Kimmeridge Bay

About

Kimmeridge Bay is located within a marine Special Area of Conservation and has the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset!

The Bay is also part of the Jurassic Coast (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and found along the South West Coast Path national walking trail.

The Wild Seas Centre beside the slipway encourages all ages to explore the bay, its ledges and rockpools. It is free to go inside and take a look at their exhibitions and small aquarium. They also run various events throughout the year which are great for children and families - why not try eco-friendly crabbing or take part in a rockpool ramble?

In summer, a snorkel trail guides swimmers among colourful marine-life in the shallow waters of the Bay.

Above the Bay sits Clavell Tower. Built as a folly and now used for holiday accommodation, it has been the inspiration for both P.D. James and Enid Blyton. It's quite a steep walk up to the tower, but it is worth the effort as you are rewarded with spectacular views over the Bay.

The area is popular with surfers and windsurfers for the seabreezes and surf created by the rock ledges underneath the waves. There are toilets and showers located in the slip-way car park. The main car park overlooks the Bay. Both are accessed via a toll road and charges may apply. Access on foot or by bike is free.

To get the most out of your day and visit to Kimmeridge Bay, please check tide times before you visit.

Fossil collecting with the use of hammers is prohibited at Kimmeridge.

Beach Type: Kimmeridge Bay is a sheltered rocky bay with rockpools. It is great for snorkelling and diving. This is not a typical bathing beach - there is no sand.

Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at Kimmeridge Bay.

Safety: Walking boots or trainers needed for walk to and on shoreline. The Bay is naturally sheltered and depending on weather conditions is often used for bathing. Do not sit near to the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.

Toilets: The slip-way car park at the end of the toll road (near the Wild Seas Centre) has toilets.

Accessibility: Accessible toilets and parking at the slip-way car park. A short walk from the car park leads to the Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre. The area around the Centre is accessible via a gently sloping gravel path. It is 1.5 mile walk (30 minutes) to the Ranges Gate along a tarmac track.

Parking: There is a toll road which leads down to the Bay. The parking charge is included in the cost of the toll road. A permit is required for coaches and mini-buses travelling to Kimmeridge. Visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/coachpermits to apply. It is a 5 minute walk on a footpath downhill from the car park to the beach.  

Dogs: Dogs welcome all year, off lead.