Kimmeridge's geology, like elsewhere along this coast, is remarkable. The Kimmeridge shale is a soft gray material which is oil-bearing and as a result a number of `nodding donkey' oil wells can be seen.

At the east end of Kimmeridge Bay is the ruined Clavel Tower. Built in 1820 by the Reverend John Clavel, it is thought to have been built as a folly, but it may have had an astronomical purpose. Later it was used as a coast-guard look-out. In September 2006, following an appeal, the Landmark Trust began the work of moving the tower some 30 yards away from the cliff edge as it was in danger of imminent collapse into the sea.

Below the tower on the beach you can find an Information Centre for the Dorset Trust for Nature Conservation and where guided walks can be started when sufficient people are about.

For the west-bound walker Kimmeridge is the start of a six-mile (9Km) section through the Army Ranges which starts at the Kimmeridge Gate. If the range walks are closed (often the case during the week) a 12-mile detour along roads must be taken.