About This Place

Church Ope Cove is located on the Isle of Portland near Weymouth. The beach consists of soft limestone pebbles and is surrounded by cliffs on three sideswhich provide shelter from the often strong breeze in the area. As the beach faces south, it is also something of a sun trap throughout the day. --> The beach is popular for swimming, snorkelling and diving, however, there is no lifeguard and the currents outside the direct cove area are strong. As a result, swimming further out is not recommended and children shouldn’t venture out into the deeper parts of the cove at all. One of the big draws of Church Ope Cove is the views of Rufus Castle which overlooks the area beach the clifftop. You can also walk to the nearby ruins of old St Andrew’s Church which is accessed via a footpath leading directly from Church Ope Cove. Wildlife highlights here include a range of species of birds and if you are lucky you may even spot a passing dolphin in these waters. To get to the beach, you will need to walk down a flight of steep steps which may be difficult for small children or less able visitors. Amenities nearby include a cafe, a caravan park and toilets. Visitors may also notice that there beach huts here although these are privately owned and are not usually available for rent.

💡 Our Take

Looking for a dog-friendly beach in Dorset? While details are scarce, we reckon Church Ope Cove could be your next adventure! We hear it allows dogs year-round, making it great for off-season adventures. We're unsure on sand type, but any sand at all is ideal for digging, right?! Parking information and nearby facilities are elusive, so bring supplies. Little information on swim safety, so please be extra cautious – it's best for confident swimmers! Because safety is tricky, we suggest keeping puppies and anxious dogs close. Let us know if you find more info; we strive for tail-wagging accuracy!