Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay is one of the most fascinating stretches of the Jurassic Coast, known for its dramatic coastline, fossils, rock pools and spectacular views across the sea.

Just a short drive from West Lulworth, Kimmeridge makes an excellent day trip if you’re interested in the Jurassic Coast, geology, wildlife, walking or simply exploring somewhere a little quieter.

It’s also home to The Etches Collection, an excellent museum of Jurassic marine life.

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Why visit Kimmeridge?

Kimmeridge feels very different from Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

The bay is backed by rolling countryside and cliffs, with rocky ledges exposed at low tide. The area is particularly famous for its geology and fossils, and Kimmeridge gives you the chance to experience the Jurassic Coast in a completely different way.

It’s a great place to combine a beach visit with a museum, coastal walk or some fossil spotting.

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Getting to Kimmeridge from Lulworth

Kimmeridge is around 8 miles from West Lulworth, making it one of the easiest day trips from the village.

The drive takes roughly 15–20 minutes, depending on traffic and access.

Get directions to Kimmeridge Bay

The approach to Kimmeridge is through narrow country lanes, so take your time and be prepared for passing places.

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Kimmeridge Bay

The bay itself is the main attraction.

At low tide, the rocky foreshore reveals layers of Jurassic rock and plenty of rock pools. It’s a wonderful place to explore, particularly with children who enjoy looking for crabs and other marine life.

The coastline is also popular for swimming, snorkelling, kayaking and other watersports, although conditions can change quickly and care is needed around the rocky shoreline.

Kimmeridge is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, and some of the geology here is internationally important.

Our top tip

Check the tide times before you go.

A low tide can completely change the experience at Kimmeridge, exposing the rocky foreshore and making it much better for rock pooling and exploring.

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Fossils at Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge is famous for its fossils.

The rocks here formed around 157 million years ago, when this part of Dorset lay beneath a warm Jurassic sea.

You may find loose fossils on the foreshore, but there are important rules around collecting.

Do not hammer the cliffs or shale beds. The Etches Collection advises that hammering the cliffs and shale beds at Kimmeridge is strictly forbidden because of conservation and safety concerns. Loose fossils may be collected responsibly from the foreshore.

If you find something particularly interesting, consider taking a photograph rather than removing it.

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The Etches Collection

If you’re interested in fossils and dinosaurs, The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life is well worth adding to your visit.

The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

The museum houses an extraordinary collection of fossils from Kimmeridge and the surrounding Jurassic Coast, including marine reptiles and other creatures from the ancient Jurassic sea.

It is a particularly good option if the weather isn’t ideal for spending the whole day outside.

The museum currently opens 10am–5pm daily, apart from Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Current admission is £9.50 for adults, £4.75 for children aged 5–16, with children under five free. The museum website states there’s no need to pre-book.

Check current Etches Collection prices & opening times

Prices last checked August 2026

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Clavell Tower

One of Kimmeridge’s most recognisable landmarks is Clavell Tower, standing high above the bay.

The tower was built in 1831 as an observatory and folly and was later moved and rebuilt further inland to protect it from coastal erosion.

You can see the tower from the surrounding coastline and countryside, although it is privately operated as holiday accommodation rather than being a normal visitor attraction.

It makes a particularly striking feature in photographs of the bay. You can walk up close to the tower and enjoy the beautiful views – it’s about an hour round trip from the car park, though the path is a little uneven in places.

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Walking at Kimmeridge

Kimmeridge is a great starting point for coastal and countryside walks.

The South West Coast Path passes through the area, with routes following the cliffs and connecting Kimmeridge with other parts of the Purbeck coast.

You can also combine Kimmeridge with Tyneham for a longer day exploring the countryside and military history of the area.

Read out Tyneham Visitor Guide

If you’re planning a longer walk, check the current Lulworth Ranges access information before setting off, as military activity can affect access to parts of the surrounding coastline.

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Wildlife and rock pools

Kimmeridge is particularly good for exploring marine life when the tide is out.

The rock pools can contain crabs, anemones, fish and other small creatures, while the surrounding waters are home to a wide variety of marine wildlife.

The Wild Seas Centre, run by Dorset Wildlife Trust, is located at Kimmeridge Bay and provides information about the marine environment and wildlife of the area.

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Parking at Kimmeridge

Parking at Kimmeridge Bay is accessed via the private toll road operated by the Smedmore Estate.

The current toll for a car is £6, with contactless payment accepted. Once you’ve paid the toll, there is no additional charge for parking at the bay.

There is also parking near The Etches Collection, although spaces at the museum are limited.

The Etches Collection specifically asks visitors not to park on the main road through the village if its car park is full, as this can obstruct emergency vehicles and access for local traffic. They recommend using the quarry car park or parking at Kimmeridge Bay and walking to the museum.

Check current Kimmeridge parking information

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Swimming and watersports

Kimmeridge Bay is popular for swimming, snorkelling, diving, kayaking and other watersports.

The bay is relatively sheltered compared with some stretches of the open Jurassic Coast, but the rocky shoreline and changing sea conditions mean you should always take care.

Check the weather and tide conditions before getting into the water.

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Kimmeridge and the Jurassic Coast

One of the best things about visiting Kimmeridge is that it feels like a natural continuation of your Jurassic Coast exploration.

From West Lulworth you can explore:

Lulworth Cove → Man O’ War → Durdle Door → Kimmeridge → Studland → Old Harry Rocks

Each section of the coast looks completely different.

If you’re staying for several days, Kimmeridge is an excellent way to spend a day away from the busiest visitor spots around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door.

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A little local history

There’s more to Kimmeridge than geology.

Look out for reminders of the area’s military history around the bay, including a pillbox and anti-tank obstacles dating from the Second World War.

Kimmeridge also has an unusual connection with the history of the oil industry. The famous Kimmeridge nodding donkey can be seen on the hillside above the bay, marking an oil well that remains part of the landscape today.

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When is the best time to visit?

Kimmeridge is worth visiting throughout the year, but spring, summer and early autumn give you the best opportunity to combine the bay with rock pooling, walking and watersports.

If fossils and rock pools are your main reason for visiting, check the tide times and aim for a suitable low tide.

For a quieter experience, try visiting outside the middle of the summer day when the bay is at its busiest.

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