Chesil Beach

Description:

Chesil Beach is one of Britain's natural wonders; a unique shingle ridge. It is located between Portland  and West Bay, stretching for some seventeen miles, with access at various points along it's route. Parking and toilet facilities can be found at these access points.

The beach overlooks Portland Harbour, a centre for wind surfing and watersports. The natural beauty of Chesil Beach is stunning, although it can be a lonely place. The facilities are at West Weares, Portland, Ferrybridge, Moonfleet, Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock.

This is a place to respect as far as children are concerned as the beach has steeply shelving shingle, with strong currents and treacherous seas.

Buses run from Weymouth  and Portland  along the coast road with stops at all main access points.

Dogs are not restricted on this shingle ridge.

The inland strip of water, the Fleet, was used as a testing place for Barnes Wallis's bouncing bomb for the Dambusters Raid during World War 11.

Pebbles are graded from east to west, the biggest at the Portland end. Shipwreck survivors are said to be able to tell where they were from the size of the pebbles.

Places to visit on a rainy day are:-

Abbotbury Smugglers Barn. An all weather fun for under elevens. Soft play area plus pets. Open daily until the end of October, 10am to 6pm. Nearby is Abbotsbury Swannery  and Sub Tropical Gardens.  Tel:-  01305 871817

Hardy's  Cottage, Higher Bockhampton near Dorchester. Small cob and thatch cottage where novalist and poet Thomas Hardy was born in 1840. Open daily 11am to 5pm (except Tuesday and wednesday).  Tel:- 01305 262366.