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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

The Fleet Lagoon
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene brackish lagoon beside Chesil Beach, offering stunning sunsets, rich wildlife, and ancient fossil discoveries.
"Beautiful views and a great spot for a walk, especially at sunset!"

🌅 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Coastal Walks & Wildlife
Rodwell Trail and surrounding paths
Enjoy scenic strolls with views of Chesil Beach and opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Tranquility
Discovering Hidden Treasures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 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.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Strolls
Enjoy leisurely walks along the Rodwell Trail with stunning views of Chesil Beach.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the open spaces and water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 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.
🚶♀️ Scenic Coastal Strolls
Enjoy leisurely walks along the Rodwell Trail with stunning views of Chesil Beach.
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Many visitors bring their dogs to enjoy the open spaces and water.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Fleet Lagoon for its beautiful, serene coastal walks and breathtaking views, especially during sunset.
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
It's a peaceful spot for relaxation and connecting with nature.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.
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.
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.
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
🚶♀️ Walkers & Nature Enthusiasts
💎 Fossil Hunters & Geologists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Jurassic Coast's Hidden Gem
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. 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
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 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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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit