Coastal Tour

Dunster
Minehead
Porlock
Exmoor
Lynmouth
Lynton
Combe Martin
Watermouth
Ilfracombe
Woolacombe
Bideford
Westward Ho
Clovelly
Bude
Padstow
Bedruthan Steps
Newquay
St Ives
Sennen Cove
Lands End
Penzance
St Michaels Mount
Lizard
Falmouth
Looe
Plymouth
Paignton
Torquay
Beer
Seaton
Lyme Regis
Chesil Beach
Portland
Weymouth
Lulworth Cove
Corfe Castle
Swanage
Bournemouth & Poole
New Forest




Welcome to Chesil Beach - Portland

Chesil Beach is a long shingle ridge that joins with Portland and extends to Burton Bradstock covering some 18 miles. At Burton Bradstock there is a visitor centre and access to the beach. By far the best views are from Portland where these photographs were taken.

There is a history of shipwrecks on Chesil Beach, caused by the strong sea breeze and tides. In 1749 the Dutch vessel 'Hope' encountered storms in the English Channel and ran aground with a cargo of gold and silver. The locals had a field day and the hapless Dutch had to fend for themselves and make their way to shore and safety, abandoning their ship and its precious cargo.

The beach is thought to be over 5000 years old. This is a popular shore diving and fishing site and has been designated as a "special site of scientific interest".


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