Little Road Trip!

A Little Road Trip Recommended by Us!

If you're fortunate to be staying with us during some lovely sunny weather, or at least with relatively clear, non-hazy skies, and enjoy dramatic scenery and a drive, this little trip might be the one for you!

View Point 1: The Heights Hotel, Portland

Drive back to the roundabout at the top of the island (the one you approached as you drove up the steep hill from the bottom of the island). Drive over the roundabout with the Heights hotel on your right, and find a little pull in somewhere. From here you can enjoy one of the most dramatic views of Chesil Beach from up high. This is a fabulous view throughout the day, and can catch some spectacular sunsets as well. 

Chesil Beach is a stunning 18 mile long shingle barrier beach, stretching from Portland to West Bay in Bridport. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast, it is renowned for its immense, natural shingle ridge, dramatic sea views, and the brackish Fleet lagoon behind it.

View Point 2: Chesil Beach View Point, Abbotsbury Hill

If using navigation such as google, you can search for this exact location. After driving into Weymouth, you will head to the B3157 coastal road. You will drive through the picturesque villages of Portesham and Abbotsbury. Upon leaving Abbotsbury, you will start to ascend a steep hill. As you drive up this hill, there will be some laybys on your left hand side. Park up here as these command another incredible view of Chesil Beach, and the Isle of Portland. 

On the far side of the beach are the crashing waves of the English Channel. On the near side, meanwhile, lies a body of water known as The Fleet. The  Fleet is the UK’s largest saltwater lagoon.

To complete your trip:

There are many options you could then pair with this journey;

Bridport & West Bay

• You could continue the drive along the coast road to the quirky and cultural market town of Bridport (they have an excellent well attended market on both Wednesdays and Saturdays each week, taking place in East, West and South Street). From here you could go to "West Bay" which is known as "the golden gateway to the Jurassic Coast". Here you'll be able to walk along the beach and the harbour, plus enjoy the sights of the majestic sandstone cliffs. Why not grab some fish and chips at the same time. (never walk directly under the cliffs in case of a cliff fall!)

Abbotsbury Gardens

• If you didn't want to go as far as Bridport, just turn around, back to the bottom of the hill and turn right, you'll be able to visit Abbotsbury subtropical gardens, which have 30 acres of wonderful gardens home to over 6000 species from around the world.  

Abbotsbury Swannery

• Just a few minutes on is the swannery, the world’s only managed colony of nesting Mute Swans, home to a colony of over 600 Mute Swans. A relaxing and calm place, a visit to the Swannery is a special and unique experience. Open to the general public mid-March until November. 

Food

The Club House - West Bexington

• You could pair this trip with a wonderful lunch somewhere. If not carrying on to Bridport, you could continue driving in that direction about 15 minutes to West Bexington to "The Club House" Beach Road, West Bexington, DT2 9DG. This is a coastal restaurant using the finest local produce. Whilst here you can also park up the West Bexington Beach car park to enjoy this stretch of Chesil Beach. Dogs are welcome in the outdoor area and the pavillion, but not in the main restaurant itself. The club house is not considered a family venue, and caters mainly to adults. 

The Fat Badger - Camp Road, Weymouth

• Heading back the way you came, you could go to "The Fat Badger", a great dog-friendly restaurant for lunches with dramatic views of Portland and Chesil Beach. 
  90 Camp Rd, Weymouth DT4 9HF.