Pictures of Chesil Beach

a Beauty Spot in the county of Dorset

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About Chesil Beach

One of the most remarkable features of England's fantastic coastal scenery is the magnificent stretch known as Chesil Beach, which runs for 10 miles from West Bay to the Isle of Portland. This whole length is one of natures wonders. It is a complete bank of shingle that reaches to a height of 40ft in places. The glorious lagoon that lies to the rear of the beach, is known as the fleet and is rich in eel-grass, a source of food for the Abbotsbury Swans. The placid waters of the Fleet are backed by mile after mile of rich meadowlands, grazed mostly by sheep.

Chesil Beach is amazing, bordering the lagoon is a great bank of pebbles and all along the bank is a continuous roar of the sea as it hurls back and forth over hundreds of thousands of pebbles. It is a beach that changes shape in accord with the mood of the mighty ocean. Fisher folklore decrees that fishermen judge their position according to the size of the pebbles. These same pebbles have caused many a ship to be wrecked when strong winds have swept across the bay. Good ships and fine men have met their fate here and many ships have gone down with all hands lost to the raveges of the ocean.

Not much survives from the great gales of 1824 which swept away the village of Fleet when a fierce tidal wave swept over the bank. Of the church it is only the chancel that remains, nothing was left of the village.

Disaster to one side, Chesil is a wonderful area that is very much in harmony with nature, it is a truly amazing place which is a haven for many species of sea-birds and wildlife. It is close to Portland Harbour, Fortuneswell and the lively resort of Weymouth.

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Featured accommodation near Chesil Beach

Book the Cliveden House Luxury Hotel in Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, England

Cliveden House Luxury Hotel
Cliveden, Taplow, Berkshire, England
Set in long, beautiful National Trust gardens, this historic Italianate mansion combines exquisite Edwardian elegance with modern luxury, fine cuisine and faultless hospitality. Cliveden is 45 minute...

Hotel Prices: from £246.00
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Recommended attractions near Chesil Beach

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Nearby travel help

Upwey Station

Weymouth Station

Bournemouth Airport

M5 Junction 25

M5 Junction 26

Exeter Airport

Hotels near Chesil Beach

	Moonfleet Manor Fleet, Weymouth, Dorset, England (1.1 miles, 1.8 km, direction E) Overlooking Chesil Beach and the Fleet Lagoon, this elegant Georgian manor hotel has an award-winning restaurant and spa treatments. Weymouth is close by. In the heart of beautiful countryside, many ... More info and book online.. Price from £190.00
	Sea View Weymouth, Dorset Coast (3.2 miles, 5.1 km, direction NE) Sea View is a delightfully furnished flat on Weymouths beachfront. The flat is situated on the second and third floor of the building. Sea View has a stunning view over Weymouth Bay with its fine san... More info and book online.. Price from £250.00
	Snaffles Nottington, Near Weymouth Dorset, Dorset Coast, England (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction E) Three refurbished, well equipped holiday cottages are close to the owner's home and stable complex. Set on a working farm within 30 acre grounds surrounded by peaceful, rolling Dorset countryside, ... More info and book online.. Price from £220.00
	Pelham Nottington, Near Weymouth Dorset, Dorset Coast, England (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction E) Three refurbished, well equipped holiday cottages are close to the owner's home and stable complex. Set on a working farm within 30 acre grounds surrounded by peaceful, rolling Dorset countryside, ... More info and book online.. Price from £220.00
	Kimberwick Nottington, Near Weymouth Dorset, Dorset Coast, England (3.9 miles, 6.3 km, direction E) Three refurbished, well equipped holiday cottages are close to the owner's home and stable complex. Set on a working farm within 30 acre grounds surrounded by peaceful, rolling Dorset countryside, ... More info and book online.. Price from £220.00