Tucked away on the Jurrasic Coast in Dorset, Tyneham Village is one of the UK’s most unusual places to visit- a village frozen in time since World War Two.
Just beyond the village lies Worbarrow Bay, a wild bit of coastline that feels quite untouched. And in a way it is; both the village and the bay are part of the Lulworth Military Ranges and so only open to the public on specific days.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit Tyneham Village and walk to Worbarrow Bay and what makes this place so special.
Everything You Need to Know:
What is Tyneham Village?
Sitting in the Dorset countryside, Tyneham is a ghost village. Once a thriving community, it now stands empty and frozen in time in the 1940’s. So what happened?
In December 1943, the village and the land around it were commandeered by the war office to be used for military training purposes. All 252 village residents were forced to leave, believing they’d return when the war was over.
For the soldiers who’d be using the village in their absence, a touching note was pinned to the church door ending with the line, ‘We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly’.
“Please treat the church and houses with care. We have given up our homes, where many of us have lived for generations, to help win the war and to keep men free. “We shall return one day and thank you for treating the village kindly.”
nOTE lEFT on church door by villagers
Tyneham is sometimes called ‘ Dorset’s abandoned village’ but that’s not quite right. I think it’s important to remember that the villagers didn’t abandon their homes, they were forcibly evacuated. They were never allowed to return.
The village and the land around it remains Ministry of Defence property and is still used for training. This is why the area is generally off limits to the general public and can only be visited at specific times.
You might be wondering, if the community was never allowed to return, what happened to the village?
The answer is, nothing. It’s still there, a reminder of a dark wartime chapter in British history and memorial of sorts to the community who were forced to leave it behind.
Parts of the village are well preserved, some have gone to ruin. At weekends and on certain holidays across the year, when the military isn’t training in the area, you can visit and wander the old village streets.
The village church, St Mary’s, fell into neglect when the villagers left in 1943 but has since been restored. It now houses a small museum telling the story of Tyneham with photographs and documents. The church is also a memorial; if you look closely at the walls you’ll see they are inscribed with the names of the last villagers.
The village school has been beautifully restored and also serves as a small museum. Inside is a one- room rural school exactly as it would have been in the 1920’s; vintage desks, an old fashioned black board and children’s names on their pegs.
Children travelled from the surrounding farms as well as from the village to attend school here and the names on the pegs are all names of actual past students.
Some of the old stone buildings have fallen into semi ruin. It’s a bit sad to see but it does create a very unique atmosphere. The old terraced homes have whimsical names- Gardener’s Cottage, Gwyle Cottages, Laundry Cottages.
Some details are quite touching, like seeing an old brick fireplace. It was probably the heart of someone’s home, once upon a time.
To see the heart of the old community, head to Post Office row. You’ll find it easily enough- look for the fancy old phone box. For many years, the family run Post Office had the only telephone in the village, making it a vital connection to life beyond the village.
The Haunted Telephone Box of Tyneham Village
In 1929, the village had a public telephone installed in an elegant white booth. Despite surviving its village days, WW2 and being part of a military training area, the original phone box was damaged in the 1980’s by a TV company filming on site.
Only part of what you see today is original, but it looks grand and has its own charm. But this is where it gets a bit weird. Several visitors have reported hearing a telephone ring in the village and by the phone box, despite the fact it’s been disconnected for years. Spooky!
I don’t think there are any ghosts roaming Tyneham Village, just faded glimpses of the people who lived there and the lives they led. A tribute to the community of the Dorset’s lost village and a lost way of life.
A wonderful place to visit for history lovers, walkers, photographers and anyone who loves discovering unusual and fascinating places.
Worbarrow Bay: Dorset’s Secret Beach.
Worbarrow Bay, sometimes known locally as Tyneham Bay, is one of Dorset’s most beautiful but lesser known and lesser visited beaches. It’s only accessible on foot or by sea and only on the days the MoD allows access to Tyneham Village.
Due to the restricted access rules- Worbarrow Bay opening times are the same as for Tyneham Village- this is one of Dorest’s most beautiful and undeveloped beaches. This does mean there’s no facilities- no toilets, cafe or lifeguards.
The Walk from Tyneham Village to Worbarrow Bay
Getting to Worbarrow Bay involves and easy one mile walk along a well marked path. It takes you through the military training area, so keep an eye out for targets and possible even the occasional abandoned tank!
As you approach Worbarrow Bay you’ll see the remains of the old coast guard station and cottages. This stretch of coastline has a history of smuggling and rumour has it that some of the villagers were involved. The sweeping bay and crumbling cottages definitely lend themselves to an Enid Blyton style story of smuggling and coastal shenanigans.
If you like your beaches exactly as they come, this is the one for you.
FAQ’S / Things to Know If You Plan to Visit:
When is Tyneham Village & Worbarrow Bay open to visitors?
Both are generally open weekends and holidays. The MoD does reserve the right to close off access when needed for training. Check opening dates on gov.uk here
Is there parking at Tyneham Village?
Yes, there is ample parking. This is also the only parking for Worbarrow Bay, the rest of the journey needs to be on foot. Suggested donation of £2 for parking, bring cash.
Are there any facilities at Tyneham Village?
There’s no catering facilities at all, so bring a picnic. At the very least, a couple of bottles of water. There are toilets, but they are Port-a-loos. Bring tissues and hand sanitiser. Not for the faint of heart on a busy day!
Are there any facilities at Worbarrow Bay?
No none, Worbarrow Bay is completely undeveloped. No toilets, cafe, place to change of lifeguards. You can swim, but at your own risk.
Is this a dog friendly day out?
Yes, you can bring your dog. Little Wolf had a great day exploring with us. Just be aware on a hot day, there is limited shade. Dogs need to be on lead at all times.
Can I spend the night here?
As wonderful an experience as that would be, the answer is sadly not. This is a preserved historic site within a military training area. No overnight stays. There’s lots of campsites and B&B’s in the surrounding area if you’d like to stay near by.
This historic coastal village takes a little planning to visit, but I hope I’ve convinced you it’s worth the effort! If, like me, you have a soft spot for history soaked places by the sea, you might enjoy one of these posts next:
Exploring Terschelling: The Beautiful Wadden Sea Island
Kearney Village & Coastal Walk, Northern Ireland
Helen x
What an attractive and secluded cove Helen. I also like the heritage telephone kiosk too! Thanks for sharing and I hope your week is going well. Marion
Thanks Marion, I loved that phone box. I’d hoped for a post box as well but no joy! It’s a good week here, I have my eldest daughter visiting for a week and Mr THL is working locally so we’re together as a family in over a year. Oh, and the sun is shining. Can’t ask much more, really? Wishing you a good week.
What a perfect escape spot, and with such a great walk through that village too. I’m quite envious of your day out. Although I live by the sea and can be on the beach in ten minutes from my flat, I rather take it for granted. It’s also easy to find secluded spots as holiday-makers seem to want to cling together and they all crowd around the same spots.
I grew up by the sea and didn’t appreciate it nearly enough! I do love a dip in the sea now. Is it looking busy where you are now or are people still cautious? I’m enjoying getting out again but I’m also keenly aware that those who live in the places that are beautiful to visit might feel apprehensive about the tourist season bringing problems.
What a fascinating place to explore. So good to find these hidden jewel type of places isn’t it? The history and character of it really brings the place to life. Tyneham looks so interesting plus you get to go to he beach too.
It’s a winning combination. A dip in the sea was very welcome after we wandered round in the sun for a bit. Feels like Summer has arrived, finally!
A great find and fascinating story, the added bonus being a lovely beach. 🙂 It is sad that the villagers never returned.
It is sad, more so because they left believing it was only temporary. But as long as there is interest in the village, they are remembered. Thanks for stopping by to read and comment.
A lovely evocative and nostalgic post. I’ll keep it in mind for when we travel as far as that part of the country.
Thank you. It’s definitely worth a visit, lovely little place.
What an interesting – and poignant – place.
Wow, such an interesting place – definitely makes me want to explore there!
I’m glad, when people are interested in places like this it keeps them alive. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment.
Well, first, thanks for making the font big enough to read! Such a lovely area. My husband and I love to explore little hidden gems such as this.
There are some amazing places out there, that’s for sure!
Fascinating. Deserted villages are so poignant!
What an amazing place you found! ♥ I would love to visit it!
It definitely has it’s own character! Thankyou for taking the time to read and comment, always means the world.
I love old churches, and the pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, thank you for taking the time to read and comment.