Kimmeridge Bay

One of Dorset's Hidden Gems

Kimmeridge Bay is a stunning, sheltered cove on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is famous for its rocky ledges, excellent rock pooling, snorkelling, surfing, and fossil hunting, making it one of the most distinctive coastal locations in the area.

The Bay's sheltered position and rich marine life make it one of Dorset's hidden gems. The shale ledges and rock pools are perfect for snorkelling, fossil hunting, and simply enjoying the quiet - it rarely gets as crowded as bigger beaches on the Jurassic Coast.

Fascinating for fossil hunters and geologists alike, the bay's rocks hold ammonites, belemnites, and other ancient remains. It's also a top spot for surfing when conditions are right, thanks to the reef break.

Where is Kimmeridge Bay?

The bay lies on the Isle of Purbeck peninsula, approximately 7 miles east of Tyneham Village and Worbarrow Bay. It sits just south-west of the small village of Kimmeridge, with dramatic cliffs and wide sea views.

The main car park postcode is BH20 5PF. Enter this into your sat nav to reach the toll booth and parking area overlooking the bay.

By Car (Most Common Option)

• From Wareham or Corfe Castle (north / east): Take the A351 south towards Corfe Castle, then follow signs for Church Knowle / Kimmeridge (turn right after Corfe Castle). Continue through Kimmeridge village and follow the road downhill to the toll booth. Vehicle charges typically range from £5-£10 in 2026 and include all-day parking. Cash and card are usually accepted; pedestrians and cyclists are free.
• From Swanage (east): Travel west on the A351 / B3351 towards Corfe Castle, then follow the same route towards Church Knowle and Kimmeridge.
• From Tyneham or West Lulworth (west): There is no direct road access due to the Lulworth military ranges. The best route is via Wareham, with a typical driving time of 20-30 minutes.

The private toll road is well maintained but narrow in places, so drive with care. Parking is on grassy clifftop areas, with additional parking near the slipway. Toilets are available at the lower car park.

Highlights & Visitor Tips

• Best for: Rock pooling (especially at low tide), the snorkelling trail (usually May-September), reef-break surfing, and fossil spotting. Please do not hammer or damage the cliffs.
• Facilities: Public toilets and the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre, which offers interactive marine exhibits (seasonal opening—check ahead).
• Nearby attractions: Clavell Tower, a striking clifftop folly, and the Etches Collection fossil museum in Kimmeridge village.
• Dogs: Dogs are welcome year-round but should be kept on leads near wildlife and other visitors.
• Access note: The bay is calm and sheltered, making it popular with families, but it is rocky rather than sandy. Sturdy footwear is strongly recommended.

Quieter than busy hotspots like Lulworth Cove, Kimmeridge Bay is ideal for visitors looking for a peaceful and scenic day out on the Jurassic Coast.

Kimmeridge Village

On your way down to Kimmeridge Bay, you'll pass through the charming little village of Kimmeridge itself. With only a couple of hundred residents, it's a peaceful, picturesque spot lined with traditional Purbeck stone cottages—many of them thatched—that give it a wonderfully timeless atmosphere.

A Village Rich in History

Kimmeridge has roots stretching back over a thousand years, first appearing in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Chinewerce”. Much of its historic character has survived, with many cottages dating from the 17th and 18th centuries. At the heart of the village stands the parish church of St Nicholas of Myra, which has Norman origins (though largely rebuilt in 1872). It's worth stepping inside for its quiet, atmospheric interior.

Must-See Attractions in the Village

The standout attraction is The Etches Collection, a world-class museum of Jurassic marine fossils located right in the village centre. Collected over decades by local fossil hunter Dr Steve Etches MBE, the museum houses more than 2,800 exquisite specimens—all discovered in the Kimmeridge area—including the famous pliosaur skull featured in David Attenborough documentaries.

Opposite the museum you'll find Clavell's Café & Restaurant, a popular stop for hearty meals, afternoon cream teas, or simply a coffee in the sunny courtyard—using plenty of local Dorset ingredients.

Just a short walk or drive from the village is the iconic Clavell Tower, a 19th-century folly perched dramatically on the cliffs above the bay. Famously moved brick-by-brick in 2006 to save it from coastal erosion, it's now a unique holiday let managed by the Landmark Trust and offers breathtaking panoramic views across the Jurassic Coast.

Local Traditions & Community

Kimmeridge retains a strong sense of community and tradition. One of the highlights is the occasional Wassail celebration—a lively ancient custom to bless the apple orchards, complete with singing, dancing, and toasting for a bountiful harvest (reflecting the area's cider-making heritage).

Life in Kimmeridge remains relaxed and welcoming. Visitors often remark on the friendly atmosphere—whether enjoying a meal at Clavell's, exploring the museum, or simply wandering the quiet lanes lined with historic cottages.

Take a Walk Through Kimmeridge Village

Kimmeridge Bay Tide Times 2026

Tides play a big part in enjoying Kimmeridge Bay - low tide reveals the best rock pools and fossil-hunting spots, while high tide is great for swimming and surfing over the reef.

Tide times vary daily and throughout the year. For accurate 2026 predictions, check reliable sources like tidetime.org, or dorset-tides.com closer to your visit - they update annually with precise local data.

Camping in Kimmeridge

Camping directly at Kimmeridge Bay is not allowed - the area is protected as part of the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and Jurassic Coast.

There are, however, excellent campsites nearby offering everything from basic pitches to full facilities - perfect bases for exploring the bay and wider Jurassic Coast.

Campsites Near Kimmeridge

• Steeple Leaze Farm Campsite
  East Creech, Wareham BH20 5NY - peaceful farm site with great views.
• Burnbake Campsite
  Rempstone, Corfe Castle BH20 5JH - woodland setting with modern facilities.
• Norden Farm Campsite
  Corfe Castle BH20 5DS - countryside pitches near Corfe Castle.
• East Creech Farm Campsite
  East Creech BH20 5AP - family-friendly and close to the coast.
• Wareham Forest Tourist Park
  North Trigon BH20 7NZ - wooded site with good amenities.

Check each site's website for 2026 availability and booking - popular spots fill quickly in summer.