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Ringstead Bay
Unspoilt beach, farmland and cliffs on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Ringstead, near Weymouth, Dorset, DT2 8NQ
Important notice
The steps leading to the east side of Ringstead beach have been damaged by the recent storm and it is not safe to access the beach via this route. The west side of Ringstead beach is still accessible.
Opening times for 28 November 2023
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Parking charges apply: £1.20 for 1 hour, £2.40 for 2 hours, £3.60 for 3 hours and £4 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
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
Visit this unspoilt stretch of the Jurassic Coast in west Dorset. Explore the flower-covered cliffs, shingle beach, rock pools and crystal-clear seawater.
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.
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.
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.