Chesil

Settlement in Dorset

England

Chesil

Looking towards St George Reforne
Looking towards St George Reforne Credit: Vieve Forward

Chesil is a small village located in the county of Dorset, England. Situated on the south coast of the county, it is nestled between the towns of Weymouth and Bridport. The village is most famous for its stunning natural feature, Chesil Beach, which stretches for 18 miles along the Jurassic Coastline.

Chesil Beach is a shingle barrier beach, unique in its formation and beauty. The beach is made up of millions of pebbles, which gradually increase in size as you travel from west to east. This phenomenon is known as "graded bedding" and is a result of the powerful currents and tides in the English Channel.

The beach not only provides a picturesque setting for visitors, but it also offers a range of recreational activities. Fishing is a popular pastime, with anglers attracted to the abundance of sea bass, mackerel, and cod in the waters. Additionally, the beach is a haven for birdwatchers, as many species of seabirds can be spotted along the shoreline.

In the heart of Chesil village, there are a few quaint cottages, a local pub, and a small cafe. The village exudes a peaceful and charming atmosphere, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil coastal retreat. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the beach, exploring the nearby nature reserves, or simply relaxing and taking in the breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coastline.

Overall, Chesil in Dorset offers a unique blend of natural beauty, tranquility, and recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful coastal getaway.

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Chesil Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 50.555874/-2.4530855 or Grid Reference SY6873. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking towards St George Reforne
Looking towards St George Reforne
High Street, Fortuneswell
High Street, Fortuneswell
Graveyard of St George Reforne
Graveyard of St George Reforne
Chesil Beach from Blacknor Fort
Chesil Beach from Blacknor Fort
Blacknor Fort The fortress was built in 1900-02 as a coastal defence overlooking Lyme Bay to defend Portland Harbour and the other naval institutions on the island. The fort was operational during both World Wars. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacknor_Fort" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blacknor_Fort">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Blacknor Fort
The fortress was built in 1900-02 as a coastal defence overlooking Lyme Bay to defend Portland Harbour and the other naval institutions on the island. The fort was operational during both World Wars. LinkExternal link
Viewpoint at Portland Heights, overlooking Weymouth A viewpoint at Portland Heights, with views over Weymouth and Chesil Beach.
Viewpoint at Portland Heights, overlooking Weymouth
A viewpoint at Portland Heights, with views over Weymouth and Chesil Beach.
Olympic Rings overlooking Chesil Beach London was the host city for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.  However, not all of the events took place in London.  Sailing events were held in Weymouth.  The Olympic rings sculpture stood outside Weymouth railway station for the duration of the Olympic games.  It was then moved to the viewpoint at Portland Heights, to serve as a permanent reminder of Weymouth and Portland's contribution to the 2012 Olympic Games.  The viewpoint overlooks Chesil Beach.

More information about the sculpture can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/olympic-rings.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/olympic-rings.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Olympic Rings overlooking Chesil Beach
London was the host city for the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. However, not all of the events took place in London. Sailing events were held in Weymouth. The Olympic rings sculpture stood outside Weymouth railway station for the duration of the Olympic games. It was then moved to the viewpoint at Portland Heights, to serve as a permanent reminder of Weymouth and Portland's contribution to the 2012 Olympic Games. The viewpoint overlooks Chesil Beach. More information about the sculpture can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: LinkExternal link
Beacon at Portland Heights A beacon at Portland Heights, with a view over Chesil Beach
Beacon at Portland Heights
A beacon at Portland Heights, with a view over Chesil Beach
View over Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland A view over Fortuneswell on the Isle of Portland.  Chesil Beach can be seen in the distance, although this image was taken on a day when visibility was fairly poor.
View over Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland
A view over Fortuneswell on the Isle of Portland. Chesil Beach can be seen in the distance, although this image was taken on a day when visibility was fairly poor.
Ravine on the Isle of Portland A small ravine on the Isle of Portland.
Ravine on the Isle of Portland
A small ravine on the Isle of Portland.
Bridge near Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland A bridge carrying Verne Hill Road over a small ravine on the Isle of Portland.
Bridge near Fortuneswell, Isle of Portland
A bridge carrying Verne Hill Road over a small ravine on the Isle of Portland.
Road junction on the Isle of Portland A junction of minor roads on the Isle of Portland.
Road junction on the Isle of Portland
A junction of minor roads on the Isle of Portland.
East Weare Battery, Isle of Portland East Weare Battery was developed in the mid-19th Century to defend Portland Harbour against invasion.  More information about the history of the Battery can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/east-weare-batteries.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/east-weare-batteries.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
East Weare Battery, Isle of Portland
East Weare Battery was developed in the mid-19th Century to defend Portland Harbour against invasion. More information about the history of the Battery can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: LinkExternal link
East Weare Battery, Isle of Portland East Weare Battery was developed in the mid-19th Century to defend Portland Harbour against invasion.  Grooves in the concrete surface will have been used to guide guns as they were moved around on wheels.

More information about the history of the Battery can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/east-weare-batteries.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.portlandhistory.co.uk/east-weare-batteries.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
East Weare Battery, Isle of Portland
East Weare Battery was developed in the mid-19th Century to defend Portland Harbour against invasion. Grooves in the concrete surface will have been used to guide guns as they were moved around on wheels. More information about the history of the Battery can be found on The Encyclopaedia of Portland History website: LinkExternal link
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland The South West Coast Path passes through the gate ahead then follows a private road.  The marker stone to the left of the path indicates its route.
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland
The South West Coast Path passes through the gate ahead then follows a private road. The marker stone to the left of the path indicates its route.
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland Buddleia bushes growing either side of the South West Coast Path on the Isle of Portland.
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland
Buddleia bushes growing either side of the South West Coast Path on the Isle of Portland.
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland The South West Coast Path on the Isle of Portland.
South West Coast Path, Isle of Portland
The South West Coast Path on the Isle of Portland.
St Peter's Church, with prison fence on the left Built in 1870-72 using convict labour, the church became redundant in 1973, though still used as a chapel for the prison until 1988, and is now in private hands, with the building in the process of restoration. <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Peter%27s_Church,_Portland" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Peter%27s_Church,_Portland">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
St Peter's Church, with prison fence on the left
Built in 1870-72 using convict labour, the church became redundant in 1973, though still used as a chapel for the prison until 1988, and is now in private hands, with the building in the process of restoration. LinkExternal link
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Chesil is located at Grid Ref: SY6873 (Lat: 50.555874, Lng: -2.4530855)

Unitary Authority: Dorset

Police Authority: Dorset

What 3 Words

///efficient.lushly.silence. Near Fortuneswell, Dorset

Related Wikis

Chiswell Earthworks

Chiswell Earthworks is a land sculpture, located on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It is found above Chesil Beach's most southerly part Chesil...

Chesil Cove

Chesil Cove is a curved steep bank forming the south-east end of 29-kilometre (18 mi) Chesil Beach in Dorset, England. It is thus part of one of three...

Tar Rocks

Tar Rocks are coastal rocks on the west side of the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. The rocks become mostly covered at high tide. == See also == List...

United Reformed Church, Portland

The United Reformed Church is a former United Reformed Church in Chiswell, on the Isle of Portland, Dorset, England. It was founded in 1825 and closed...

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Source: PGS
Lat/Long: 50.5588076/-2.4484578
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Cafe
Quiddles
Addr Postcode: DT5 1LN
Contact Facebook: Quiddlesbeachcafe16
Cuisine: regional
Fhrs Id: 992857
Opening Hours: PH,Mo-Su 09:00-16:00
Outdoor Seating: yes
Phone: +44 1305 820651
Source Addr Postcode: FHRS Open Data
Lat/Long: 50.5580425/-2.4474056
Entrance: main
Lat/Long: 50.5580218/-2.447419
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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