Day Trip To Kimmeridge Bay

From the very beginning I need to say that my day trip to Kimmeridge Bay was a total success and a completely new experience.

Believe it or not, as experienced as I like to consider myself as a traveler, I neither have been on camping nor sleeping in a tent before. So, imagine my enthusiasm but also the stress when my friends launched the invitation.

What and where is Kimmeridge Bay

As the name suggests, Kimmeridge is a bay and it is located on the South of the Jurassic coast in Dorset. It is close to Durdle Door, a magnificent natural work of art.

Day trip to Kimmeridge Bay. Durdle Door, Dorset

The abrupt coast is made of layers of mud in which you can easily find fossils. Seriously, just take a closer look and you will get addicted to finding the small treasures.

Did you know the fossil of a dinosaur was also found in here? Check the museum on your way to the Bay – it’s small but very interesting.

Day trip to Kimmeridge Bay. Durdle Door, Dorset

Although the shore is not the idyllic beach you would hope for, I will show you why this destination is nothing but fun and brings in many nice surprises.

For tips on exotic beaches check my articles about Varadero or Cayo Largo.

How to get to Kimmeridge Bay

The best way to reach this spot is by car, as it is remote and there’s no form of public transport to get there. And, when I say by car, I actually suggest a van, for numerous reasons and purposes.

A day trip to Kimmeridge Bay is a complex one and I’d suggest you maximize the experience by rigorously preparing it.

Why you should visit Kimmeridge Bay

OK, it’s obvious I’ve only visited this place once and this is not making me an expert already. But the connection I immediately felt is worth both this article and your visit.

Why I loved it? Because it’s serene and it disconnected me from the hustle and bustle of the everyday life. Because I tried something new and it won my heart. And, last but not the least,  because I found what I’ve been looking for every time I traveled: the simplicity and the beauty of life and the people who embrace it.

As any British coast line, the beach is rocky and the water quite cold. Kimmeridge Bay in particular is rich in seaweed and once the plants gather by the shore, the smell is unpleasant. Well, at least for a few minutes in the beginning.

But if you think this keeps the visitors away, you couldn’t be more wrong. The place can get jam packed on a beautiful sunny day. Luckily, it has a wide opening to the sea and there’s plenty of room for everyone.

What to do at Kimmeridge Bay

The main activities around the bay are related to the water. But you can also go hiking, visit or even camp at a farm, enjoy an open fire and a bbq, explore a forest and observe the stars.

1. Kayaking

This is something I’ve always loved. My first experience with the kayak was back in 2009, in Turkey and I always went for it every time I had a chance. Kayaking at Kimmeridge Bay is awesome, the water is clear and you can see a lot of colorful seaweed. If you get a wet-suit or if you are brave enough without one, you can also go snorkeling. My friend did that, I just said pas this time. Or go on a boat or paddle. I won’t try to extend this part of the article talking about all the water activities you could go for. The only thing you need to bear in mind is that you need to bring your own gear. The bay is remote and wild and you won’t find anything to rent. Also, there are no restaurants by the shore.

2. Hunt for fossils

. Ammonite fossil found on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay

Everybody does it. This fun activity doesn’t sound like a lot now, but once you are there, you will get addicted and won’t want to stop until you find the perfect ammonite fossils at Kimmeridge Bay. And the good news is that whatever you find, it’s yours! Just don’t bring hammers, it’s not allowed. Truth is you don’t even need them. Look at this beauty I found!

3. South West Coast Path – Heaven’s Gate at Kimmeridge Bay

This path will take to the top of the mountain. It’s not a real mountain but being high above the sea, you’ll get the most spectacular views of the entire area. You may want to check the Clavell Tower as well.

4. Go camping

The area is surrounded by farms and many of them offer camping areas. Depending on what type of camper you are, you can find areas that welcome furry friends (um, as in dogs, mostly – just had to clarify that), open fire or, sometimes, none of these. Don’t forget these are simple farms, hence don’t expect modern facilities. Toilets are everything you will find and hopefully you can accept the hole-in-the-ground type of loo. Of course, you will get to enjoy the serenity and the beauty of the green fields, admire the sheep, lambs and cows. You’ll feel like Heidi (Johanna Spyri’s famous novel character).

5. Follow a path down the forest or enjoy being in the middle of the nature. 

Easy peasy and adventurous. Usually the path from the camping farms to the water takes no longer than a 30 minutes hike.

6. The Etches Collection, Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

Although I did not visit the museum, my friends told me it’s quite interesting and it exhibits the fossil of a dinosaur. What I know for sure here is that you absolutely must have an ice cream at the pub across the street (see the exact name and directions below).

7. Observe the stars

Don’t laugh, it’s just like with the fossils. Doesn’t sound like amazing fun, but it might become addictive. Especially if you get lucky, like me, and, on a random night with clear sky, you get to see the International Space Station and a meteor (I’ll have to find again the name of this one).

What to see near Kimmeridge Bay

Whether you spend a day in the area or your dates are flexible, there’s plenty to do in Dorset. Here’s just a few spots you shouldn’t miss:

Bournemouth sandy beach

Bournemouth sandy beach on a crowded Saturday, June 30 2019

1. Bournemouth – the beautiful and peaceful resort town famous for its warm and friendly weather all year round compared to the rest of England. On hot weekend days, the wide and fine sandy beach can get incredibly crowded.
2. Poole
3. Durdle Door
4. Beaulieu Motor Museum

I let the photos speak for Bournemouth:

What to do on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay if it rains

This is not the forecast you want to encounter when going camping in general. But, this should not really stop you from enjoying the break in the middle of the nature, right?

I just love to read my favorite book in a tent, as rain  is knocking all around the Heaven’s door. Or the Durdle’s Door.

But perhaps checking the pubs in the area would be more like your thing? For example, right across the small Dinosaurs museum there’s a really inviting restaurant. I did not try the food, but the ice-cream was to die for. oh, still dreaming of it and I cannot wait to go back, only for that. Yes, you got that right, I’d  drive for over an hour just for a good ice-cream.

Tips: try the mint and chocolate chips or salted caramel, or chocoholic ones, yum. I better stop with this here as it’s not helping me focus.

What not to miss or forget when you go to Kimmeridge Bay

Even if you go for a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay, this is a place in the middle of the nature and, if you follow my blog, you are probably more connected to the city life. That’s why you need to make sure you won’t miss or forget the following:

1. Cozy clothing as the nights can get chilly.
2. Bedding and blankets so you can make a comfy nest in your tent.
3. Food for barbecue or anything you like, just do most of the work while still home. I admit I never understand why putting too much effort while being on vacation. This includes a BBQ day. Yes, prepare the meat, the potatoes, cut the salad etc before leaving home.
4. A flashlight and a couple of solar lamps come really handy.
5. The gear for whatever activities you enjoy. Could be a kayak or just boots and a trek suit.
6. It’s not an exotic beach but the sun is just as strong, so please avoid a sunburn – get your sunscreen lotion.
7. Drinks, starting with water, plenty of it, of course. And, why not, alcoholic drinks too –it’s a vacation after all. You might need a small fridge or a refrigerated box.  Just don’t drink if you drive!
8. The ice-cream at Clavell’s Restaurant, a former post office right across The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life. See on map.  

Kayaking on a day trip to Kimmeridge Bay

Now, being all said, see you at Kimmeridge? I can be easily spotted in a colorful kayak.