Visit 'beautiful' West Country beach near a ghost village

There are some amazing small and large beaches across the South West to explore or relax at for a day. Tourists can enjoy the golden sands on Weymouth Beach, take in the views at Ogmore Beach in Vale of Glamorgan or visit the hidden gem that is Sand Bay near Weston-super-Mare.

But sometimes it's worth travelling further across the country to discover a new beauty spot to enjoy. Worbarrow Bay is a secluded and "beautiful" beach along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset that may take a fair bit of driving and walking to get to, but is worth all the effort.

This beach is located approximately a mile away from the ghost village of Tyneham and just east of Lulworth Cove. The route from Bristol will take more than two hours and will see motorists travel through either Wiltshire, Somerset and then Dorset to reach.

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The area can be accessed off the B3070 where motorists must then follow the signs for the village on the rural road. It has to be warned that there are a few steep roads and narrow routes to the village, so drive at your own peril.

Tyneham is notorious as Dorset's 'lost village' after its residents were 'temporarily' evacuated in December 1943 during World War II. However, its inhabitants were never allowed to return and it remains on military land to this day. The village is based in East Lulworth, near Wareham and lies between the two ridges of the Purbeck Hills.

Nowadays it is a living museum where tourists can visit and explore the village's history, with its pre-war buildings including houses, farmhouses, church and a school. Worbarrow Bay is quiet and seldom used because, like Tyneham village, it is managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD). As a result, the beach is only accessible on most weekends or school holidays.

You park your car in Tyneham village car park and can pay £2 for all-day parking in an 'honesty box' before embarking on the one-mile walk to the beach. The coastal walk is a treat in itself as you slowly see more of the Jurassic Coast and the blue waters of the sea, which motivates you to keep walking to the beach.

Worbarrow Bay is a shingle beach, so make sure you wear sturdy footwear for the walk to and on the beach. The lovely peaceful shingle beach is also not busy so you will be spoiled for choice for where to pitch up with your tent, picnic, beachwear and more.

It is also one of the few beaches in Dorset that allows dogs all year round, so they won’t miss out on a family trip. The scenery is absolutely spectacular and the water is ideal for bathing when the weather is good and always check the tides wherever you swim.

Visiting the bay, you wouldn't even imagine it was used for practice as the Allies prepared for the D-Day invasion of Nazi-occupied Europe in 1944, as was Tyneham, which was abandoned so soliders could train there.

Walks along this beach are possible, but visitors must keep to the yellow-marked paths at all times, according to Visit Dorset. This beach makes for a tranquil walk with few people and a chance to be at one with nature.

Local photographer, Hannah Tompkins, previously called this beach "a hidden treasure" and makes you feel like you away on holiday. She added: "The waters in the bay are turquoise blue and during the summer it really does feel like you are abroad.

"You have to walk along a track to reach the beach, only accessible by foot but once you arrive, the bay is beautiful! It’s similar to Lulworth Cove but on a bigger scale."

Tourists have been amazed with the secluded location, as reviews have praised the "pleasant" beach with "absolutely magnificent" views on a warm sunny day. David from Christchurch wrote: "My wife and I took family on a visit to Tyneham Village and then we walked for approximately 20 minutes to Worbarrow Bay on a beautiful sunny day; the scenery was spectacular and there wasn't a huge number of people about compared to the packed beaches of Bournemouth and Sandbanks.

"We completed our circular walk over Gad Cliff and back down into Tyneham Village. Highly recommended walk with lovely scenery and somewhat of a hidden gem on the Jurassic coastline."

Another tourist wrote: "We visited the bay late one evening (7pm), so it was quiet. The is a donation charge of £2 for parking. Lovely walk through the woods to get to the bay. Beautiful beach and stunning views. Climbed the very steep hill and watched the sun set, it was so peaceful. Our dog enjoyed his late evening swim.

"Gate to the area closes at 9pm, think it opens at 6am."