Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay, located on the Dorset coast, is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a range of activities and experiences for visitors.

Kimmeridge Bay is a remote, sheltered bay approximately one kilometre wide, consisting of cobbles and pebbles with rock flats backed by cliffs. The bay is part of the Purbeck Heritage Coast and the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, making it an ideal location for those interested in marine wildlife.

The bay is renowned for its excellent water visibility, making it a popular spot for divers and snorkellers. The absence of sand and presence of rockpools teeming with crabs, anemones, fish, and colourful seaweed provide a unique opportunity to explore the marine life. Visitors can also engage in swimming, surfing, and windsurfing, taking advantage of the bay's sheltered conditions and wave set-up.

As part of the Jurassic Coastline, Kimmeridge Bay is of significant geological interest, with rocks on the beach containing a variety of interesting fossils. The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge Village offers a fascinating collection of fossils found in the locality, including the famous pliosaur skull.

The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, operated by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, provides displays of wildlife found in the reserve and encourages visitors to explore the waters of the bay. The centre is open from April to September, and on Bank Holidays. However, it is worth noting that the beach is in private ownership, and access is via a toll road, with charges applicable.

Kimmeridge Bay is well-known in the surfing community as Dorset's premier reef break, Broadbench, which can hold waves of up to 15 feet. The bay also offers good swimming conditions and is a popular spot for wave-sailing windsurfers and surfers.

Kimmeridge Bay is on the Purbeck Heritage Coast and the Jurassic Coast, and adjacent to the South West Coast Path.

Cove Sand

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