Kimmeridge Bay, Purbeck, Dorset
- Quick Links
- An Introduction to Kimmeridge Bay
- Things to See & Do
- Shops & Amenities
- More About Kimmeridge
- Directions From: Adventure Centre
About Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge is a small coastal village in Purbeck. It is perhaps best known for it's exposed Jurassic shale cliffs to which it give it's name to this geological division of the Jurassic period, in which these beds were laid down. However, it is also the location of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve which is the longest established Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve in the United Kingdom, having been set up in 1978.There isn't much by way of a beach, or indeed traditional coastal resort facilities, but the Bay is nevertheless extremely popular amongst surfers, divers, snorkellers and rock poolers. Access is limited via cliff path walks and a meandering single road through the valley. Be aware that the road is part of the Smedmore Estate and tolls are sometimes payable. Off season it is a delightfully tranquil spot.
Things To See & Do
Surfing
While the Bay is relatively flat in the Summer the reef break provides a reliable surf during the rest of the year. The best surf comes with offshore winds from the North. There is no beach break, and there are both left and right hand reef breaks on offer. Watch out for crowds and rocks! For more information see Surf-Forecast.com.Marine Centre
As part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, the Marine Centre is located near the boat slipway. It offers viistors the opportunity to learn about sustainable fishing, strandline treasures, and local marine wildlife. You can alos try your hand at fossil rubbing and both view and control a live seabed camera! Admission is free.Snorkelling/Diving
Kimmeridge has long been a favoured launching point for dive boats. There are a number of well known shipwrecks in the area to explore as well as natural reefs and other marine-life attractions.Rockpooling/Beachcombing
An unusual feature of Kimmeridge Bay is the double low tide which provides wider time frames for exploring the rock pools and ledges. The best low tides are in the early to mid afternoon. However, watch out for the occasional metal cannister washed up on to the beach or into the pools. It maybe live ammunition from the nearby MOD training ranges. If found, do not touch, and report immediately to the Coastguard.Shops & Amenities
Food and accommodation are available in the village of Kimmeridge.More About Kimmeridge Bay
Select one of the articles from the list below to learn more about Kimmeridge Bay in Purbeck, Dorset and the immediate surrounding area.
How To Get There
From the Poole & Dorset Adventure Centre, turn left onto Renscombe Road and follow the road for a short distance and you will enter the village of Worth Matravers. Follow the one way system through the village going past the church and then the post office on your left with the duck pond on your right. At the bottom turn left. After approx. 100 yards the road will fork. Take the left fork and continue along this road until you reach a T-junction with the B3069. Turn left onto the B3069.
Continue to follow the B3069 signposted for Corfe Castle, until you reach the T-junction with the A351. Turn left onto the A351 and drive through Corfe Castle village. As you leave the village you will drive down a steep hill taking you past Corfe Castle on your left. As the road bears left around the castle you will see a left hand turn, signposted for Tyneham. Turn left here onto Tyneham Road.
Stay on this road and drive through Church Knowle. Approximately 100yds after leaving Church Knowle take a left hand turn. Follow this new road for approximatley 1500 yards when it will fork. Take the right hand fork signposted for Bradle. As you enter Bradle, take the first left and then follow this road on through the valley. As you approach Kimmeridge bear left and then turn sharply right after about 175 yards and then left again after 100 yards. Continue along this road through the main village of Kimmeridge. As you leave the village continue along the road as it bears right, then left, and then sharply right again before bringing you onto the Kimmeridge Bay car park.
Located at:
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Kimmeridge,
- Wareham,
- Isle of Purbeck,
- Dorset, BH20 5
- O/S Grid Reference SY 905 791 GB Grid
