England
Dorset

Chesil Beach

Click on a thumbnail image to see the photo full sized

Chesil Beach is a long, narrow spit of land reaching 18 miles from Portland Bill to Abbotsbury. Chesil is a steep slope of shingle fronted by pebbles which have been polished smooth by the action of the waves. Visitors can search for "Hag" pebbles, which have a hole bored through them by the natural action of the water.

Chesil Beach from St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury

The Fleet Nature Reserve, a protected wetland area formed in the lea of the Bank, is one of Europe's most important tidal and semi-tidal natural habitats, a haven for bird life. Telscopes are available at the visitor centre to enable visitors to study the birds attracted to the area.

The Chesil Beach Centre near Portland tells the story of the regions unique geology through a series of interactive displays. Visitors can also take a trip on the glass-bottomed Fleet Observer boat to examine the marine world of Chesil more closely.

Since 1543 the management of Chesil Bank has ben under the care of the Ilchester Estate, which also manages Abbotsbury Swannery.

CONTACT
Chesil Beach Centre
Portland Beach Road
Portland
Dorset
DT4 9XE
Telephone / Fax: +44 (0)1305 760 579

Entry: free

See also: Chesil Beach and the Ancient Mermaid