Pictures of Chesil Beach

a Beauty Spot in the county of Dorset

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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Nearby travel help

Upwey Station

Weymouth Station

Bournemouth Airport

M5 Junction 25

M5 Junction 26

Exeter Airport

Hotels near Chesil Beach

	Award Guest House 35 Ranelagh Rd, Weymouth, Dorset, England (4.9 miles, 7.9 km, direction E) Excellent location within close proximity to beach front and town centre. All rooms include breakfast and have tea and coffee making facilities. Accessibility to all local amenities is very conven... More info and book online.. Price from £29.00
	Hotel Rembrandt 12-18 Dorchester Road, Weymouth, Dorset, Dorset, England (5.0 miles, 8.1 km, direction E) Conveniently located close to Weymouth beach and town centre. Ample free parking and easy access to local Dorset attractions and Jurassic Coast. Free use of the leisure centre including indoor heated ... More info and book online.. Price from £95.00
	The Sun Inn 26 King Street, Weymouth, Dorset, Dorset, England (5.1 miles, 8.1 km, direction E) A short walk from the station and the Weymouth beach, this inn offers a rare opportunity to experience a night in a four-poster bed. The Atlantic Four Poster Room takes pride of place in this selec... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00
	Best Western Hotel Prince Regent 139 The Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, Dorset, England (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E) With glorious views across the sparkling bay to the craggy Dorset coastline, this Georgian hotel centres itself on traditional hospitality. Choose from a choice of comfortable rooms, most with su... More info and book online.. Price from £75.00
	Russell Hotel The Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, Dorset, England (5.1 miles, 8.2 km, direction E) Positioned on the historic Victorian Esplanade, with wonderful, uninterrupted views of Weymouth Bay, this hotel offers comfortable accommodation with a prime location. The town centre is a short w... More info and book online.. Price from £38.00