Osmington Mills is more famous for The Smugglers Inn pub than for its beach. https://www.smugglersinnosmingtonmills.co.uk The pub is well named as the beach was one of the main landing places for smuggled goods in the 17th century. There is plenty of outdoor seating and nice gardens around the back. In the winter there’s usually a roaring log fire to welcome visitors.
SAT NAV postcode DT3 6HF (Google map)
The beach is narrow, stony and covered in seaweed so not exactly the biggest reason to visit. A distinctive feature of the beach are the huge round boulders called “doggers”. As you walk along to Bran Point there’s one that is heart-shaped. At low tide rock pools are revealed which are great fun to explore. You’ll often find crabs, starfish amongst the pools.
Osmington Mills is on the route of the South West Coast Path so you’ll find plenty of walkers in the pub enjoying a refreshment break. The walk east to Ringstead Bay only takes 25 minutes (can get a bit muddy in winter) or about 1 hour 15 minutes to White Nothe. Walking west to Weymouth is just under 5 miles and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.
If you are staying in Weymouth its a lovely walk along the coast to Osmington Mills. You can arrive at The Smugglers Inn just in time for lunch and a well deserved pint and either walk back to Weymouth or take the bus back from nearby Osmington village (check timetable before leaving).
Related Pages: Durdle Door / Ringstead Bay Beach / Weymouth Beach / Weymouth