Ringstead Bay
DorsetUnspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Ringstead, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT2 8NQ
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 21 February 2026
Asset Opening time Countryside Dawn - Dusk - 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. National Trust members and paying visitors can validate their parking with the JustPark app, or by using the machine to scan a membership card or pay with coins. Overnight parking or camping is not permitted. JustPark ID is 80664.
- 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 villageParking: 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
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.
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 1930s glamour in this stunning Art Deco 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.
Cerne Abbas Nature Appeal
We've looked after the Cerne Abbas Giant and the small plot of land he calls home since 1920. Now, thanks to thousands of supporters, we’ve been able to buy 340 acres of land surrounding the Giant to transform into a super site for nature. All future donations will help us restore the land, habitats and species that live there.
