Stunning nature and fascinating ruins: a secret beach in Dorset 3 hours from London
A three-hour drive from London you will find a secret beach near a charming abandoned village. The Jurassic Coast in Dorset has long been a popular weekend trip for Londoners looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
It's one of the key places in the world where dinosaur fossils have been found, a UNESCO heritage site with many gorgeous beaches and coves you can visit. About halfway between Swanage and Weymouth, you will find Warbarrow Bay, which the Telegraph newspaper called one of the best secret beaches in the UK," writes the MyLondon website.
It's hard to disagree with this judgment. The unspoiled area is located in a remote part of the Dorset coast. Visitors can enjoy the surrounding forests and fields that have become a haven for wildlife.
The nearby village of Tyneham has fallen into decay. Residents were evicted by the British army in 1943, as a temporary training ground was created here during World War II. Later, the villagers were not allowed to return, as in 1948 the army issued an order for the forced purchase of the land. That's why there are only brick cottages left, which are falling into disrepair. They can be seen around the village church.
When visiting the ghost village, visitors will notice that most of the buildings have been destroyed by shelling over the years. The Tyneham School building has been preserved as if the last students had just left it, despite the fact that the school was actually closed in 1932. St. Mary's Church, however, has remained largely intact, with stained glass windows created by church artist and designer Martin Travers. Both churches serve as museums for visitors who want to travel back in time to the ghost village.
The Lulworth training ground, created for training, is still used by the army. As a result, the "secret" beach of Worbarrow Bay is occasionally closed on days of army firing. As you can imagine, there are no restaurants in the village where you can eat, so you will either have to bring food with you or go to the neighboring villages, which are actually inhabited.
How to get there?
Unsurprisingly, there is no train connection from London to Tyneham. Therefore, if you are looking for a scenic drive, it will take you about two hours and 45 minutes to get there.
If you want to travel by train to the surrounding parts of the Jurassic Coast, check out the tickets on Trainline and on Booking.com you will find plenty of places to stay.
Travel Wise previously wrote about the 15 best cheapest beach destinations around the world, which will confirm that a breathtaking beach vacation is available for any wallet.
