Tyneham is Dorset’s famous ‘lost’ village
In November 1943 all residents of the small village of Tyneham in Dorset were told to leave within 28 days. The area was needed for the Second World War army forces’ training. On 17 December 1943 the last residents left, believing one day they could return. Sadly this was never to happen and the village was left in an abandoned, ghostly state.
Today, the village is still part of the Army Ranges but access is now allowed to visitors most weekends and all public holidays. Check the website for full details.
Expore Tyneham ‘Ghost’ Village
Take a walk along the ruined houses of ‘The Row’, past the old original Telephone Kiosk. Wander in the empty shells of the cottages. Each house contains a story board providing information about who lived there with photographs.
Don’t miss the exhibitions in the old school which has been faithfully restored, the old church and the restored barn and outbuildings at Tyneham Farm.
Worbarrow Bay on the Jurassic Coast
You can also enjoy a very scenic stroll down to the beach at Worbarrow Bay (just over a mile west from Tyneham on the Jurassic Coast). There’s access to a stony beach overlooked by Worbarrow Tout which the more energetic can climb. Swimming is allowed but children should be supervised as the beach shelves steeply as you enter the water.
Take Care – Army Ranges!
Tyneham and Worbarrow are part of the Ministry of Defence Lulworth Ranges. As the area is a LIVE FIRING range, while walking away from the track to Worbarrow you must KEEP TO THE PATHS MARKED WITH YELLOW POSTS at all times.
The Lulworth Range walks and Tyneham village are open to the public most weekends withthe exception of the following in 2024:
- 17 to 18 February 2024
- 16 to 17 March 2024
- 8 to 9 June 2024
- 14 to 15 September 2024
- 12 to 13 October 2024
- 16 to 17 November 2024
In addition to weekend opening the Lulworth Range walks and Tyneham village are also open during the following holidays:-
- Easter: 29 March to 14 April 2024
- Bank Holiday: 4 to 6 May 2024
- Spring stand-down: 25 May to 2 Jun 2024
- Summer stand-down: 26 July to 1 September 2024
- Christmas: 21 December 2024 to 5 January 2025
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. For UPDATED 2024 Firing Range Times see the Military of Defence website for Lulworth Ranges.