forget your camera! Instagram

📍 Check Bus Routes

The 102 bus from Folkestone is a convenient way to reach Dungeness. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(129 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Prospect Cottage and its garden as an absolutely incredible, moving, and peaceful oasis within the otherworldly, desolate landscape of Dungeness. The preservation of Derek Jarman's legacy is highly appreciated, offering deep insights into his life and art.

"Absolutely incredible place, a carefully cultivated oasis of beauty and calm in an eerie, otherworldly desolate landscape. We were lucky enough to get tickets for a tour of prospect cottage by a lovely knowledgable guide. So moving, and I loved the insights into Jarman’s life and art. How magnificent that this place exists and is preserved."

hello carmel

"Other worldly on Dungeness shingle near lighthouses, old nuclear power station and miniature RH&DR railway and the rusting hulks of old ships. Very atmospheric and several good eateries and pubs"

Quentin Parsons

"What a beautiful and peaceful place. I’ve loved Derek Jarman’s art and films for many years, and it was really special to visit Prospect Cottage’s garden and spend some time there. Dungeness is quite incredible - views of the desert, the sea and the power station. There’s a lovely pub, and a fish shop that smokes its own fish, about 10 min walk away. We got the 102 bus from Folkestone. Next time, I’ll take the miniature steam train."

Nuala

What People Like

Incredible artistic garden
Moving insights into Jarman's life
Unique, atmospheric landscape

What People Dislike

Can be very windy
Limited dining options

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Prospect Cottage is located in Dungeness, Kent. The easiest way to reach it is by car. Alternatively, you can take a train to Hythe or Folkestone and then catch the 102 bus service which stops near Dungeness. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at Dungeness, often near the station or along the main road. Be prepared for it to be a shingle surface. Reddit

Yes, you can visit Dungeness without a car. The 102 bus from Folkestone is a viable option, and the miniature steam railway (Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway) also runs through Dungeness, offering a scenic route. Reddit

From London, you can take a train to Folkestone Central. From Folkestone, the 102 bus will take you to Dungeness. The journey can take around 2-3 hours depending on connections. TikTok

Yes, Dungeness is accessible by public transport. The 102 bus service connects it to Folkestone, and the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway offers a unique way to arrive. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Yes, visiting the interior of Prospect Cottage requires booking a guided tour in advance through their official website. The garden is generally accessible without a ticket. Instagram

Opening hours vary as tours are scheduled. It's essential to check the official Prospect Cottage website for the most up-to-date tour times and availability. Instagram

Ticket prices for guided tours of Prospect Cottage can be found on their official website. The garden itself is free to explore, though donations are appreciated. Instagram

Yes, the garden of Prospect Cottage is usually accessible to wander through without booking a specific tour, allowing you to experience Derek Jarman's creation. Instagram

Yes, guided tours are available and highly recommended for an in-depth understanding of Derek Jarman's life, work, and the cottage's significance. InstagramReddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Dungeness offers a unique landscape with lighthouses, old shipwrecks, a nuclear power station, and the Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. There are also pubs and fish shacks. Reddit

Wear comfortable, sturdy shoes suitable for walking on shingle. Layers are advisable as it can be windy and exposed. Reddit

While children can visit the garden, the tours of the cottage itself might be more suited for older children or adults who appreciate art and history. The unique landscape can be fascinating for all ages. TikTok

Prospect Cottage and its garden are described as harmonious, calm, and a place to ponder and connect with creativity, set against an otherworldly, desolate landscape. InstagramReddit

Photography is generally allowed in the garden and of the exterior of Prospect Cottage. Please check for any specific restrictions inside the cottage during tours. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are a few options. The Pilot Inn and The Britannia Inn are popular pubs in Dungeness, and there's a fish shack that smokes its own fish nearby. Reddit

You can expect traditional pub fare at the local inns, and fresh, locally smoked fish from the fish shack. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy the unique surroundings of Dungeness. There are limited dining options, so planning ahead is wise. Reddit

There isn't a cafe directly at Prospect Cottage. The nearest refreshments are typically found at the local pubs or the fish shack. Reddit

For a day trip, consider lunch at The Pilot Inn for classic pub food or grab some delicious smoked fish from the shack. Booking ahead for pubs is recommended, especially on weekends. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The vibrant yellow windows against the black cottage, the unique garden with its found objects and colorful flowers, and the stark Dungeness landscape itself are prime photo spots. Instagram+1

Photography inside Prospect Cottage during tours may be restricted. It's best to confirm with your guide upon arrival. The exterior and garden offer ample photographic subjects. Instagram

Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can offer beautiful light for the stark landscape. However, the unique atmosphere can be captured at any time. Instagram

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscape. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details in the garden and cottage. Consider a polarizing filter for the sea and sky. Instagram

While specific photography tours might not be common, the guided tours of Prospect Cottage offer insights that can inspire your photographic approach to the site and its surroundings. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Prospect Cottage and Dungeness offer a unique adventure for families. The stark, almost alien landscape of Dungeness can spark imagination, with shipwrecks and the power station providing points of interest. The Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway is a fantastic way to arrive or depart, offering a fun ride for children. Reddit

While the cottage tours might be best for older children interested in art and history, the garden itself is a fascinating exploration of creative reuse and hardy plants. Encourage kids to spot the different found objects and imagine the stories behind them. Pack a picnic to enjoy the unique surroundings, and be sure to wear sturdy shoes for navigating the shingle. TikTokInstagram

🎨 Art & Film Enthusiasts

For fans of Derek Jarman's work, a visit to Prospect Cottage is a pilgrimage. Experiencing the former home and garden offers a profound connection to his artistic vision, resilience, and activism. The guided tours provide invaluable insights into his life and creative process, making the visit deeply moving. InstagramReddit

Beyond the cottage, the Dungeness landscape itself has been a muse for countless artists and filmmakers, including Jarman. Its unique, desolate beauty has featured in numerous productions. Consider exploring the area to understand the environment that so profoundly influenced his work. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Reflective Visitors

Prospect Cottage and the Dungeness landscape offer a perfect setting for introspection and creative inspiration. The calm, harmonious atmosphere of the garden, juxtaposed with the vast, desolate surroundings, encourages quiet contemplation. Reddit

Solo travelers can immerse themselves in the unique environment, finding inspiration in Jarman's ability to create beauty from adversity. The journey itself, whether by bus or miniature train, can be a peaceful experience. Allow ample time to simply wander, observe, and absorb the unique spirit of the place. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Legacy of Derek Jarman

Prospect Cottage was the sanctuary and creative hub of Derek Jarman (1942-1994), a visionary artist, filmmaker, writer, and activist. He moved to this remote shingle beach in 1987, seeking solace and inspiration. Jarman transformed the humble fisherman's cottage and its surrounding barren land into a vibrant, artistic garden, a testament to his resilience and creativity in the face of his AIDS diagnosis. Instagram+1

Jarman's work at Prospect Cottage was deeply intertwined with the unique Dungeness environment. He used driftwood, found objects, and a palette of yellow and orange flowers to create a garden that echoed the desolate beauty of the coast. The cottage itself, with its iconic yellow-painted windows, became a symbol of defiance and artistic expression. His legacy continues to inspire artists, gardeners, and activists, with the cottage and garden now protected for future generations. Instagram+1

Prospect Cottage is more than just a house; it's a living monument to Jarman's life and philosophy. Visitors often describe the experience as deeply moving and reflective, a chance to connect with his spirit and the power of art to transform adversity into beauty. The Art Fund played a crucial role in a crowdfunding campaign to save the cottage, ensuring its preservation. Instagram+1

Exploring the Dungeness Landscape

Dungeness is a place unlike any other in the UK. It's a vast, desolate shingle spit, home to a nuclear power station, the rusting hulks of old ships, and the iconic Romney, Hythe & Dymchurch Railway. The landscape is stark, windswept, and possesses an almost otherworldly beauty that has captivated artists and filmmakers for decades. InstagramReddit

Walking around Dungeness is an experience in itself. The shingle underfoot requires sturdy footwear, and the open expanse offers dramatic views of the sea and the industrial structures. It's a place that encourages contemplation and a connection with nature's raw power. The unique environment has been described as 'desert-like' and 'otherworldly,' providing a dramatic backdrop for Prospect Cottage. InstagramReddit

Beyond Prospect Cottage, visitors can explore the two lighthouses (one still operational), visit the Dungeness National Nature Reserve, or take a ride on the miniature steam train. The area also boasts a couple of well-regarded pubs and a famous fish shack, offering a taste of local life amidst the unique scenery. Reddit

The Art of Gardening at Prospect Cottage

Derek Jarman's garden at Prospect Cottage is a masterpiece of found-object art and resilient planting. Against the harsh, windswept shingle, Jarman cultivated a vibrant and eclectic space using materials scavenged from the beach and surrounding area. Driftwood, fishing nets, old boots, and even a shipwreck fragment have been incorporated into the garden's design, creating a unique outdoor sculpture. Instagram+1

The planting scheme is equally distinctive, focusing on hardy species that can withstand the coastal conditions. Jarman famously favored yellow and orange flowers, such as Californian Poppies, Marigolds, and Sunflowers, which would echo the colors of the sun and the stark landscape. This deliberate choice of color and material creates a harmonious dialogue between the garden and its environment. Instagram+1

Today, the garden is maintained by dedicated individuals who continue Jarman's vision. Visitors often remark on the garden's beauty and its ability to evoke a sense of peace and creativity. It stands as a powerful example of how art and nature can coalesce to create something truly extraordinary, even in the most challenging of settings. Instagram+1

You may also like

1 of 2