Kimmeridge Bay

The shale cliffs at Kimmeridge Bay rise in neat, dark bands - layers of ancient rock tilted almost vertical, like someone's stacked a whole geology lesson on end. You can walk right down to the shore and run your hands over them, which is half the appeal. It's not dramatic in the way Durdle Door is, but there's something oddly compelling about the raw simplicity of it.

The bay itself is fairly sheltered and sits about three miles south of Wareham, making it an easy enough run from any of the nearby campsites like Norden Farm or Woodyhyde. It's a proper working beach - you'll see fossils if you know where to look, and the rock pools are decent for poking about in. Most visitors spend an hour, maybe ninety minutes, before the novelty wears thin. Families with young kids often underestimate how long the walk back up takes, so wear proper shoes.

Geologically minded adults will get the most from it. The shale layers tell a real story if you're into that sort of thing. Casual beach walkers might find it a touch stark compared to Dorset's sandier stretches, but it's free and honest - no car park charges, no concessions. Go midweek if you can. Weekends pull in the university crowd doing field trips, which crowds the narrow access path. Low tide is best for exploring the rocks properly.