Kimmeridge Bay, half a mile south west of the village of Kimmeridge via a toll road, features some of the most important geology anywhere on the Jurassic Coast. It also boasts some of the area’s most accessible marine wildlife. The natural rock ledges extending out into the bay make it easy to view life on the shore and in the shallow waters, making it a wonderful location for rockpooling.
The bay is also a superb location for a variety of water-based activities. The shallow, warm waters are excellent for snorkelling and diving, and are very popular during the summer months, with easy access to excellent dive sites. There is little tide and not much current, making it great for beginners, while the comparative lack of sand helps ensure visibility is often excellent. Surfing and windsurfing are also gaining popularity in the area.
Kimmeridge Bay is privately owned as part of the Smedmore Estate.
How to Get There
Kimmeridge can be reached by car by taking the B3075 through Wareham and following signs for Kimmeridge. Kimmeridge Bay is accessed via a toll road from the village. The nearest train stations are Wareham, Wool and Swanage.
Car Parking & Facilities
Parking at Kimmeridge Bay is included in the cost of the toll road. Please refer to Kimmeridge Village’s Facebook page for full parking information.
From the car park it is a five minute walk on a bumpy footpath downhill to the shoreline. There are toilets available at the car park.
The area around the Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre is accessible via a gently sloping gravel path. There are accessible toilets in the car park and at the Centre along with designated disabled parking bays.
Beach Information & Dogs
Kimmeridge Bay is a sheltered rocky bay with rockpools. Sturdy footwear is needed for the walk to and on the shoreline. The bay is naturally sheltered and, depending on weather conditions, is often used for bathing.
Dogs are allowed at Kimmeridge Bay all year round.
Things to See and Do
The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre at Kimmeridge Bay explores the exceptional marine life found on this part of the coast, and features interactive displays and a small aquarium. You can hire masks and snorkels here to explore up close the incredible marine wildlife of Kimmeridge Bay.
A short drive from the Bay in Kimmeridge village is The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life. The museum houses the remarkable fossil collection of Steve Etches, bringing to life stories from deep time through an amazing collection of marine fossils, many of which are unique to science.
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