Hive Beach

The Seaside Boarding House, a modern British restaurant in Burton Bradstock, offers locally sourced seafood and panoramic ocean views from its clifftop location Seaside Boarding House. Further westward, The West Bay Hotel in Bridport serves classic pub fare with a focus on fresh catch in a cozy, historic setting West Bay Hotel. For a refined dining experience, Moonfleet Manor near Weymouth provides upscale dishes amid Georgian elegance Moonfleet Manor.

Chesil Beach Lodge, set along the South West Coast Path, features airy rooms with direct sea views and private balconies Chesil Beach Lodge. The Seaside Boarding House combines boutique accommodations with cliffside dining Seaside Boarding House. Moonfleet Manor, a Georgian-era hotel, offers a spa and indoor pools for families Moonfleet Manor. Haddon House Hotel in West Bay provides Regency-style rooms just minutes from the beach Haddon House Hotel. For budget-friendly stays, Old Coastguard Holiday Park has cottages adjacent to walking trails Old Coastguard.

Hive Beach offers limited on-site amenities, with nearby facilities in Burton Bradstock and Bridport. Public restrooms and showers are typically seasonal or located in adjacent villages. Beachgoers can rent equipment like windbreaks locally, while picnic areas are informal—visitors often bring their own setups. The South West Coast Path provides access to viewpoints and benches overlooking the coastline.

Fossil hunting is a highlight here due to the area’s Jurassic Coast geology, with ammonites commonly found. Swimming is possible but subject to tidal conditions, while kayaking and paddleboarding are popular in calmer waters near West Bay. The South West Coast Path offers rugged hiking routes with cliff-top panoramas. During low tide, rock pooling reveals marine life like crabs and anemones.

Hive Beach has no dedicated mobility mats, but some firm pathways exist near the car park. Beach wheelchairs may be available through local services in Bridport—visitors should inquire ahead. The South West Coast Path includes sections with graded slopes suitable for assisted access. Restrooms with accessibility features are located in nearby villages rather than directly on-site.

Hive Beach has a small car park managed by the National Trust, requiring a fee for non-members. Overflow parking is available in Burton Bradstock village, a short walk from the shore. During peak season, early arrival is advised as spaces fill quickly. Accessible parking spots are limited but prioritized near the beach entrance.

Hive Beach’s cliffs are part of the Blue Lias formation, dating back 200 million years. The beach was once a key landing spot for smugglers in the 18th century. Its name derives from the local beekeeping history, though no active hives remain today. The area’s pebbles, polished by millennia of wave action, create a distinctive ‘singing’ sound underfoot during storms.

The nearby West Bay Harbour, featured in TV’s *Broadchurch*, showcases towering sandstone cliffs and a working fishing port. Bridport’s historic market town boasts independent shops and a vintage cinema. Lyme Regis, 15 miles west, offers the renowned Cobb Harbour and Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. Hardy’s Monument, a 19th-century tribute to the novelist Thomas Hardy, provides sweeping views from Blackdown Hill.