Winspit Quarry
Dramatic coastal quarry with fascinating caves and unique rock formations, offering stunning Jurassic Coast views and climbing opportunities.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More comfortable exploration
Winspit Quarry
Best Time
More comfortable exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic coastal quarry with fascinating caves and unique rock formations, offering stunning Jurassic Coast views and climbing opportunities.
"Absolutely beautiful place! Is however starting to crumble, so be safe when exploring!"
🥾 Wear sensible shoes
The terrain is uneven and can be slippery. Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended for safe exploration.
💧 Bring water & snacks
It's a trek to get there and back, so stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Caves
Within Winspit Quarry
Explore fascinating caves carved into the cliffs, offering a glimpse into the quarry's past and dramatic ocean vistas.
Coastal Path Views
South West Coast Path
Stunning panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast, with dramatic cliffs and the sparkling sea stretching out before you.
Rock Formations
Throughout the quarry
Marvel at the unique, stacked rock pillars that create an almost Jenga-like effect, a testament to the quarry's history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Check Cave Stability & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear sensible shoes
The terrain is uneven and can be slippery. Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended for safe exploration.
💧 Bring water & snacks
It's a trek to get there and back, so stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
⚠️ Be cave-aware
Caves are unstable and may be closed. Explore with caution and respect safety warnings. +1
📸 Drone photography
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the quarry and coastline with your drone.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear sensible shoes
The terrain is uneven and can be slippery. Sturdy walking boots are highly recommended for safe exploration.
💧 Bring water & snacks
It's a trek to get there and back, so stay hydrated and fueled for your adventure.
⚠️ Be cave-aware
Caves are unstable and may be closed. Explore with caution and respect safety warnings. +1
📸 Drone photography
Capture breathtaking aerial shots of the quarry and coastline with your drone.
🌟 Look for wildlife
Keep an eye out for marine life like dolphins from the coastal path.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Winspit Quarry a truly interesting and beautiful place, offering dramatic coastal views and unique cave formations. While the trek to get there is noted, the scenery is considered well worth the effort. Some areas are unstable and closed for safety, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and historical intrigue.
"Very interesting place. It is a bit of a trek to get there but it is worth it. Have to wear sensible shoes and bring water. On the day we visited there were lots of people climbing on the rocks. The rock formation is very interesting. I am intrigued to find out how this place came about and how was it constructed? The pillars that support the roof look very fragile and consist of lots of smaller pieces of rock stacked on top of each other. Almost like jenga. It is right by the sea and the view is stunning. Would visit again. Recommended."
Andrew Cheng
"Absolutely beautiful place! Is however starting to crumble, so be safe when exploring! The quarry does say close but it still fully wide open for anyone to access. And a beautiful coastal path with lots of history!"
S M
"It’s a nice walk down, although there are signs that it’s closed, this doesn’t appear to deter visitors, but at least there was no rubbish laying around, my advice go on a cooler day as the climb back up to the village is a long one"
Tony Messenger
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Winspit Quarry is accessible via walking routes, often starting from Renscombe or Worth Matravers villages. The walk itself is part of the adventure, offering stunning coastal views. 
Parking is available in nearby villages like Renscombe or Worth Matravers, from where you can embark on a scenic hike to the quarry.
Many visitors enjoy circular routes along the South West Coast Path, which offer varied scenery and can be adjusted for length and difficulty.
Wild camping is generally not permitted on the Jurassic Coast without specific landowner permission. It's best to plan for designated campsites.
While the coastal paths are popular for hiking, cycling may be challenging due to the uneven terrain and narrow paths. It's primarily a walking destination.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Winspit Quarry is a natural site and does not require tickets for entry. Access is generally free, though some areas may have safety closures.
Winspit Quarry does not have set opening hours as it's an open natural site. However, be mindful of daylight hours and potential safety closures.
There are no entry fees to visit Winspit Quarry. The main costs would be associated with parking in nearby villages and any refreshments.
While signs indicate closure due to safety concerns like cave collapse, the quarry remains accessible. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and respect any restricted areas. +1
Exploring inside the caves is possible but comes with risks due to potential collapse. Many visitors view them from a safe distance or explore the more stable outer areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the unique cave formations, hike along the stunning Jurassic Coast Path, enjoy panoramic sea views, and observe the interesting rock structures.
Yes, Winspit Quarry is a popular spot for rock climbing and bouldering, attracting climbers to its challenging routes.
Visitors have reported spotting dolphins from the coastal path, and the area is rich in marine life in the rock pools.
Absolutely! The dramatic landscapes, caves, and coastal views make it a photographer's paradise, especially with drone capabilities.
This disused quarry was once a source of Purbeck marble and has also served as a filming location for 'Star Wars: Andor'.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly at Winspit Quarry. You'll need to bring your own food and drinks or visit nearby villages like Worth Matravers.
Yes, a picnic is a great idea! Enjoy your meal with the stunning sea views, but remember to take all your rubbish with you to keep the area clean.
The village of Worth Matravers, a short walk away, offers traditional pubs and cafes where you can refuel after your exploration.
There are no readily available water sources for refilling bottles directly at the quarry. It's essential to carry enough water for your entire visit.
📸 📸 Photography
The entrances to the caves, the dramatic coastal cliffs, and the unique stacked rock formations offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Drone photography is popular here, offering incredible aerial perspectives of the quarry and coastline. Always check local drone regulations before flying.
Golden hour, just after sunrise or before sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for dramatic landscape shots. Midday can be harsh but still offers good visibility.
Yes, but be extremely cautious of unstable ground and falling rocks. Use a tripod for better low-light shots inside the caves.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views and cave entrances. A drone offers unique aerial perspectives.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are non-existent. The unique rock formations and the dramatic coastal scenery can spark imagination and curiosity. Consider focusing on the accessible parts of the coastal path and the more stable areas of the quarry, rather than deep cave exploration, to ensure a safe and enjoyable family adventure.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+2Nature lovers will appreciate the rugged beauty, the sea air, and the chance to spot marine wildlife like dolphins. The quarry itself, with its unique geological features, is a fascinating natural wonder. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions.
📸 Photographers and Drone Enthusiasts
Drone pilots will find the aerial perspectives particularly rewarding, capturing the vastness of the quarry and its stunning coastal setting.
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic lighting for landscape shots. Be mindful of any local drone regulations and always prioritize safety when operating your equipment near cliffs.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Caves Safely
While exploration is possible, it's crucial to prioritize safety. Stick to areas that appear stable, avoid venturing too deep into unknown passages, and always be mindful of falling rocks. The 'Jenga-like' rock formations supporting some cave roofs are particularly fragile. Many visitors find that enjoying the views from the cave mouths or the surrounding cliff edges provides a thrilling experience without unnecessary risk.
For those interested in the quarry's history, it was once a source of Purbeck marble. Its dramatic landscape has also made it a popular filming location, notably for the 'Star Wars' series 'Andor'.
This blend of natural wonder and cinematic history adds another layer to the Winspit Quarry experience.Hiking the Jurassic Coast Path
Popular routes include circular walks that take in Winspit Quarry, Seacombe Cliff, and St Aldhelms Head, or extend towards Chapman's Pool. These trails are generally considered medium difficulty, with some challenging ascents and descents. The terrain can be uneven and sometimes slippery, reinforcing the need for sturdy footwear.
+2Beyond the immediate quarry area, the Jurassic Coast Path offers opportunities to discover hidden coves, observe marine life, and immerse yourself in the rich geological history of the region. Keep an eye out for wildlife; dolphins have been spotted swimming offshore.
Rock Climbing and Bouldering
+1While the quarry is a popular climbing spot, it's essential to be aware of the potential for rockfalls. Climbers should always assess conditions, use appropriate safety gear, and be mindful of the quarry's natural instability. The thrill of climbing in such a dramatic, natural amphitheater is a significant draw for the climbing community.
For those new to outdoor climbing, Winspit Quarry can offer rewarding experiences on lower-grade routes, providing a sense of accomplishment and a chance to hone skills in a stunning environment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit