St Catherine's Chapel, Abbotsbury
Chesil Beach is a long, narrow spit of land reaching 18 miles from Portland Bill to Abbotsbury. Chesil is a steep slope of shingle fronted by pebbles which have been polished smooth by the action of the waves. Visitors can search for "Hag" pebbles, which have a hole bored through them by the natural action of the water.
The Fleet Nature Reserve, a protected wetland area formed in the lea of the Bank, is one of Europe's most important tidal and semi-tidal natural habitats, a haven for bird life. Telescopes are available at the visitor centre to enable visitors to study the birds attracted to the area.
The Chesil Beach Centre near Portland tells the story of the regions unique geology through a series of interactive displays. Visitors can also take a trip on the glass-bottomed Fleet Observer boat to examine the marine world of Chesil more closely.
Since 1543 the management of Chesil Bank has been under the care of the Ilchester Estate, which also manages Abbotsbury Swannery.
About Chesil Beach
Address: Chesil Beach Visitor Centre, Portland Beach Road, Portland,
Dorset,
England, DT4 9XE
Attraction Type: Countryside
Location: off the A354 between Weymouth and Portland
Website: Chesil Beach
Email: chesilbeach@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Location
map
OS: SY669 756
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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HERITAGE
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NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Portland Castle - 1.3 miles (Castle) 
Portland, St George's Church - 2.4 miles (Historic Church) 
Bennetts Water Gardens - 2.8 miles (Garden) 
Rufus Castle - 3.2 miles (Castle)
Weymouth SEALIFE Adventure Park - 3.4 miles (Family Attraction) 
Jordan Hill Roman Temple - 4.5 miles (Roman Site)
Abbotsbury Swannery - 6.5 miles (Family Attraction)
Maiden Castle - 8 miles (Prehistoric Site)
