The Fleet is Britain’s largest tidal lagoon, stretching eight miles between Chesil Beach and the Dorset mainland from Abbotsbury to Portland. This unique brackish water body separated from the sea by Chesil’s massive shingle barrier creates rare habitats supporting specialized wildlife. The Fleet is internationally important for wintering waterfowl including Brent geese, wigeon, and red-breasted mergansers. It’s also one of Britain’s most important sites for mute swans and supports diverse marine life in its sheltered waters. The lagoon’s unusual ecology fascinates naturalists, while kayakers and sailors appreciate the sheltered conditions. Viewpoints along the coast road offer stunning vistas across this remarkable feature. A Site of Special Scientific Interest demonstrating the dynamic relationship between sea, shingle, and lagoon.
Photo by David Dixon from Geograph, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
The Fleet Lagoon
Location
Photo Gallery
Gallery images from Geograph Britain and Ireland, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. Hover over images to see photographer credits.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more places within 10km
Chesil Beach
18-mile natural shingle beach, one of Britain's most remarkable geological wonders.
Bennetts Water Gardens
Eight-acre Japanese-style water garden with spectacular water lily displays and koi carp.
Chesil Beach & The Fleet Lagoon
Extraordinary 18-mile shingle beach with naturally graded pebbles protecting the Fleet Lagoon - unique landform.
Abbotsbury Swannery
World's only managed mute swan colony, 1,000 years old, with 600+ swans nesting annually.
Abbotsbury Swannery
World's only managed mute swan colony, 1,000 years old, with 600+ swans nesting annually.
Upwey Wishing Well
Famous natural spring and Victorian tea gardens where visitors have made wishes for generations.