West Dorset Heritage Coast

Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. Stunning stretch of coastline where impressive golden cliffs meet the 18 mile long shingle bank of Chesil Beach. The Fleet, a saltwater lagoon protected by Chesil Beach, provides a rare habitat for birds, and is overlooked by the distinctive landmark of St Catherine's Chapel above Abbotsbury. Abbotsbury Swannery is a great family visitor attraction. Beautiful natural landscape is complemented by picturesque small villages, while contrast is provided by Portland, characterised by imposing military buildings and scars of quarrying. Bridport is an attractive historic town with some great local businesses, while the bustling harbour and beach at West Bay offer a traditional seaside experience. For those who prefer more peaceful surroundings, there's no shortage of quieter coastline and long scenic walks on the South West Coast Path at locations like Burton Bradstock and Golden Cap. The Jurassic Coast is one of the UK's finest, most varied stretches of coastline, and this section in West Dorset has a lot to offer. The perfect place for a short or a long hike. Very easily accessible from Weymouth and particularly nice when the cool breeze rolls in from the sea. Be sure to pack for all weather if going on a long hike as it can turn in an instant. One moment you are walking along rolling hills in the sunshine and the next you could be swallowed from fog coming off the sea. I would like to return to do a long as my was only around an hour each way. Fossils Galore - get there early to park easily in the peak season & make sure the tide is on its way out if you want to see the Ammonite pavement. If kids are swimming in the sea, pop on a light weight wetsuit, to protect them from things that sting in the water amongst the seaweed. Lovely place. Make sure you look into walking routes around the area. The water front is amazing and the wildlife is also outstanding. The locals are very friendly. Mark and Louise around this area often and take their dogs with them. This is tucked away from the beaten track, and known as a local Gem. Grassy track walks lead to the most beautiful views of coastal water. Portland in the distance. There is a beach down at the bottom suitable for dog walking but BEWARE! the sand is boggy and the tide comes in quickly. Just the best for blowing the cobwebs away Breathtaking coastline and who would think in the 1940s that The idea for the Dambusters raid originated in 1940, when aeronautical designer Dr Barnes Wallis calculated the explosive power required to breach the Ruhr dams and discovered that no existing bomber could carry a large enough bomb. However, Wallis realised that smaller bombs accurately positioned at the foot of the dam could have the same effect. To make this possible, Wallis designed the "bouncing bomb" that would skip across the water and hit the dam. This bomb was tested on the Dorset coastline along the coast from Portland. Abbotsbury Swannery is a lovely place to visit. Went with my parents (one disabled, in a wheelchair) and my 3 children ages 6, 10 and 16. They all had a great time, enjoying seeing the swans, finding out about them and the history of the Swannery. Beautiful place to visit and a lovely little cafe with the park next to it. Well worth a visit and would go back again. Nice camp site. Quiet and tranquil. Thete are strict does and don'ts which made the stay more enjoyable. Beautiful visible starry nights made possible by what appears to be a 'dark sky policy' My only complaint would be the toilets and showers, they reminded me of camping in the 80's, however there is a more modern block on the site which some of our party used, which wete apparently nicer amd more modern Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. See how the number of reviews and average review scores have changed over time.