Chesil Beach Centre
About the Centre
Last updated October 2019
History
The Chesil Beach Visitors Centre was originally operated by the Chesil Beach and the Fleet Nature Reserve and in the early days operated from a Caravan parked in the car park. This was replaced with a purpose-built building which opened in 1994.
This in turn was much expanded to become the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre which opened in July 2012. This new centre is now operated by the Dorset Wildlife Trust.
In the Centre
The Centre has a number of fixed displays illustrating many aspects of the Fleet and Chesil Beach. The education Room is often used for additional temporary displays. Contact the Centre for details of any forthcoming events.
The Centre organises a number of walks on Chesil Beach and along the shore of the Fleet. Look at the Centre website or contact the Centre for more information on forthcoming events.
Two large screen displays show live pictures from an underwater camera in the Fleet during the summer season and live pictures from the little terns when they are nesting on Chesil Beach. A telescope is available for you to observe the birds on the sand flats adjacent to the Centre.
There is a shop selling various items associated with Chesil Beach and the wider local area. There is also the Taste cafe for refreshments.
Around the Centre
Outside of the Centre there are tables and a small children’s play area.
A boardwalk allows easy access from the car park onto Chesil Beach.
The previous Chesil Beach Visitors Centre
The Centre is supported by:
Heritage Lottery Fund
The Crown Estate
Fine Family Foundation
Portland Court Leet
Jurassic Coast Trust
Dorset County Council