Secluded beach near 'ghost village' that will make you feel like you're abroad
If you're after an idyllic day out, our gorgeous South West region offers plenty of stunning seaside locations. Whether it's spending the day on Weymouth Beach's golden sands, enjoying incredible views at Ogmore Beach in Vale of Glamorgan or discovering the hidden gem Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare, one corner of the UK has it all.
But for beach lovers looking to go off the beaten path and discover the road less travelled, Worbarrow Bay might be just what you are looking for. Nestled along Dorset's renowned Jurassic Coast, this secluded "beautiful" beach might require a bit more mileage and hiking than your average seaside spot.
This beach is located approximately a mile away from the ghost village of Tyneham and just east of Lulworth Cove.
For those undeterred by rural roads and winding routes, Tyneham can be accessed via the B3070, following signs for the village. Be aware though - steep roads and narrow paths await the intrepid traveller.
Nowadays, it serves as a living museum where tourists can delve into the village's history, exploring pre-war buildings such as houses, farmhouses, a church and a school. Worbarrow Bay is tranquil and rarely crowded because, like Tyneham village, it falls under the management of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and is only accessible on most weekends or during school holidays.
You can park in the Tyneham village car park and drop £2 into an 'honesty box' for all-day parking before setting off on the one-mile trek to the beach. The coastal walk is a delight in itself, gradually revealing more of the Jurassic Coast and the sea's azure waters, spurring you on towards the beach.
Worbarrow Bay is a shingle beach, so ensure you're wearing sturdy footwear for both the journey there and while on the beach. The serene, pebbly beach is also typically uncrowded, leaving you spoilt for choice when deciding where to set up for a picnic.
Worbarrow Bay
It's also one of the few beaches in Dorset that welcomes dogs all year round. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking, and the water is perfect for a dip when the weather permits - just remember to always check the tides wherever you swim.
Visiting the bay, it's hard to believe it was once used for practice as the Allies prepared for the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe in 1944, much like Tyneham, which was deserted so soldiers could train there. According to Visit Dorset, strolls along this beach are permitted, but visitors must stick to the yellow-marked paths at all times.
Local photographer, Hannah Tompkins, previously dubbed this beach "a hidden treasure" that gives you a holiday vibe. She further added: "The waters in the bay are turquoise blue and during the summer it really does feel like you are abroad.
"You have to tread along a track to reach the beach, only accessible by foot but once you arrive, the bay is beautiful! It's akin to Lulworth Cove but on a grander scale."
Holidaymakers have been left awestruck by the secluded location, with reviews lauding the "pleasant" beach with "absolutely magnificent" vistas on a balmy sunny day. David from Christchurch said on TripAdvisor: "My wife and I took family on a visit to Tyneham Village and then we walked for approximately 20 minutes to Worbarrow Bay on a beautiful sunny day; the scenery was spectacular and there wasn't a huge number of people about compared to the packed beaches of Bournemouth and Sandbanks.
"We completed our circular walk over Gad Cliff and back down into Tyneham Village. Highly recommended walk with lovely scenery and somewhat of a hidden gem on the Jurassic coastline."
Another visitor said: "We visited the bay late one evening (7pm), so it was quiet. The is a donation charge of £2 for parking. Lovely walk through the woods to get to the bay. Beautiful beach and stunning views. Climbed the very steep hill and watched the sunset, it was so peaceful. Our dog enjoyed his late evening swim."
"Gate to the area closes at 9pm, think it opens at 6am."
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