Worbarrow Bay
Dorset
Worbarrow Bay is a sweeping crescent of shingle and coarse sand on the Purbeck coast, backed by white chalk and sandstone cliffs and accessible only when the Lulworth Firing Ranges are open to the public. The bay sits within Ministry of Defence land, reached by a flat 20-minute walk from the abandoned village of Tyneham, which was evacuated in 1943 and never reoccupied. The dramatic headland of Worbarrow Tout rises at the eastern end, and fossilised dinosaur footprints can be found in the rocks. The restricted access keeps visitor numbers low, giving the beach a genuinely remote and unspoilt character even on fine weekends.
Dogs are welcome year-round on this dog friendly beach with no restrictions, and the quiet, spacious setting makes it one of the best off-lead beaches in Dorset for dogs that enjoy freedom. There are no facilities on the beach itself, so bring food, water and everything you need for the day. Parking is at Tyneham village car park (donation, honesty box), where there are also portable toilets and picnic benches. The ranges are typically open on weekends and during school holidays, but dates vary, so checking the MOD range opening times before visiting is essential. The car park gate locks at 7pm.
At a Glance
Beach Must-Haves
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LumoLeaf Portable Dog Water Bottles
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Mud Daddy 8L Portable Pet Washing Device
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Dog Travel Bag
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Dog Tie Out Stake and Run Cable
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Dog Life Jacket
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Frequently Asked Questions
Worbarrow Bay is a fantastic spot for dogs, earning an 8/10 dog-friendly rating. There are no restrictions on the beach, so dogs can roam off-lead across the sweeping shingle and sand , and with visitor numbers kept low by the limited access, it's one of the more spacious and peaceful beaches in Dorset for a proper off-lead run.
Yes, dogs are welcome at Worbarrow Bay throughout the year with no seasonal restrictions. The key thing to bear in mind is that access depends on the Lulworth Firing Ranges being open, so the time of year matters less than checking the MOD's range opening schedule before you go.
The most important thing is to check the MOD range opening times before you visit , the ranges are typically open on weekends and during school holidays, but dates vary and there's no getting in when they're closed. The beach has no facilities at all, so bring plenty of water and food for both you and your dog. Parking is at Tyneham village car park (BH20 5QF), where you'll find portable toilets and picnic benches, and note that the car park gate locks at 7pm.
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