7.6
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Dramatic
Feel
Why it's Wildland
7.6A shingle beach on the Jurassic Coast, backed by golden sandstone cliffs and with the South West Coast Path running through Burton Bradstock.
Hive Beach makes a strong coastal visit because the shingle shore, sandstone cliffs and Jurassic Coast setting come together with a short, documented coast-path circuit. The landscape is the draw; take care around the steeply shelving water and unstable cliffs.
Dramatic · Big-sky
Find your way
Open mapBurton Bradstock, near Bridport, Dorset
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Allow around 1–2 hours for the beach and the National Trust’s 1.1-mile circular coast-path walk. The route takes 30–40 minutes; add time to explore the shore or pause at the café if it is open. There is no lifeguard service.
Things to do
Walk the Burton Bradstock coast-path circuit
Follow the National Trust’s circular route from Hive Beach car park. It covers 1.1 miles, takes 30–40 minutes and includes part of the South West Coast Path. Some sections run close to cliff edges, with moderate slopes.
30–40 minutes
Explore the shingle shore
Walk the beach and look towards the golden sandstone cliffs and Lyme Bay. The beach shelves steeply; the National Trust warns of strong currents and large waves, and there is no lifeguard service.
Pause at Hive Beach Café
The café sits on the beach; the National Trust describes it as serving local seafood. Opening times vary, so check before visiting.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1–2 hours
Quick Escape: beach and coast-path circuit
- 01
Start at the Hive Beach car park on Beach Road.
- 02
Follow the National Trust’s 1.1-mile circular walk, which takes 30–40 minutes and includes part of the South West Coast Path.
- 03
Allow time to look along the shingle shore and take in the sandstone cliffs and Lyme Bay views.
- 04
Keep clear of cliff edges and be cautious around the steeply shelving water.
Half day · Half day
Make a half day of it: beach, walk and café
- 01
Begin with the National Trust circular coast-path walk from the Hive Beach car park.
- 02
Spend time on the shore, taking care around the shelving beach and following safety advice about currents, waves and cliffs.
- 03
If open, finish at Hive Beach Café, which is described by the National Trust as serving local seafood.
Verified history
The supplied sources identify Hive Beach as part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. They do not provide a detailed local history or dated events to support a fuller historical account.
Hidden details
The coast path runs close to cliff edges — The National Trust notes that parts of the circular route follow the South West Coast Path close to cliff edges and include moderate slopes. Wear shoes with good grip and keep back from the edge.
Bind Barrow is a short walk away — Dorset National Landscape describes Bind Barrow as a short walk from Hive Beach, with views across the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Bay. The supplied source does not give a route length or walking time.
When to go
· Not established by the supplied sources; check conditions before visiting.
The supplied sources do not establish a best season. The National Trust warns of strong currents, large waves and unstable cliffs; check current conditions before setting out.
This is an exposed coastal setting. The National Trust warns of strong currents, a shelving beach, large waves and unstable cliffs. No lifeguard service is operating according to the supplied page.
The route
- distance
- 1.1 miles (1.76 km)
- duration
- 30–40 minutes
- difficulty
- Easy; moderate slopes are noted along parts of the route.
- route shape
- Circular
- start point
- Hive Beach car park, Beach Road, Burton Bradstock, Dorset DT6 4RE; grid reference SY491888.
- parking start
- National Trust car park at Hive Beach. Check current parking charges and restrictions before travelling.
- Part of the South West Coast Path
- Coastal views along the Jurassic Coast
- Some sections run close to cliff edges
Worth pairing with
Bind Barrow
A short walk from Hive Beach, Bind Barrow offers views across the Jurassic Coast and Lyme Bay, according to Dorset National Landscape.
Hive Beach Café
A beachfront café described by the National Trust as serving local seafood. Check seasonal opening times before relying on it.
What to look for
Notice the golden sandstone cliffs behind the shingle, the views across Lyme Bay and the way the South West Coast Path runs along the coast. Keep away from unstable cliff edges.
The story
Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site
Best time to go
Check conditions before visiting. No specific seasonal recommendation is established by the supplied sources.
No best time of day is specified in the supplied sources. Check conditions and café opening times before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · History lovers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
National Trust countryside is listed as open all day. Check current information before travelling; the beach has no lifeguard service, and strong currents, a shelving shore, large waves and unstable cliffs are hazards.
Check before visiting
Parking
National Trust car park at Hive Beach, Beach Road, Burton Bradstock. Current charges and restrictions are listed on the National Trust page; check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Toilets at Hive Beach Café are open during café operating hours; check current availability.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Hive Beach Café is on the beach and serves local seafood, according to the supplied sources. Check opening times before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Dogs are welcome, but the central part of the beach is dog-free from 1 June to 31 September according to the National Trust page. Keep dogs on leads in fields with livestock and follow current signage.
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance and toilet. The National Trust also lists accessible parking and an accessible route; confirm route and toilet availability with the venue before travelling.
Cost
Check source
Check before visiting
Water
Sea
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Hive Beach
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
