Chesil Beach is a unique 18-mile shingle bank that stretches from the Isle of Portland to West Bay near Bridport. It is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is divided into different sections, each owned by various entities with their own access arrangements. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to navigate the parking options along Chesil Beach.
Accessing Chesil Beach: Parking Options
The southern end of Chesil Beach on Portland is accessible through small car parks at Chiswell and near the RYA Sailing Centre. The northern end of Chiswell can be reached via a car park off Victoria Square. Ferrybridge has a large pay-and-display car park adjacent to the Chesil Beach Visitors Centre. Camp Road in Weymouth offers on-road parking with good views of Chesil Beach. Abbotsbury has a large paid car park during the summer, with a wooden walkway to the top of the beach. West Bexington has a car park right on the beach, and Cogden Beach has a National Trust car park with a 0.5km walk to Chesil Beach. Burton Hive Beach has a National Trust car park alongside the beach with a cafe and toilets. West Bay provides access to the northern end of Chesil Beach through several car parks.
The Chesil Beach Centre and Car Park
The Chesil Beach Centre and car park, managed by the Dorset Wildlife Trust, is located near the Fleet Lagoon. The centre is open 7 days a week, all year round from 10 am to 4 pm, and features a large car park, toilets, and a shop. The Fleet Lagoon is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and an important habitat for many species. The Chesil Beach Visitor Centre offers information about the wildlife in the area.
Parking Charges at Chesil Beach
Parking at Chesil Beach is available at various locations, and the charges vary depending on the location and the time of year. Here are the details:
Chesil Car Park, Portland
The Chesil car park in Portland is a JustPark location (no. 6210) and is open 24 hours a day. You can pay by phone (01305 235498) with a 6p booking fee or by mobile with JustPark (Location No. 6210). SMS text message charges apply.
The parking charges for cars at Chesil car park, Portland are as follows:
| Time | Up to 30 mins | Up to 1 hour | Up to 2 hours | Up to 3 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 10 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter charges | £0.80 | £1.50 | £2.30 | £3.30 | £5.30 | £9 |
| Summer charges | £1.50 | £3 | £4.50 | £6 | £7.50 | £15 |
Motorhomes and vans less than 6m parking charges at Chesil car park, Portland are as follows:
| Time | Up to 1 hour | Up to 2 hours | Up to 3 hours | Up to 4 hours | Up to 10 hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter charges | £2.30 | £3 | £4.50 | £6 | £10.50 |
| Summer charges | £3.80 | £5.30 | £6.80 | £8.30 | £19.50 |
Please note that no motorhome parking is allowed from 10 pm to 8 am.
Conclusion
Chesil Beach is a unique and beautiful natural wonder, and navigating the parking options can be a bit of a challenge. However, with this comprehensive guide, you’ll be able to plan your visit and enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife that Chesil Beach has to offer. Remember to check the parking charges and restrictions before your visit, and don’t hesitate to explore the various access points along the beach.
References:
– Chesil Beach Parking on Portland Town Council Website
– Chesil Beach Information on Dorset Guide
– Chesil Beach Car Park Information on Dorset Council Website
– Chesil Beach Access Information
– Chesil Beach Parking on Parkopedia