Worbarrow Bay aka Tyneham Beach

Tyneham Village to Worbarrow Bay is an easy one-mile walk. The nearest car park is in the village itself, so be prepared for a stroll. Because of its secluded location, Worbarrow Bay is usually quiet and peaceful – unlike many of Dorset’s busier beaches.

Welcome to Worbarrow Bay (Tyneham Beach)

Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, Worbarrow Bay is a great spot for fossil hunting. The rocks along the shore often contain small fossils, and there are even reports of dinosaur footprints on Worbarrow Tout.

Opening times for Worbarrow Bay are the same as for Tyneham Village. Dogs are very welcome (on leads), and there are plenty of long walks in the area. There are no cafés or shops, so bring a picnic if you’re planning to stay a while.

It’s a lovely place to relax, try a bit of fishing, or go for a swim – but there are no lifeguards, so take care.

Camping at the bay isn’t allowed, and there’s no accommodation right on the spot (the area is still used by the military). But there are lots of great places to stay nearby – Swanage, Corfe Castle, Wareham, and Lulworth Cove all have plenty of hotels, B&Bs, and campsites.

Worbarrow Tout

Worbarrow Tout is the dramatic limestone headland at the eastern end of the beach. It offers stunning panoramic views and is a popular spot for walkers and photographers.

The layered rocks here are a geologist’s dream, showing millions of years of history. It’s also part of the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils.

Map of Worbarrow Bay

The History of Worbarrow Bay (Tyneham Beach)

In the early 1900s, Worbarrow Bay had a coastguard station and seven cottages – home to over 50 people. When the station closed in 1911, landowner William Bond bought and demolished it, reportedly to prevent holiday homes.

By the 1930s, the bay had become a popular tourist spot thanks to the growing number of cars. Local fishermen sold cooked lobsters, crabs, cream teas, and beer to visitors.

When the village was evacuated in 1943, only 10 residents remained in the bay area.

Smuggling in Worbarrow Bay

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Worbarrow Bay was a known smuggling hotspot. Its hidden coves and rugged cliffs made it ideal for landing contraband goods like brandy, tobacco, and tea under cover of darkness.

Local fishermen and villagers were often involved, using secret caves and tunnels to hide goods from customs officers.

The Buildings of Worbarrow Bay

The Coastguard Station

The Coastguard Station was demolished in 1912 by William Bond. Its closure marked the beginning of the bay’s population decline.

Fern Hollow

Charlie and Harriet Miller lived at Fern Hollow. Though they had no children of their own, they often welcomed young guests. After evacuation, Charlie died just weeks after leaving at the age of 93.

Mintern’s Cottage

The Mintern family ran a small dairy attached to their cottage, supplying milk and butter to the village right up to the evacuation.

Rose Cottage

Jack and Miggie Miller lived here from their marriage until 1913 (named after Miggie’s maiden name Rose). They later moved to Sea Cottage.

Sea Cottage

The Millers lived here for over 30 years until the evacuation. They were relocated to Langton Matravers.

Sheepleaze

Built in 1910 by London barrister Warwick Draper with permission from William Bond. The Draper family spent summers here until the evacuation. Philip Draper campaigned unsuccessfully to regain the property after the war.

The Bungalow

Started small but expanded to seven bedrooms by 1920. Home to Mary and John Wheeler and their four adopted children. After evacuation, Mary's niece Maud lived there briefly.