Kimmeridge Bay, half a mile south west of the village of Kimmeridge, features some of the most important geology anywhere on the Jurassic Coast. It is also a great place to explore marine wildlife, the natural limestone ledges extending out into the bay make it  a wonderful location for rock pooling. Kimmeridge Bay is accessed via a toll road (parking is included in the toll) but once at the Bay you can easily fill a day here.

Kimmeridge Bay Wild Seas Centre is an interactive marine hub right beside the slipway, helping visitors discover the wildlife and geology of this special stretch of the Jurassic Coast. Inside this Dorset Wildlife Trust centre, you’ll find engaging displays, aquaria and friendly information to guide you out to the rockpools, shore and snorkel trail. It’s an ideal starting point for families and nature-lovers keen to explore the bay’s underwater world and learn how to care for it. The centre is closed in the winter between November and March.

On a calm day the Kimmeridge Snorkel Trail allows a unique glimpse under the waves. Peer into the water to see a wide variety of seaweeds & rockpool creatures. Specialities include Peacock’s Tail Seaweed, Connemara Clingfish and Montagu’s Blennies. In shallow water, large wrasse and shoals of small fish can be seen against a colourful backdrop of Rainbow Wrack & coralline seaweeds. Occasionally large marine mammals such as seals and dolphins can be spotted!

A waterproof guide, available to purchase at the Wild Seas visitor centre, gives directions for following the Trail, safety advice, snorkelers code of conduct and a photo identification guide to the commonest wildlife along the route. Masks and snorkels are also available to hire at the centre for a small charge. The Trail is open from May to September.

For a flavour of what you might see under the water, take a look at this fascinating video  by Andy Marsh, as he follows the Trail.

Take a stroll along the newly improved footpath to Kimmeridge Village, led by new wayfinding fingerposts along the walking trail. Eye-catching illustrations along the trail tell the story of Kimmeridge marine life past and present, showing how the creatures found here today are linked to past wildlife through geological time.

Once in the village you can explore the Etches Collection museum of Jurassic Marine Life and learn more about the fantastic fossils along the coast and enjoy a well deserved ice-cream!

Longer walks: you can access the South West Coast Path at Kimmeridge Bay and walk for miles in either direction. To the east you will find the iconic Clavell Tower overlooking the sea (not open to visitors) or head west for breathtaking walks to Tyneham village and Worbarrow Bay.

NB Kimmeridge is close to the Lulworth Ranges and can be closed for military practice, check for restrictions on the gov.uk website

More information about the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site: visit the Dorset Coast Forum website to find out all about this unique stretch of coastline.

Kimmeridge is close to the Lulworth Ranges and can be closed for military practice. The roads and paths are generally open at weekends and during school holidays but please do check for restrictions on the gov.uk website