Chesil beach is quite an amazing sight, driving down the B3157 towards Portland you’ll see it in front of you. The beach is the longest in the UK, it is an 18 mile long shingle barrier beach running from West Bay to Portland and is one of Dorset’s most famous landmarks. You can tell where you are on the beach due to the size of the pebbles, they are larger almost potato-sized near Portland to pea-sized at Bridport. The pebbles are mainly flint and chert from the Cretaceous and Jurassic rocks, along with Bunter pebbles from Budleigh Salterton. The old saying goes that smugglers landing on the beach at night could judge their position along the coast simply by picking up a handful of shingle. Swimming in the sea along this part of the coast is not recommended due to the strong currents. Please keep your dogs safe. Parking The Masonic Car Park gives you great access to the beach, campervans and motorhomes are allowed to park during the day but no overnight sleeping. It’s a breathtaking sight once you are on top of the beach looking out to sea, up to Portland and back towards West Bay. Address: Victoria Square, Portland DT5 1AR