Hobarrow Bay

Hobarrow Bay is a small, secluded bay facing southwest on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset. It lies between Brandy Bay and Kimmeridge, about one kilometre southeast of the abandoned village of Tyneham. The shingle and oil shale beach sits beneath steep cliffs, with two headlands marking its edges. Long Ebb is a small headland at the northwest end, while Broad Bench forms the southeast boundary. Below Broad Bench, a solid rock ledge called The Flats extends into the sea. The bay is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Dorset National Landscape area. The bay’s surroundings belong to the Ministry of Defence, which uses the nearby Lulworth Ranges for armoured vehicle training. The ranges cover more than 2,830 hectares along the coast, stretching from Lulworth Cove to just west of Kimmeridge. Public access to the bay itself is restricted, though the South West Coast Path runs along the cliffs above. Steep cliffs and the Broad Bench headland make reaching the beach difficult and dangerous. Warning signs about explosives and unexploded shells are posted throughout the area, reminding visitors to stay on official paths. Visitors who walk the cliffs above Hobarrow Bay find sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast’s layered cliffs and the open sea. The South West Coast Path offers a clear route along the ridge, though it does not descend to the beach. The contrast between the wild, military-used land and the quiet bay below creates a striking landscape. Nearby Tyneham, a deserted village, adds a sense of history to the area. The bay’s isolation and dramatic setting make it a place for careful exploration rather than casual visits.