Ringstead Bay

Ringstead Bay is a quiet crescent of shingle beach on the Dorset coast between Weymouth and Durdle Door, backed by chalk farmland and overlooked by the dramatic cliffs of White Nothe to the east. The beach stretches for around half a mile and reveals sand at lower tides, with rock pools forming along the western end where a reef sits close to the shore. The water is notably clear here, popular with swimmers and snorkellers, and views across Weymouth Bay to Portland are excellent on fine days. The South West Coast Path passes along the cliffs above, connecting to Durdle Door in one direction and Osmington Mills in the other.

Dogs are permitted year-round on this dog friendly beach with no seasonal restrictions, making it a reliable option when nearby beaches impose summer bans. The shingle is firm enough for comfortable walking, and the relatively quiet character of the bay means dogs have space to explore without constant encounters with other beachgoers. A small private car park sits close to the beach with a cafe, toilets and a playground nearby. The National Trust also operates a free car park above Southdown Farm, though the walk down from there is steep and takes around 15 to 20 minutes. The return climb is worth factoring in, particularly on warm days.