Dunkirk

Plage de Malo-les-Bains Dunkerque France

The beach at Malo-les-Bains in Dunkirk, the sand Tommy first steps onto after clearing the town, and where the soldiers queue for boats. It is broad and shallow-sloped so the water retreats a long way, which is exactly why large ships could not come alongside, and you can read that fact straight off the screen.

Custom House Quay Weymouth Dorset England

Custom House Quay in Weymouth, Dorset, the harbour where Mr. Dawson casts off in his little boat for Dunkirk. It was one of the ports that really did send small craft in 1940, and today it is a quiet quay lined with yachts and fishing boats.

Swanage Railway Station Dorset England

Swanage Railway station in Dorset, where the closing scene of the returning soldiers reading a newspaper on the train was filmed. It is a preserved line still running steam locomotives, so the platform and carriages sit close to their 1940s state, and visitors can ride the same train.

Urk Flevoland Netherlands

Urk in Flevoland, the Netherlands, where part of the sea material and the small-boat flotilla were shot, on the harbour and out on the IJsselmeer. The old fishing village survives intact, and its narrow lanes and low brick houses are worth the walk.