Kimmeridge Bay is a bay on the Isle of Purbeck, a peninsula on the English Channel coast in Dorset, England, close to and southeast of the village of Kimmeridge, on the Smedmore Estate.
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Clavell Tower
4.5
(113)
Boat On The Bay
3.6
(42)
To be honest, this lovely place deserves both a 5 star review and a 1 star. You drive along the private road access and pay the £6 (contactless) payment to access the area. The access charge gives you parking. Use of the area. A toilet block and a small information center with a rockpool exhibit. The parking area is on the clifftops and affords a wonderful view, there are 3 vendors here too. A Mexican food van, an ice cream seller and a mini pop up bar. As to be expected, these are quite expensive and if you are traveling as a family group lunch could be bite expensive. As the pathway down to the shore level is quite narrow and steep, I'd recommend that you take a small bag of necessaries down with you, drinks and snack, beachwear, towels etc. But leave a picnic, and chairs in the boot of the car. If you spend the day here, then the car parking area with its lovely grassed areas and spectacular views is ideal for your picnic without having to haul heavy bags down to the shore. The stone and shale beach is breathtaking. You only need rummage a little through the slate and you will find fossils. We found a fossil within a few minutes of arriving. You are allowed to collect loose fossils but breaking stones or slate up or off the cliff face is strictly forbidden. The cliff face itself is constantly raining small falls of slate. Don't even consider climbing, it would be very dangerous. The constant addition of new slate adds to the more fossils available though. The water is still and plenty of people use the area for kayak and paddle boarding. The small shop/information center was ok, but it didn't grab my attention as much as I'd expected. The toilets however. Now here's the reason this could score only a one star review. When we visited, the toilets were closed. There are no alternatives. You just can't go. After us all holding on for as long as we could, we left in the end, cutting short our visit to relieve ourselves. I stopped on the way out to question the lady selling the entrance ticket. She informed me that the toilets had become blocked forcing her to close them. Other reviewers also mention the state of the toilets, I can't comment on that as they were closed, but it does seem a pretty constant complaint. The toilets are a good distance away too. It took me 10 minutes from the beach area to reach them, only to find them closed. The staff ticket seller did say that she had arranged that the village cafe would allow visitors to the bay to use their facilities. But again, that's a drive away. It's a real shame. I feel almost mean making a complaint about such a beautiful location. Filled with Jurassic coast history. But there was a constant line of cars arriving, still when we left. All being charged £6 entrance. I feel perhaps some of this money should be invested in better toilet facilities. Of course you could go swimming which what I guess most...
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Kimmeridge Bay, located on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, is a stunning natural site renowned for its geological and paleontological significance. This picturesque bay offers a unique glimpse into Earth's ancient past, making it a popular destination for fossil hunters and geology enthusiasts.
Geological Significance
Kimmeridge Bay is famous for its well-preserved sedimentary rock formations from the Late Jurassic period, approximately 150 million years ago. The cliffs and ledges expose layers of shale and limestone, rich in fossils. One of the standout features is the Kimmeridge Clay, a dark, organic-rich shale that has provided valuable insights into ancient marine environments.
Fossil Hunting
The bay is a treasure trove for fossil collectors. Ammonites, belemnites, and various marine reptiles are commonly found here. The fossils are often well-preserved, providing a window into the marine life that once thrived in the Jurassic seas. Visitors can explore the rock pools and ledges, but it's essential to follow local guidelines to ensure the preservation of this natural heritage.
Scenery and Wildlife
Beyond its geological appeal, Kimmeridge Bay boasts stunning coastal scenery. The rugged cliffs, clear waters, and wide open skies make it a picturesque spot for photography and nature walks. The bay is also part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, home to diverse marine life and bird species, making it a fantastic destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
Visitor Experience
The Etches Collection, a museum in the nearby village of Kimmeridge, showcases an extensive collection of fossils found in the area, providing educational insights into the bay's prehistoric past. There are also guided tours and fossil hunting walks available, offering visitors an opportunity to learn from local experts.
Practical Information
Access to Kimmeridge Bay is straightforward, with parking available nearby. The area is well-served by footpaths and trails, making it easy to explore the coastline. However, visitors should be cautious of tides and weather conditions, as the bay can be hazardous during rough seas.
Conclusion
Kimmeridge Bay is a remarkable destination that combines natural beauty with scientific interest. Its rich fossil beds, dramatic landscapes, and abundant wildlife make it a must-visit for anyone interested in geology, paleontology, or simply enjoying the...
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What an incredible place, history in a view. This place has everything from swimming to cliff walking. If your watchful you might eve spot the odd dolphin which swim between Cornwall and Isle of Wight.
What’s good: great views, great walks, cliff top walking, fossil hunting, diving, snorkelling. You can also walk right out to sea at low tide without even getting wet due to the rock formations.
The sea is beautifully blue and wildlife is plenty from wild fish to jellyfish to cliff wildlife and birds.
There is a museum following the areas history and further back in the village of kimmeridge there is a fossil house.
What’s bad: the cliff is kimmeridge rock which is incredible unstable, you can literally peel the cliff off (don’t). The rocks are very slippery but good footwear solves that one.
The cliff walk is via lots of steps but an 85 year old woman beat us to the top so I’m sure you can get there too.
Clavell tower is at the top which was moved brick by brick to avoid falling into the sea. You can see but not touch or go in. The cliff is also incredibly unstable so stay away from the edge, it really is a sheer drop.
Getting there: requires going through the lulworth ranges (If open) or round corfe castle and in the back way. Poorly signposted and accessed down a very narrow windy road.
Parking: extremely plentiful in 2 separate areas and is £5 entry.
Facilities: no food other than an impulse van (drinks,ice creams etc)
Toilets: in bottom car park and also have changing facilities.
Access: via large amount of steps to both kimmeridge bay and clavell tower. South coast path crosses the bay either side.
Nearby: dancing ledge, lulworth...
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