Photo: Roger Davies / Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0
Ringstead Bay
A long pebble and shingle bay in National Trust care on the Jurassic Coast, reached by steep tracks from the clifftop, with dogs welcome all year on a short lead.
At a Glance
Beach Type
shingle
Dogs
Yes - year-round
Parking
Available
Access
Difficult (cliff path)
Swimming
Swim with caution
Facilities
Activities
A long pebble bay under National Trust care
Ringstead Bay is a stretch of beach, farmland and cliff on the Jurassic Coast in West Dorset, and the National Trust looks after it. The beach is pebble and shingle. The National Trust describes clean, clear water, and the Dorset National Landscape names the area near the breakwater as a good spot to snorkel.
Getting to the beach
The National Trust car park sits at the top of the cliff above Southdown Farm. A second car park by the beach is not National Trust. Overnight parking and camping are not allowed. Steep, ancient tracks lead from the car park through wildlife-rich fields down to the bay, so allow time for the climb back. The site is on the South West Coast Path, about 5.5 miles from Lulworth to the east and 7 miles from Weymouth to the west. The National Trust lists no toilets at its own site. The Reef Cafe, beside the beach car park, lists indoor and outdoor seating and toilets: check opening before you rely on them.
Dogs
The National Trust welcomes dog walkers and asks for dogs to be kept on a short lead, because ground-nesting birds and farm animals use the land. A short lead is essential around sheep, and owners must take dog waste home. Dorset Council’s beach dog rules list Ringstead Beach as open to dogs all year. Check them before you travel.
Swimming
No lifeguard cover is listed here, so treat swimming with caution.
Walks from the bay
East along the Coast Path you come to Burning Cliff, which once caught fire because of its oil shale and iron pyrites, on the way to White Nothe. On a clear day there are views across Weymouth Bay to Portland.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- Are dogs allowed at Ringstead Bay?
- Yes. The National Trust welcomes dog walkers and asks for a short lead to protect ground-nesting birds and farm animals, with a short lead essential around sheep. Dorset Council lists Ringstead Beach as open to dogs all year.
- Where do I park for Ringstead Bay?
- The National Trust car park is above the bay, and there is a second car park by the beach that is not National Trust. Overnight parking and camping are not permitted. Parking charges apply at the National Trust car park, so check the Trust's page for current rates.
- How steep is the walk to the beach?
- The Trust describes steep, ancient tracks from the car park down through the fields to the bay, with a mix of coast paths and shingle.
- Can I walk to Burning Cliff from here?
- Yes. The National Trust says that if you walk out to White Nothe you pass above Burning Cliff, which once caught fire because of its oil shale and iron pyrites.