Chesil Beach
South Coast
Portland

Chesil beach is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most significant features. It is an 18 mile long pebble and shingle beach which connects the Isle of Portland to the mainland and extends on to West Bay.

Chesil Beach is on average 160 metres wide and rises to 12 metres in height.  The pebbles which are mainly a mix of flint and chert are graded in size from fist-sized near Portland to pea-sized at Bridport. It is separated from the mainland by the Fleet Lagoon which is important for wildlife.  The Chesil Beach Visitors Centre offers displays on all aspects of the Fleet and Chesil Beach.  Bookings can be made here for the Fleet Explorer, a glass-bottomed boat that takes passengers around the lower Fleet. There is also a small gift shop and the Taste Café with a variety of refreshments.