Become a member
Join today and help protect nature, beauty and history – for everyone, for ever. Enjoy access to more than 500 places with National Trust membership.
Ringstead Bay
Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Ringstead, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT2 8NQ
- Car park
Parking charges apply: £1.50 for 1 hour, £3.00 for 2 hours, £4.50 for 3 hours and £6 for all day. Payment can be made by coins or PayByPhone. If you are a National Trust member, please scan your card in the machine. Overnight parking or camping is not permitted.
- Dogs allowed
Dog walkers are welcome but please keep an eye out for signs throughout your visit. Using a short lead helps to keep your dog from disturbing ground-nesting birds and farm animals. It's essential to use a short lead around sheep. Please always clear up after your dog and take the poo bags home with you.
A mixture of well maintained coast paths and shingle beach. Steep in places. No toilets. Parking. Dogs on leads.
- Steps/uneven terrain
A mixture of well maintained coast paths and shingle beach, steep in places.
- By road
Ringstead Bay is located 7 miles east of Weymouth with access from A353 through Upton village
Parking: Car park at the top of the cliff above Southdown Farm. There is a second car park by the beach (not National Trust).
Sat Nav: Nearest postcode DT2 8NQ
- On foot
On the South West Coast Path. Approximately 5 ½ miles walk from Lulworth to the east and 7 miles from Weymouth to the west.
- By train
Weymouth station, 7 miles. Moreton station 6 miles.
- By bus
The X54 runs between Poole and Weymouth train. The nearest stop is on the A352 at Kit Lane, approximately 3 miles from the National Trust carpark.
Highlights
Beach and sea
The quiet stretch of Dorset coast has a pebble and shingle beach with clean, clear water.
Jurassic Coast
As well as offering picturesque views, the cliffs and shoreline offer a glimpse into millions of years of the Earth's history with visible rock formations and fossils.
Wildflower
In Spring and summer, the surrounding meadows are at their best. You can see many beautiful wildflowers including viper’s bugloss, carline thistle and other flowering plants of calcarious grassland.
Bird watching
The interesting scrub at Ringstead attracts migratory birds such as the white throat, while the nearby cliffs attract peregrine falcons. You can also listen out for the melodious song of the shy & secretive nightingale.
Coastal path walks
The coastal path offers breathtaking views of the bay and surrounding countryside.
Outdoor activities
Activity
Outdoor activities at Ringstead Bay
The beach, coast path and unspoilt countryside makes Ringstead Bay an ideal place to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Article
Safety at Hive Beach and Ringstead Bay
It's important to be aware of safety procedures to help ensure a safe visit.
Places to stay
Portland House
Get a spectacular taste of 1930’s glamour in this stunning Art-Deco, Hollywood -Spanish inspired style villa on the Dorset coast.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About Ringstead Bay
Spend a day on this quiet stretch of the West Dorset coast where you can take a walk across the cliff tops above Ringstead, bring a kite, or pack a picnic and follow one of the steep ancient tracks down to the shingle beach. The water is incredibly clear and safe for bathing.
Part of the Jurassic coastline, on a fine day there are great views across Weymouth Bay to Portland. If you walk out to White Nothe, you will pass above Burning Cliff which once caught fire due its composition of oil shale and iron pyorites.
Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with Ringstead Bay.