Ringstead Bay is a small shingle beach with some sand whose inaccessibility protects it from the worst of the summer crowds. Situated five miles east of Weymouth, this sheltered bay is overlooked by unspoilt farmland and cliffs and reached by means of a private road.
The bay has an interesting geology, from the famous coral beds at one end to the white chalk cliffs of White Nothe at the other, from the top of which are spectacular views of the Isle of Portland. The beach is also a popular haunt for fossil collectors, who can often be found rummaging in the rubble at the base of the cliffs for crushed ammonites and other fossils.
Type of beach
Shingle
Facilities
None - but there are public toilets and a cafe in Ringstead village
Pet friendly
Dog desc
Dogs are permitted throughout the year.
Directions
From the A353 through Upton village. The beach is reached either from the National Trust car park above Southdown Farm. the private car park in Ringstead or by the SW Coast Path.
Nearest town
Parking
There is a National Trust car park which is free - the car park is above Southdown Farm and is a quite a walk up hill from the beach. Also parking in the village but this is quite expensive.