Approximate Location Map
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Ringstead Bay is part of the Purbeck Heritage Coast and features a 700-yard shingle beach that stretches approximately half a mile, revealing a wide expanse of sand at low tide. The beach is overlooked by unspoilt farmland and cliffs, providing a picturesque backdrop. The western side of the beach has several rock pools, and a reef close to the shore is visible when the tide is out.
The beach has a fascinating history, having been used by smugglers in the past. Today, it is encircled by farmlands and dramatic cliffs, offering stunning views of neighbouring Weymouth and the Isle of Portland. Visitors can search for fossils on the beach, as it is part of the Jurassic Coast, but should be aware of the potential for falling rocks near the cliff faces.
Swimming is generally safe at Ringstead Bay, but there is no lifeguard on duty. The area behind the beach is grassy and suitable for children to play. A kiosk for refreshments is available in the village on the eastern side of the beach. Parking is available near the beach, although it is paid parking; a free car park provided by the National Trust is also available, but it requires a long walk down to the beach.
Ringstead Bay is dog-friendly all year round, making it a great spot for dog lovers. The beach is approximately a 20-minute walk from a nudist beach area that is technically part of Ringstead Bay.
Ringstead Bay is on the Purbeck Heritage Coast and the Jurassic Coast.
Shingle
| Today |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | % |
| Max temperature | 19°C |
| feels like | 21°C |
| Wind 6mph |  |
| Max UV Index |  |
| Tonight |  |
|---|---|
| Chance of rain | 73% |
| Min temperature | 14°C |
| feels like | 12°C |
| Wind 6mph |  |
The tide at Ringstead Bay is currently falling. Low tide will be at approximately 8:55 AM, and the next low tide will be at approximately 8:55 AM.
Today's air pollution levels are forecast to be Low
Food available
Toilets
Shops
Free National Trust car park - above Southdown Farm, quite a walk up hill from the beach. Pay parking in the village.
Dogs are allowed.
No lifeguard cover at this beach
Water quality not measured here
around 3 miles east as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road or 3 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 3 miles west as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road or 4 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 3 miles east as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road or 4 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 3 miles east as the seagull flies, around 11 miles by road or 4 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 4 miles west as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 4 miles west as the seagull flies, around 6 miles by road.
around 4 miles west as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 5 miles east as the seagull flies, around 12 miles by road or 5 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 5 miles west-southwest as the seagull flies, around 7 miles by road.
around 5 miles west-southwest as the seagull flies, around 9 miles by road.
around 6 miles west-southwest as the seagull flies, around 9 miles by road.
around 7 miles southwest as the seagull flies, around 12 miles by road.
around 7 miles west-southwest as the seagull flies, around 10 miles by road.
around 7 miles south-southwest as the seagull flies, around 14 miles by road.
around 10 miles east as the seagull flies, around 20 miles by road or 12 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 15 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 25 miles by road.
around 15 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 25 miles by road.
around 16 miles east-northeast as the seagull flies, around 24 miles by road.
around 17 miles west-northwest as the seagull flies, around 25 miles by road or 19 miles on foot using coastal paths.
around 17 miles east as the seagull flies, around 24 miles by road.
Location: Ringstead
Location type: Rural
Nearest village: Osmington Mills
OS Grid: SY754813
Coordinates: 50°37'52"N 2°20'55"W
Mapcode: GBR 10M.71X
What 3 Words: jacket.ourselves.screen
Coordinates and location codes are for an approximate mid-point of the beach, and may not reflect the best access point or the most popular part of the beach.
County: Dorset
Country: England
Local Authority: West Dorset
Parish: Owermoigne
Nearest postcode: DT2 8NG
(for sat-nav purposes only, a beach does not have a postal address!)
Important! Beach information is compiled from a variety of different sources and is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of compilation. However, information may be incorrectly supplied by our sources or go out of date after publication. BritishBeaches.uk makes no warranty as to the accuracy of any information on this page.
