Gerard's Guidebook
Swimming and rock pooling
This is a local spot, a small beach but you can walk in your flip flops. A bit weedy in places and gets deep fairly quickly so good for proper swimming- out to the bouy and back is a great evening swim.
Rook pools are world class
Newton's Cove
Sandy beach within walking distance. No current and gentle tides and a shallow bottom make it a good children’s swimming spot
Not many amenities but a quieter beach than the main one
43 locals recommend
Sandsfoot Castle
39 Old Castle RdSandy beach within walking distance. No current and gentle tides and a shallow bottom make it a good children’s swimming spot
Not many amenities but a quieter beach than the main one
Sightseeing
The fort is huge and run by volunteers- lots to explore, best part is probably the open air summer events in the yard.
79 locals recommend
Nothe Fort
Barrack RoadThe fort is huge and run by volunteers- lots to explore, best part is probably the open air summer events in the yard.
There is a great visitor centre with great activities.
Don’t attempt to swim off Chesil unless it is flat calm and you are a strong swimmer as getting out is tricky. It’s beautiful in all weathers.
112 locals recommend
Chesil Beach
There is a great visitor centre with great activities.
Don’t attempt to swim off Chesil unless it is flat calm and you are a strong swimmer as getting out is tricky. It’s beautiful in all weathers.
Food scene
Amazing food, you need to book 2 weeks ahead, can’t recommend enough
113 locals recommend
Crab House Café
Portland RoadAmazing food, you need to book 2 weeks ahead, can’t recommend enough
Billy Winters
Portland Beach RoadSon of the Crab House, great food without booking, amazing views
Chef Eric is very chatty and keen to explain the specials, book early!
21 locals recommend
Les Enfants Terribles
19 Custom House QuayChef Eric is very chatty and keen to explain the specials, book early!
Great breakfasts and lunches, cakes is also lovely
11 locals recommend
PASCAL'S BRASSERIE ( aka Time For Tea )
8 Hope SquareGreat breakfasts and lunches, cakes is also lovely
In an unlikely spot but great vegan and vegetarian lunches, they are very friendly too.
7 locals recommend
The HiVe Cafe
20 Park StIn an unlikely spot but great vegan and vegetarian lunches, they are very friendly too.
Very good seafood and a great walk. Expect to queue on a warm day, gelato is from a kiosk around the back as well
148 locals recommend
Hive Beach Cafe Burton Bradstock
Beach RoadVery good seafood and a great walk. Expect to queue on a warm day, gelato is from a kiosk around the back as well
A bit more formal but excellent food, you must book. The beach and village are also great
31 locals recommend
The Club House
Beach RoadA bit more formal but excellent food, you must book. The beach and village are also great