Chesil Beach, a stunning 18-mile stretch of shingle beach along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, is best viewed from an elevated position such as the viewpoint at Portland Heights on the Isle of Portland. This viewpoint offers a breathtaking panorama of almost the entire beach, allowing visitors to fully appreciate its scale and beauty.
The Chesil Beach Viewpoint
The Chesil Beach Viewpoint is located at Portland Heights on the Isle of Portland, offering a stunning vantage point to admire the entirety of the Chesil Beach. From this elevated position, visitors can take in the full scope of the beach, marveling at its impressive length and the unique pebble composition that makes it so distinctive.
Accessing the Viewpoint
Reaching the Chesil Beach Viewpoint is relatively straightforward. Visitors can access the viewpoint by following the Jurassic Coast Road, which provides excellent views of the beach, the Fleet Lagoon, and the surrounding countryside. Alternatively, the Chesil Beach Visitor Centre near Portland offers easy access to the viewpoint via a short but steep walk.
Exploring the Surrounding Area
In addition to the Chesil Beach Viewpoint, the area around Chesil Beach offers a wealth of other attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. The Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, for example, provides insights into the beach’s unique features, such as its distinctive pebble composition and the rich marine life that thrives in its waters.
Activities and Amenities
Chesil Beach is a popular destination for various activities, including swimming, diving, and fishing. However, swimming is discouraged at the eastern end due to the sudden drop-off of the seabed. Swimmers should head to West Bay, where a lifeguard service is available during the summer months. Experienced divers enjoy exploring the beach’s diverse marine life, while anglers frequent the beach throughout the year for its excellent fishing opportunities.
Nearby Attractions
In addition to Chesil Beach, the surrounding area is home to a variety of other stunning beaches and natural wonders. These include Ringstead Bay, Seatown Beach, Studland Bay, Lulworth Cove, Worbarrow Bay, Osmington Mills, Chapman’s Pool, and the iconic Durdle Door.
Accessibility and Parking
Parking is available at several locations along Chesil Beach. At the eastern end, the Chesil Beach Visitor Centre’s pay and display car park provides easy access to the beach via a short but steep walk. Another option is the car park behind Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, which features a wooden ramp for easy access and a paved road for admiring the views. For the western end, pay and display car parks are available at West Bexington, Burton Bradstock, and West Bay.
Distance to Nearby Attractions
Chesil Beach is approximately:
| Attraction | Distance |
|---|---|
| Highlands End and Eype Beach | 18.4 miles |
| Golden Cap | 20.6 miles |
| Graston Copse | 15.3 miles |
| Sandyholme | 15.0 miles |
Conclusion
The Chesil Beach Viewpoint at Portland Heights offers a truly breathtaking perspective on one of Dorset’s most iconic natural wonders. Whether you’re a beach enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply someone in search of a stunning panoramic view, this viewpoint is a must-visit destination along the Jurassic Coast.
References:
– Chesil Beach – West Dorset Leisure Holidays. Retrieved from https://wdlh.co.uk/offsite-place/chesil-beach/
– Chesil Beach – All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g190817-d2248762-Reviews-Chesil_Beach-Weymouth_Dorset_England.html
– View point of Chesil Beach from Portland – Weymouth – Tripadvisor. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g190817-d3844861-i98810729-Portland_Plateau-Weymouth_Dorset_England.html
– Chesil Beach – fotoVUE. Retrieved from https://fotovue.com/viewpoints/dorset/chesil-beach/
– Chesil Beach View from Portland | The Dorset Guide. Retrieved from https://www.dorsets.co.uk/photos/chesil-beach-view-portland.htm