Ringstead Bay, Weymouth

Description:

Ringstead Bay is a shingle beach around five miles East of Weymouth. It is reached by a narrow lane off the A353 near the village of Poxwell. The parking here can work out expensive, but there is free parking just up from the beach at Southdown. There is also a car park belonging to the National Trust at the top of the cliff, but with a steep walk to the beach.

This bay has around 700 yards of shingle beach and some sand once the tied goes out. There are rock pools and an offshore reef that is uncovered by the tide. The beach is a great place to search for fossils and coral and is overlooked by unspoilt farmland and cliffs. The views are wonderful to Weymouth  and Portland  and the access is fairly easy. Swimming is safe and there is plenty of grassland for picnics or ball games. Twenty minutes East of the bay is a nudist beach.

There is a café and a shop 50 metres from the beach and toilet facilities also.

There is no public transport and dogs are allowed to go on to the beach.

Places to visit on a rainy day are:-

Dorset County Museum  in Dorchester. Fourteen rooms full of fascinating collections with the award winning Dorset writer's gallery. Open Monday to Saturday (plus Sundays in July and September) 10am to 5pm. Tel: 01305 262735.

Tolpuddle Martyrs Museum  in Tolpuddle village. Tells the story of six agricultural workers transported to Australia in 1834 after forming a trade union. Tuesday to Saturday, 10am to 5.30pm, admission free.  Tel: 01929 848237.