insideKENT Magazine Issue 65 - August 2017 | Page 146

GETAWAYS
DUNKIRK
THE LATEST CHRISTOPHER NOLAN FILM, DUNKIRK, HAS BEEN HIGHLY ANTICIPATED
AND WAS LAUNCHED WITH MUCH FANFARE. TELLING THE STORY OF THE DUNKIRK
EVACUATION WHEN BRITISH AND ALLIED TROOPS WERE SURROUNDED ON THE
BEACH BY ENEMY FORCES, THE FILM BOASTS A STAR-STUDDED CAST, INCLUDING
KENNETH BRANAGH, CILLIAN MURPHY, TOM HARDY AND HARRY STYLES.
Much of the film was shot in Dunkirk and the
film gives an amazingly real sense of what the
evacuation must have been like. The film crew
used 6,000 extras and even used ships that
had participated in the evacuation, as well as
using genuine planes where possible. it hardly takes any time to exit and you can be
on the road straight from the ferry in a matter
of minutes. Its location east of Calais means
that it is a perfect point of entry for onward
travel into France, but also to neighbouring
Belgium, Netherlands and Germany.
But, what better way to get a feel for Dunkirk
and the beaches than by visiting them in
person? Before you leave the Port though, why not
stay a while in Dunkirk?
Dunkirk is best reached by ferry – just two
hours sail from Dunkirk you can be on the
shores of France, seeing for yourself the
stunning sandy beaches and soaking up the
history of the area.
DFDS Seaways operates ferries from Dover to
Dunkirk – there are 12 crossings each day and
fares can be purchased for as little as £30 each
way, including a car and up to nine people.
Dunkirk port is not as busy as nearby Calais,
but still takes 3.2 million passengers each year.
Travellers use it for ease – its size means that
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The beaches, of course, are not to be missed.
Aside from their historical significance, they
are wonderful to stroll along, and if you are
an outdoor enthusiast, then you can try
kitesurfing, land sailing or even mountain
boarding over the beautiful white sand dunes.
Other ‘must sees’ in Dunkirk include famous
World Heritage belfries, of which there are
three: the Gravelines belltower; the Saint Eloi
lighthouse; and the watchtower of Dunkirk’s
town hall. All of which can be climbed, with
stunning panoramic views from the top. A
perfect way to kick off your trip and get your
bearings.
While in Dunkirk, you can’t leave without
visiting the Dunkirk War Museum, located in
Bastion 32, the headquarters for the French
and Allied Forces during the Battle of Dunkirk
and Operation Dynamo.
At low tide, several shipwrecks from Operation
Dynamo can still be seen, including the wreck
of the Crested Eagle, a British paddle steamer.
Some of the shipwrecks are also now an
important natural habitat for several different
species. There are several guided tours
available for visitors.
Finally, a trip to the Forts des Dunes is
recommended. A military installation designed
by General Sére de Rivières and built in 1878,
it’s located in front of a natural reserve and
played a big part in the Second World War and
the German occupation.
So, if the film has inspired you, then why not
hop on a ferry and sail over to Dunkirk to
experience the area for yourself. You definitely
won’t be disappointed.