| Ringstead | |
| Settlement Type: | Village |
| Image Alt: | Ringstead beach |
| Grid Name: | Ordnance Survey |
| Pushpin Map: | Dorset |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | England, United Kingdom |
| Subdivision Type1: | County |
| Subdivision Name1: | Dorset |
Ringstead is a small seaside village located on the coast in Dorset, southern England. The area lies on the Jurassic Coast and is known for its natural environment and fossils.[1] Ringstead Bay and White Nothe are to the east. Bran Point and Osmington Mills are to the west.
Ringstead has a pebble and shingle beach with some sand at the western end of Ringstead Bay.[2] [3] There are offshore reefs approximately 0.6km (00.4miles) in length opposite the beach at Ringstead that are uncovered at low tide. These form an intertidal zone between the low cliffs to the north and the English Channel to the south.
See main article: West Ringstead. The original medieval village[4] and church[5] at Ringstead, located in a field to the west of the current settlement and mentioned in the Domesday Book, no longer exists.[6] It was most likely abandoned after the arrival of the Black Death at Weymouth in 1348.[7] All that can be seen now are variations in the ground level. The site is listed on the National Heritage List for England.
The modern village of Ringstead is located to the west of the original abandoned village, with a few former fishermen's cottages and holiday homes. The beach, although mostly shingle, is popular with holidaymakers. During World War II and the Cold War, a radar station, known as RAF Ringstead, was located at Ringstead.
Immediately to the east are Ringstead Bay, Burning Cliff, and beyond that the white chalk cliffs of White Nothe, dominating the view. It is possible to walk to the top of White Nothe and back from the village, with views of the bay and across to the Isle of Portland.[8] It is also possible to walk to Ringstead Bay on a circular walk from Lulworth Cove to the east, via Durdle Door and White Nothe.[9]
The small village of Osmington Mills lies on the coast about 1.5km (00.9miles) to the west and there is a footpath along the cliffs, via Bran Point.[10] [11] Perry Ledge is a reef off the beach near Bran Point. The large town of Weymouth is situated approximately 8km (05miles) west of Ringstead Bay.
Ringstead also has a nudist beach that is a 20-minutes walk east of the main beach.[12] [13]
Ringstead is accessible by way of a private road with a car park and shop/cafe at the end near the sea just before the village itself. There is an alternative free car park in the National Trust area further inland, with footpath access to the sea via a 15–20 minute walk.