The beautiful little seaside village that's one of UK's best and just 24 miles from France

With the summer season approaching and warmer weather, many will be thinking about the spot for their next staycation. This stunning village on the southern English coast, formed mainly of a shingle beach, may just be the perfect choice.

is a headland on the coast of Kent, and formed of a cuspate foreland, or nesse, which extends outwards from the shoreline in a triangular shape. It is one of the largest expanses of shingle in Europe. The village - which lies just 24 nautical miles from France - is also of international conservation importance, with over 600 different types of plants - a third of all those found in Britain. Dungeness is one of the best places in Britain to find invertebrates, including moths, bees and beetles. Many of these are very rare, found nowhere else in the country.

Boasting everything from coastal walks to beachside beer gardens, this tiny is packed full of seaside charm.

Along the shingle beach, you will find weathered wood cabins and abandoned fishing boats dotting the panoramic open sea view.

A key landmark to see is the Old Lighthouse, a historic Grade II-listed building that operated between 1904 and 1960. From the top of the tower, you can see for miles across Dungeness and Romney Marsh - an large area of low-lying wetland.

For keen bird lovers, Dungeness Nature Reserve is a must. Its circular trail guides you through wildflower meadows, shingle ridges and marshland and is home to species including bitterns, spotted flycatchers and wheatears.

When you find yourself hungry after a busy beach day, head to one of the village's seaside shacks, such as Snack Shack, which has flatbreads filled with the catch of the day available. The Pilot Inn, right by the beach, meanwhile, has the best fish and chips on offer, according to .

Romney Marsh Brewery, at Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch Railway station in Dungeness, aptly named Ales by the Rails, boasts a fantastic , allowing visitors to sample a local beer as the sun sets. Speaking of sunsets, be sure to stick around at the coast in the evening, as an incredible light show of pinks, blues and oranges fill the sky, reflected on the calm open sea.

The three-star Captain Howey Hotel in New Romney has rooms on offer in May for as little as £69, including a cozy hour-bedroom suite. Delicious meals are available at the on-site restaurant, or enjoy a drink at their welcoming pub. It lies just 16 miles from Ashford International Station, with fast 80-minute trains from available.

"Wow! What a beautiful and amazing place!" said one recent visitor on Tripadvisor. "Not the usual 'beach', but an eclectic mix of old and new - wooden houses on the beach - old and new lighthouses, a power station and a railway station (end of the line)."

Another said: "What a lovely place to visit great things to photograph and peaceful so peaceful. We had a wonderful walk, looked around the outside of Prospect cottage, and walked to the sea. Will definitely return with a picnic."