King Barrow Quarry Nature Reserve
A wild, regenerating former quarry on Portland, offering rugged trails, abundant wildlife, and atmospheric industrial remnants.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and active wildlife
King Barrow Quarry Nature Reserve
Best Time
Blossoms and active wildlife
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A wild, regenerating former quarry on Portland, offering rugged trails, abundant wildlife, and atmospheric industrial remnants.
"Discover nature's resilience in this untamed quarry, a haven for birds and photographers."
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be overgrown and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable exploration.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
Keep an eye out for blue butterflies and other fascinating insects thriving in this natural habitat.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Overgrown Trails & Wild Flora
Throughout the reserve
Wander through paths reclaimed by nature, discovering unique plant species like horseshoe vetch and autumn gentian.
Abundant Birdlife
Throughout the reserve
Spot over 100 bird species, including little owls and whitethroats, making it a birdwatcher's paradise.
Remnants of Industrial Past
Various locations
Discover rusting mining equipment and the atmospheric decay of a disused quarry, offering a glimpse into its history.
Coastal Views
Edges of the quarry
Enjoy scenic walks with glimpses of the sea, offering a refreshing contrast to the rugged quarry landscape.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Wild Regeneration
Prepare for an Unmanicured Landscape
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be overgrown and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable exploration.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
Keep an eye out for blue butterflies and other fascinating insects thriving in this natural habitat.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Park behind the Heights Hotel for convenient access to the reserve.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A great spot for dog walkers looking for a less crowded, natural environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear Essential
Trails can be overgrown and uneven. Wear good walking shoes or boots for a comfortable exploration.
🦋 Look for Butterflies
Keep an eye out for blue butterflies and other fascinating insects thriving in this natural habitat.
🚗 Free Parking Available
Park behind the Heights Hotel for convenient access to the reserve.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Trails
A great spot for dog walkers looking for a less crowded, natural environment.
📸 Capture the Decay
Bring your camera to photograph the atmospheric rust and remnants of old mining equipment.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise King Barrow Quarry for its wild, natural beauty and the sense of adventure it offers. It's a fantastic spot for birdwatching and photography, with the added intrigue of industrial remnants. Some find the overgrown paths challenging, but most appreciate the untamed, regenerative aspect of the reserve.
"King Barrow Quarries Reserve
Abandoned 100 years ago, these former stone quarries have been left to regenerate naturally with beautiful walks.
The quarry contains a variety of interesting plant species such as horseshoe vetch, kidney vetch and autumn gentian. It is an excellent site to spot birds, over 100 different species sighted.including little owls, whitethroats and linnets. Blue butterfly's 🦋.
Idea walk that take through the quarry and 2 routes around the wildlife reserve. If you follow the path, which was pretty overgrown since I last walked here.
Idea for dog walker's and family to spend a few hours on a adventure.
Free parking behind the heights hotel."
Hug Dealer
"King Barrow Quarries is a nature reserve, a former working quarry. It is linked by a short tunnel to Tout Quarry. It has not been managed like Tout and has been left to nature. Good to walk the dogs or get away from the more tourist location at Tout.
Allows you to walk through to Fancys Farm and the east coast of Portland."
Stephen Bassett
""
Chris Pullen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
King Barrow Quarry is located on the Isle of Portland. Free parking is available behind the Heights Hotel, providing easy access to the reserve.
While specific bus routes can vary, Portland is generally accessible by bus from Weymouth. Check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, King Barrow Quarry is linked by a short tunnel to Tout Quarry, and you can also walk through to Fancy's Farm and the east coast of Portland.
The most common access point is from the free parking area behind the Heights Hotel. From there, you can follow the paths into the reserve.
While cycling might be possible on some wider paths, the overgrown nature of many trails makes it more suitable for walking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, King Barrow Quarry Nature Reserve is free to enter and explore.
As a nature reserve, it is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No booking is required as there is no admission fee. You can visit anytime.
Guided tours are not typically advertised for King Barrow Quarry, as it's a self-guided nature reserve.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to the unlit, overgrown paths and potential safety concerns.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can spot over 100 bird species, including little owls and whitethroats, as well as various insects like blue butterflies and woodlice. +2
The paths are often overgrown and unmanicured, as the reserve is left to nature. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
Yes, it's a great spot for family adventures, offering interesting sights and a chance to explore nature.
King Barrow Quarry is left to regenerate naturally, offering a wilder experience, while Tout Quarry is more managed.
Absolutely! The quarry offers unique photographic opportunities, from industrial decay to natural landscapes.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the atmospheric rust of old mining equipment, the vibrant wildflowers, diverse birdlife, and the rugged, overgrown landscapes.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create dramatic shadows and highlight the textures of the quarry.
A telephoto lens can be helpful for capturing birds, but even a standard lens can capture insects and wider landscapes.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. Be mindful of the natural environment and avoid disturbing wildlife.
The contrast between industrial decay and natural reclamation, along with the unique flora and fauna, provides endless photographic potential.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage kids to look for butterflies, birds, and interesting plants. The remnants of old quarry equipment can also spark their imagination about the site's history. It's a more rugged experience than a typical park, so supervise younger children closely, but the sense of discovery is immense.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Ensure your dog is on a lead when necessary, especially near any steep drops or if encountering other visitors. The overgrown nature of the paths means keeping an eye on your dog is important, but the overall experience is highly enjoyable for both pets and owners.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Natural Regeneration of King Barrow Quarry
The unmanicured nature of the quarry means that paths can be overgrown, adding to the sense of adventure and discovery. This wildness is precisely what appeals to many visitors, offering a stark contrast to more manicured tourist spots. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature and witness the ongoing process of ecological succession.
+1For those interested in urban exploration or simply seeking a unique natural setting, King Barrow Quarry offers a compelling experience. The remnants of its industrial past, such as rusting mining equipment, add a layer of historical intrigue to the natural beauty.
Exploring the Industrial Echoes
These decaying structures, often covered in rust and embraced by vegetation, create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. This makes King Barrow Quarry a popular spot for photographers and urban explorers looking for unique subjects. The spooky ambiance, as described by some visitors, adds an element of thrill to the exploration.
While the focus is on natural regeneration, these historical artifacts provide a tangible link to the quarry's past, offering a deeper understanding of its transformation into a nature reserve. It's a place where history and nature converge, creating a visually striking and thought-provoking environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit