About
Visiting Chesil Bank and its pebble barrier beach with your dog is a wonderful idea, as this unique location offers stunning natural beauty and plenty of space for your furry friend to explore. Here’s a guide to help you make the most of your visit:
Dog-Friendly Policies
Dogs are welcome on Chesil Bank and Beach throughout the year, making it an ideal spot for a visit in any season. Owners should keep their dogs under close control and on a lead around wildlife.
Chesil is closed to everyone as a thoroughfare between the Tank Teeth at Abbotsbury and the Portland Boundary Stone from the 1st May and 31st August. Outside of this time only allows dogs on leads to the seaward side of the beach. This restriction protects ground nesting birds.
Things To See & Do
Chesil Bank, also known as Chesil Beach, is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach stretching from West Bay to the Isle of Portland on the Dorset coast. It marks the southerly point of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is renowned for its unique geological formation and stunning views. The beach provides a dramatic and picturesque landscape, perfect for a day with your dog.
Chesil Bank is not a beach to laze around on playing in the sand. It is a shingle and pebble beach separated from the mainland by the Fleet, a shallow tidal lagoon. The expansive shoreline is perfect for lengthy strolls, allowing your dog to roam freely and enjoy the fresh sea air.
The Fleet stretches from Abbotsbury in the West to Ferry Bridge in the East, opening into Portland Harbour. The Fleet is tidal and boasts a variety of habitats, both within the water and along the shoreline.
Chesil Bank is managed to balance human activity with wildlife needs, particularly in terms of protecting bird nesting sites and managing visitor impact. At various times of the year, some areas restrict access due to the protection of nesting birds, and you will need to follow instructions on local signage.
Access and Facilities
Parking at Abbotsbury and Chesil beach visitor centre with Abbotsbury to the West being the place for cream teas.
