Important Notice
MOD ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: Worbarrow Bay is within the Lulworth Ranges (Ministry of Defence). Open to the public on weekends and during school holidays only. Always check the Lulworth Ranges firing schedule at gov.uk before travelling. Dogs must be kept strictly to marked paths and the beach due to the risk of unexploded ordnance in surrounding fields.
Dogs welcome year-round
Accessible only when the MOD Lulworth Ranges are open. Dogs welcome year-round when open. One of Dorset's most dramatic and unspoilt bays.
About Worbarrow Bay
Worbarrow Bay is a secluded, dog-friendly beach on the Jurassic Coast, offering a peaceful escape with its shingle and sand shores. Dogs are welcome off-lead year-round, making it ideal for owners seeking a quiet spot for their pets to roam. Its remote location, accessible via a scenic walk from Tyneham village, ensures low crowd levels and a tranquil experience.
Notable features: Backed by white chalk and sandstone cliffs, Dramatic headland of Worbarrow Tout, Fossilised dinosaur footprints, Rock pools, Sheltered bay with calm water, Yachts moored close to shore
Dog Tips
Dogs allowed off-lead all year round on the beach and marked paths. You MUST keep your dog (and yourself) strictly to the marked paths — do not venture into surrounding fields due to the risk of unexploded ordnance. The walk from Tyneham car park to the beach is a gentle, flat 20-minute walk (approximately 1 mile).
Best Time to Visit
Most weekends and school holidays, after checking MOD range opening times. The restricted access keeps visitor numbers low, making it remote and unspoilt even on fine weekends. June is generally a good month to visit Dorset before the high season. Winter offers quiet visits and good sunrise views.
Hazards to be aware of
Rockfalls, Unstable cliffs, Trip or slip hazards from pebbles/boulders, Wet surfaces, Live firing (check MOD times)
Parking is available at Tyneham village car park (BH20 5QF), approximately 1 mile (20-minute walk) from the beach. A suggested donation of £2-£4 is requested. The car park gate locks at 7pm. Not suitable for coaches, buses, mini buses over 9-seat and camper vans.
Postcode for sat nav: BH20 5QF
There are no facilities directly on Worbarrow Bay beach. Portable toilets and picnic benches are available at the Tyneham village car park. There are no lifeguards.
The beach is accessed via a 1-mile (20-minute) compacted gravel footpath from Tyneham village, which is suitable for pushchairs. Walking boots or trainers are recommended for the walk and shoreline. There is a steep hill onto Worbarrow Tout at the entrance to the beach.
Nearby Dog-Friendly Pubs
The Weld Arms
5-minute drive from Tyneham car park. Thatched 17th-century coaching inn, highly welcoming to dogs. Large beautiful garden and gourmet pub food.
The Castle Inn
West Lulworth, ~10-minute drive. 16th-century pub. Water bowls, treats, and dog-friendly hotel rooms.
The Lulworth Cove Inn
Right by the coast path. Welcomes whole family including dogs. Bar area and terraced beer garden.
Location
Postcode: BH20 5QF
Nearby Dog Walks
Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door
Dorset's most iconic coastal walk
Kimmeridge to Chapman's Pool via Hounstout
The finest serious coastal walk in Dorset