The Fleet Lagoon
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The Fleet Lagoon

4.8
·5 reviews·Chickerell, United Kingdom

A serene brackish lagoon beside Chesil Beach, offering stunning sunsets, rich wildlife, and ancient fossil discoveries.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The Fleet Lagoon

The Fleet Lagoon

Best Time

Early mornings

Peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene brackish lagoon beside Chesil Beach, offering stunning sunsets, rich wildlife, and ancient fossil discoveries.

4.8
(5 reviews)

"Beautiful views and a great spot for a walk, especially at sunset!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Chase the Sunset

The sunsets here are incredible! Perfect for photography and a relaxing end to your day.

🦴 Fossil Hunter's Paradise

Bring your keen eye for ancient finds; crocodile and shark teeth are common.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunset Spectacle

Sunset Spectacle

Along the lagoon's edge

Witness breathtaking golden hour views that paint the sky with vibrant colors. A truly magical experience.

Fossil Hunting Adventures

Fossil Hunting Adventures

Chesil Beach shoreline

Unearth ancient treasures like crocodile and shark teeth, remnants of a prehistoric world.

Coastal Walks & Wildlife

Coastal Walks & Wildlife

Rodwell Trail and surrounding paths

Enjoy scenic strolls with views of Chesil Beach and opportunities to spot local wildlife.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Tranquility

The Fleet Lagoon offers stunning views, especially at sunset.TikTokInstagram To avoid crowds and enjoy the serene atmosphere, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. Weekends can be busier, so weekdays are ideal for a peaceful experience.

Discovering Hidden Treasures

This area is a haven for fossil hunters, with ancient crocodile and shark teeth waiting to be found.Instagram If you're interested in wildlife, keep an eye out for dogs enjoying the water Instagram and the diverse coastal birdlife.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour magic
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer visitors
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I can’t get enough of the sunsets at our caravan #ourweymouthgetaway #weymouth #littleseaholidaypark #airbnbfinds #thefleetlagoon #sunset
@ourweymouthgetaway
173 likes • 16.2K views

🌅 Chase the Sunset

The sunsets here are incredible! Perfect for photography and a relaxing end to your day. TikTokInstagram

🦴 Fossil Hunter's Paradise

Bring your keen eye for ancient finds; crocodile and shark teeth are common. Instagram

Fun at the Fleet Lagoon #bullterrier #bullterrierlove #spaniel #deafdogsrock #arundawndogrescue #dogs #dogsofinstagram
timothyjnewton
51 likes • 1.4K views
Some great finds from two trips to the fleet lagoon in December with @jquinnpalaeo . With two beautiful Metriorhynchid crocodile teeth, a gorgeous Asteracanthus ornatissimus shark tooth and an almost complete Gyrodus pycnodont fish palate. These fossils date from the Lower Kimmeridge clay ~ 152 mya.
southcoastfossils
147 likes • 3.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Coastal Strolls

Enjoy leisurely walks along the Rodwell Trail with stunning views of Chesil Beach. Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the open spaces and water. Instagram

Chesil Beach and the fleet lagoon from Abbotsbury sub tropical gardens, Dorset #dorset #jurassiccoast #chesilbeach #thislandisyourland
timwarren241
12 likes • 217 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Chase the Sunset

The sunsets here are incredible! Perfect for photography and a relaxing end to your day. TikTokInstagram

🦴 Fossil Hunter's Paradise

Bring your keen eye for ancient finds; crocodile and shark teeth are common. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Scenic Coastal Strolls

Enjoy leisurely walks along the Rodwell Trail with stunning views of Chesil Beach. Instagram

🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun

Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the open spaces and water. Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.8
(5 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Fleet Lagoon for its beautiful, serene coastal walks and breathtaking views, especially during sunset.TikTokInstagram It's a highly recommended spot for relaxation and enjoying the natural landscape. Some find the facilities limited, but the natural beauty and opportunities for fossil hunting are major draws.

"Nice long coastline walk to a beautiful spot to relax and take in the views"

sarah connolly

"Good for a walk 👍"

Derek Mead

"Beautiful views"

Amanda Day

What People Like

Beautiful coastal walks
Stunning sunset views
Peaceful and relaxing atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Fleet Lagoon is located between Weymouth and Portland. You can access it via the Rodwell Trail, a popular foot and cycle path that runs along the foreshore.Instagram Parking is available at Ferrybridge, offering easy access to the lagoon and Chesil Beach.

Yes, local bus services run between Weymouth and Portland, with stops near Ferrybridge. From the bus stop, it's a short walk to the lagoon.

Absolutely! The Rodwell Trail is a fantastic cycling route, offering scenic views as you approach the lagoon. It's a great way to explore the coastline.

Ferrybridge offers convenient parking and is a central point for accessing both The Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach. It's a popular starting point for walks.

The Rodwell Trail is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, some areas along the natural coastline might be uneven.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Fleet Lagoon is a natural area and is free to access. There are no admission fees.

As a natural lagoon and coastline, it's accessible at all times. However, for safety and the best experience, visiting during daylight hours is recommended.

Generally, there are no specific restrictions, but always be mindful of the environment and wildlife. Check local signage for any temporary notices.

Access to Chesil Beach and The Fleet Lagoon is free. Parking at designated areas may incur charges.

While official guided tours might be limited, local nature groups or fossil enthusiasts sometimes organize events. It's worth checking local Weymouth tourism websites.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy long walks, birdwatching, photography, and even fossil hunting along the shoreline.Instagram It's a peaceful spot for relaxation and connecting with nature.Instagram

The Fleet Lagoon is a brackish water body and is generally shallow. While some people may paddle, it's not typically recommended for swimming due to potential currents and wildlife.

It's a haven for birdlife, especially waders and waterfowl. You might also spot seals in the waters. Fossil hunters often find ancient marine reptile and fish remains.Instagram

Facilities are limited directly at the lagoon. You'll find more amenities, including cafes and restrooms, in nearby Weymouth or at Ferrybridge.

Wear comfortable walking shoes or boots, especially if you plan to explore the shoreline for fossils. Layers are advisable as coastal weather can change quickly.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, just before sunset, offers stunning light for landscape photography.Instagram Early mornings can also provide beautiful, soft light and fewer people.

The expansive views towards Chesil Beach, the calm waters reflecting the sky, and the rugged coastline are all highly photogenic. Sunsets are particularly spectacular.TikTok

A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient to capture the beauty. However, a wide-angle lens is great for landscapes, and a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife.

Drone usage is subject to regulations. Always check with local authorities or the Dorset Coast National Landscape website for current drone policies before flying.

Popular shots include wide-angle landscapes of the lagoon and Chesil Beach, sunset reflections, and close-ups of any interesting wildlife or fossils found.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Fleet Lagoon offers a fantastic, free outdoor adventure for families. The Rodwell Trail is perfect for a family bike ride or a leisurely stroll, with plenty of space for kids to run around. Pack a picnic to enjoy with stunning views of Chesil Beach.Instagram While swimming isn't recommended, paddling in the shallow edges can be fun on a warm day. Keep an eye out for interesting pebbles and, if you're lucky, you might even spot some small marine life or bird species.

🚶‍♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts

For those who love a good walk, The Fleet Lagoon is ideal. The Rodwell Trail offers a scenic and relatively flat route, perfect for a long stroll or a brisk walk. The ever-changing light and expansive views make it a captivating destination. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the variety of species, especially during migration seasons. The unique ecosystem of the brackish lagoon is a fascinating subject for nature lovers.

💎 Fossil Hunters & Geologists

The Fleet Lagoon is a renowned spot for fossil hunting, particularly along the Chesil Beach shoreline. The Kimmeridge Clay Formation yields incredible finds, including ancient marine reptile and fish fossils.Instagram Remember to check local regulations regarding fossil collection and always practice responsible collecting. Even if you don't find a major fossil, the geological interest of the area is immense.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Jurassic Coast's Hidden Gem

The Fleet Lagoon, nestled alongside the iconic Chesil Beach, is a significant part of Dorset's Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. This vast brackish lagoon is separated from the English Channel by Chesil Beach, a 29-kilometer (18-mile) shingle spit. The unique environment supports a rich diversity of birdlife, making it a prime location for birdwatching.Instagram The lagoon's waters are a mix of freshwater runoff and seawater, creating a distinct ecosystem.

Beyond its natural beauty, The Fleet Lagoon is a treasure trove for amateur geologists and fossil enthusiasts. The Kimmeridge Clay Formation, exposed along the shores, dates back to the Late Jurassic period, approximately 152 million years ago. Visitors have reported finding remarkable fossils, including teeth from ancient crocodiles and sharks, as well as fish palates.Instagram These finds offer a tangible connection to the prehistoric past, making a visit here an educational adventure as well as a scenic one.

For those seeking a more active experience, the Rodwell Trail provides a fantastic route for walking and cycling. This path offers stunning vistas of the lagoon and Chesil Beach, connecting Weymouth to Portland. It's an ideal way to immerse yourself in the coastal landscape and appreciate the scale of this natural wonder. Remember to wear sturdy footwear if you plan to explore the shoreline, as the terrain can be uneven.

Capturing the Magic: Photography at The Fleet Lagoon

The Fleet Lagoon is a photographer's dream, offering a variety of breathtaking scenes. The most sought-after shots are undoubtedly the sunsets, where the sky ignites in a spectacle of color, reflecting beautifully on the calm lagoon waters.TikTokInstagram The golden hour light casts a warm glow over the entire landscape, creating dramatic and serene images. Early mornings also present a fantastic opportunity for photographers, with soft, diffused light and the potential for mist rising from the water, adding an ethereal quality to your shots.

Beyond the sunsets, the sheer scale of Chesil Beach stretching into the distance provides a dramatic backdrop. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the coastline and the interplay between the lagoon, the beach, and the sky. For wildlife enthusiasts, a telephoto lens can be invaluable for capturing the diverse bird species that frequent the area. Don't forget to look down; the unique pebbles and potential fossil finds Instagram offer excellent opportunities for macro photography, revealing intricate details and textures.

When planning your photography session, consider the tides, as they can affect the exposed shoreline and the accessibility of certain areas. The Rodwell Trail offers elevated viewpoints that can provide unique perspectives. Remember to pack extra batteries and memory cards, as you'll likely find yourself inspired to capture every moment of this stunning coastal environment.

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