On the edge of the village of Burton Bradstock lies one of our favourite beaches in Dorset.

Most people who visit the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site flock to West Bay to admire the golden sandstone cliffs.

But the same spectacular golden cliffs can also be seen at Hive Beach.

Set within Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it forms part of the larger Chesil Beach.

Chesil Beach is a striking section of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the largest shingle ridge in the world.

We love Hive Beach because it is less crowded then West Bay.

Apart from a National Trust car park and the lovely Hive Beach Café, there are no other facilities.

Images by Cool Places Britain
Walking

The South West Coast Path leads from the beach up on to the cliffs and towards West Bay, or eastwards towards West Bexington.

You can enjoy an easy 4-mile circular walk from Hive Beach which takes in Burton Cliff.

While walking along the cliffs it is hard to imagine that in 1940 Allied troops subsequently practiced climbing these cliffs for the D-Day landings.

Or head east towards Abbotsbury. Section 47 of the South Coast Path from Seatown to Abbotsbury passes Hive Beach.

Hive Beach walk
NT Burton Bradstock walks
Cool Places to Explore

West Bay | Abbotsbury Swannery | St Catherine’s Chapel | Isle of Portland | Golden Cap | Mapperton House & Gardens | Pilsdon Pen | Colmers Hill | Hell Lane.

Cool Places to Eat

Hive Beach Café | The Three Horseshoes | The Club House | Rise Café | Watch House Café.

Cool Places to Stay

Hive Beach House.