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Coastguard cottage: The Local Area

Kimmeridge Bay, 1 mile from Kimmeridge village and its thatched cottages, is set in Purbeck limestone with tall cliffs bursting with Jurassic history; plenty of fossils are found daily on any walk around the bay. The bay is surrounded by the Smedmore Estate where the farmland is kept in traditional methods. The fields are kept small, separated by field hedges. Over the tall cliffs, breath taking views can be seen of Gad Cliff, Kimmeridge Bay, Tynham Cap and Portland in the far distance.

The bay itself boasts unique marine wildlife: Find shrimps and sea anemones in the rock pools which are scattered in amongst the ledges and rocks where a local hermit crab is likely to be hiding. To go further out, it is the perfect location for swimming as the shallow water is heated quickly by the sun. You can follow the snorkel trail taking you around the bay showing off the interesting marine life which is neither spoilt or harmed by vicious modern jet ski’s or motor boats. Alternatively, join the popular marine trail and experience a local dive where you can investigate old wrecks and local reefs. The shallow waters provide the perfect haven for not only divers, but also surfers and professional windsurfers where on a blustery day they take advantage of the sharp waves that build up over the rocky terrain. For the drier visitors the bay boasts an impressive catch for fishing enthusiasts where in an evening mackerel and bass are commonly caught.

For the cooler winter days, one might take advantage of the deep countryside, where walks in either direction along the cliffs take you to similar beautiful bays such as Worbarrow Bay, or see vigorous land formations at Lulworth Cove. Alternatively, walk the five miles through countryside to find the village of Corfe where old fashioned sweet shops nestle under the impressive ruins of Corfe Castle. Equally make up your own route before retiring back to the cottage in front of a beautiful log fire.