The prize for the most misleading headline (all I really found were sea shells this time) goes to…. Me, but stay with me.

Kimmeridge is one of those spots that often gets overlooked in favour of Lyme Regis or Charmouth, when people are off to look at Jurassic Coast geology, but it is one of my favourite little spots in Dorset, one that shouldn’t be ignored and perfect for fossil hunting…

Kimmeridge Bay is part of the world famous Jurassic Coast and features some of the most important geology in the area. It gives its name to the Kimmeridgian, the division of the Jurassic period in which the beds were laid down, because of the quality of the cliffs and the fossils you can find there, though it’s of note to be very careful when close to the cliffs as they fall, quite regularly.

It’s also perfect for rockpooling as the tide goes out to reveal natural limestone ledges, which make it easy to view life on the shore and in the shallow waters, making it a wonderful location for rockpooling. It’s said to be one of the safest snorkelling locations in Dorset too, with plenty to see. For surfers? Kimmeridge offers Dorset’s best reef break, Broadbench, which can hold waves of up to 15 feet!

To get to Kimmeridge you do have to pass down a toll road, and both the bay and road are open from 0800-2000 every day, with last entry at 1900. The toll road is currently only accepting contactless card payments.

Parking costs as of 12th October 2020 are as below:

Motorbikes: £1
Cars: £5
Minibuses & Motor Homes: £10
Coaches / Over 15 Seater: £20
Vehicle with Trailer: £15
Vehicle with boat / Canoe on Roof: £10

From the car park you can also access the SW Coast Path in both directions, and head towards Chapman’s Pool or Lulworth Cove if you choose!