Ringstead Bay is a beach of flint shingle and areas of low-tide sand, bounded at the eastern end by the headland of White Nothe. The high cliffs provide good shelter for sunbathing, and swimming is generally safe. Towards the eastern (White Nothe) end the shore becomes rocky, backed by low chalk cliffs and this area is popular with local naturists. Further east, the shore becomes narrower and rockier as White Nothe is approached, and it's not possible to walk around to the next beach although on a calm day it's an easy swim for competent swimmers.
Parking is at one of two car parks, both reached by turning off the A353 just west of Poxwell village. One car park is at Ringstead village (Grid Ref : SY753814), just a short walk from the centre of the beach, and can be reached by a toll road which isn't cheap. Facilities here include the Reef Cafe with outdoor seating, and a mostly level walk to the beach. The other National Trust car park is at the top of the hill (Grid Ref : SY760823), and is Pay-by-phone. It has panoramic views across Weymouth Bay to Portland and from here it's a long, but interesting walk down to the shore (walk up to the gate, and take a footpath on the right). Alternatively, at the White Nothe headland, just in front of the cottages, is the Smuggler's path. This is a steep, salebrous path which zig-zags down to the eastern end of Ringstead bay.
There are plenty of unusual flora and fauna here, including Nottingham Catchfly, Glow-worms and Nightingales. The geology is mostly chalk and Kimmeridge clay, with greensand nearer beach level at the eastern end of the bay.
Dogs are allowed at all times.
