Chesil Beach in Dorset is a stunning 18-mile stretch of shingle beach, which links West Bay to the Isle of Portland and is the longest in the UK – and it’s a must-visit destination
Tucked away on England’s picturesque south coast lies Britain’s longest stretch of beach, Chesil Beach in Dorset, also referred to as Chesil Bank.
As one of the country’s three major shingle structures, its name originates from the old English word “chessil,” meaning “gravel” or “shingle”. This natural wonder stretches an impressive 18 miles, connecting West Bay to the Isle of Portland. In certain spots, it reaches heights of up to 15 metres and widths of 200 metres, solidifying its status as the UK’s longest beach.
Beyond the beach lies the Fleet, a tranquil tidal lagoon teeming with wading birds, a thriving swan colony, and fossils waiting to be discovered. Its deepest point reaches a mere five metres, with most areas measuring less than two metres in depth.
Both the beach and the Fleet are integral components of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Country Life magazine has lauded the view of the beach from Abbotsbury as one of Britain’s finest.
This pebble-strewn beach boasts an astonishing 180 billion stones, remarkably decreasing in size along its length – from fist-sized pebbles in Portland to pea-sized stones in Bridport. According to local lore, smugglers landing on the beach under the cover of darkness could pinpoint their location simply by scooping up a handful of shingle, reports the Express.
Chesil Beach dramatically curves at its eastern end, near the village of Chiswell, creating Chesil Cove against the imposing cliffs of the Isle of Portland – a natural barrier that protects the low-lying village from the threat of flooding. Throughout history, this beach has borne witness to numerous shipwrecks, earning it the ominous nickname “Dead Man’s Bay” by none other than Thomas Hardy.
The acclaimed author, John Fowles, captured the essence of Chesil with his stirring words: “It is above all an elemental place, made of sea, shingle and sky, its dominant sound always that of waves on moving stone: from the great surf and pounding … of sou’westers, to the delicate laps and back-gurgling of the rare dead calm….”
Sheltered by Chesil Beach, the town of Weymouth in Dorset and Chiswell on Portland remain protected from harsh winds and waves. Nearby Hamm Beach, which lies on the eastern flank of Chesil Beach and looks into the tranquil Portland Harbour, flaunts a landscape of gentle sand dunes atop a pebble base.
Once part of a lengthier expanse of land and a tombolo, Hamm Beach has now receded beneath contemporary encroachment, distinctly separate and differently formed from Chesil Beach. These untamed and robust shores are typically quiet, attracting visitors throughout the year but rarely crowded.
The only spot with lifeguard services across this wild stretch is West Bay during the peak summer season. Swimming is generally advised against except at this watched beach due to formidable riptides and hefty swells.
