Every beach in Dorset has a unique charm and character to explore – from miles of sweeping golden sand to secluded coves and everything in between. There’s something for all ages and interests here. Kids will love the soft sand for building sandcastles, those who love walking will enjoy the stunning coastal path, or if it’s pure relaxation you’re after, you can sit back and enjoy the incredible views.
Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth
The coastal resort town of Bournemouth is the perfect place for a staycation with seven miles of award-winning Blue Flag beaches – Alum Chine, Durley Chine, Fisherman’s Walk, Manor Steps and Southbourne. With stunning scenery, fabulous walks, great food and buzzing nightlife, it’s no wonder locals call it the ‘coast with the most.’ Nestled beneath a magnificent cliff line, the bay enjoys its own micro-climate, some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and stunning views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks. Take a stroll on the iconic Bournemouth Pier or take a leisurely ride on the land train along the promenade. Admire the brilliant floral displays of the town’s Lower Gardens and walk through a mile-and-a-half of stunning Victorian gardens. Or even spend a few hours watching the oceanarium’s sea life and discovering Japanese treasures at the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum. Bournemouth weekend breaks with family or friends can be packed with exciting attractions and activities, so no one will ever get bored.
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Weymouth
A regular feature on top UK beach lists across the board, Weymouth Beach offers all the staples of a great summer day out. Walk along the promenade and admire the views of the iconic Jurassic Coastline with some local fish and chips, or gather the family on the sand for a traditional Punch and Judy show. After a day on the beach, the town’s vibrant traditional harbour is well worth checking out. Treat yourself to a gift or two at one of the harbour’s quirky shops, browse the antique emporium, or try some award-winning fare at one of the harbour’s alfresco restaurants. The harbour is also host to a whole variety of events and festivals. The Nyetimber Seafood Festival takes place every July with a whole host of local eateries tempting tourists with their delicious food, while Nothe Gardens- where spectators came to watch the Olympic sailors back in 2012- is still a popular resting spot today.
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Durdle Door, Wareham
Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks, and it is probably the most famous stone arch in the world. Part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, it is a highly regarded beauty spot. Durdle Door was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago and is now accessible via the South West Coast Path, from which it is a 15-minute walk down to the beach. By following this natural cliff path or the steps to Man O’War beach, the tilted Purbeck Beds are clearly visible. At the base of the chalk cliffs, many caves can be seen carved out by the sea (wave-cut notches). You won’t regret coming here. From rock-pooling, walking to coasteering, photography to nature walks or enjoying the stunning views. There’s plenty to do and see.
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Sandbanks Beach, Poole
Sandbanks is a small peninsula crossing the mouth of Poole Harbour and is home to a beach of exceptionally high quality. With fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, and breathtaking views, it’s perfect for a family day at the seaside. The soft sand is ideal for playing in, and kids will love building sandcastles here. Considered one of the best beaches in Britain, Sandbanks has won the prestigious Blue Flag award more than any other UK resort. It also boasts excellent facilities with a significant and challenging crazy-golf course situated behind the beach and a mini-golf course. There’s also a children’s play area with climbing, swings, sand diggers and a sensory play area. Watersports and equipment hire are also available and volleyball nets, slackline and table tennis. Or you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the view. The promenade has many cafes and shops, and there’s also a mini road train that’s a great way to enjoy the sights along the seafront. Sandbanks Beach is naturally beautiful all year round and offers stunning Studland and Old Harry Rocks views. On a bright and clear day, you’ll be able to spot the Isle of Wight. This is a delightful place to visit, even during the colder months.
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Lulworth Cove, Wareham
Lulworth Cove is a stunning secluded pocket of the Jurassic Coast. Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age, it is world-renowned for its unique geology and landforms. The dramatic views and crystal clear waters on this UNESCO World Heritage Site make it a must-visit. There’s plenty to keep you occupied here, from rock-pooling and watersports to walking, coasteering, or just relaxing with ice cream. It is also just a short walk to other famous landmarks along the coast, such as Stair Hole and Durdle Door. Our tip is to visit between September and May when the beach and roads will be quieter.
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Lyme Regis Beach, Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is a scenic and historic seaside town located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It is often referred to as the ‘pearl of Dorset’. Its most remarkable feature is a delightful 13th-century harbour known as the Cobb, where you can take a stroll and enjoy exquisite views along the West Dorset and East Devon coast. And just a short walk from the harbour, Langmoor Gardens is a beautiful place to relax and soak up the sunshine. Its elevated position on the hillside affords visitors far-reaching views over Lyme Bay and beyond on a clear day. The town has a choice of beaches, including East Cliff, Town Beach, Church Cliff and Monmouth Beach. Monmouth Beach is best for fossil hunting, whereas Church Cliff is brilliant for rock pooling and fishing when the tide is right. Town Beach is famous amongst families thanks to the remote stretch of sand during the summer months, which is ideal for making sandcastles. Lyme Regis is also renowned as the birthplace of Mary Anning, one of history’s most crucial fossil collectors and palaeontologists. You can find out more about Mary’s incredible life and discoveries at Lyme Regis Museum, which is built on the site of her family’s home.
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Chesil Beach, West Fleet
Chesil Beach is an 18-mile-long shingle beach extending from West Bay to Portland and is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks. Unlike Weymouth’s golden sands, Chesil is not your typical British beach lined with stripy deckchairs and pastel-painted beach huts. Nature rules here, and the dramatic landscape has inspired many writers. Behind Chesil Beach, you will find a saline lake known as the Fleet Lagoon, one of the few remaining undisturbed brackish lagoons left on Earth. It is an essential habitat for many species and a top spot to see little egrets, dark-bellied brent geese, common greenshanks and mute swans, which is the only place in the world where you can walk through a nesting colony. Just offshore is a unique strip of unbroken sand that offers fantastic opportunities for catching mackerel. The bank is dotted with anglers and their families in the summer months, cooking their catch on the fire. West Bay is a popular swimming spot in the summer when there is a lifeguard and is also a well-loved site for experienced divers due to its rich marine life. The beach is famous for its sunsets too. A fabulous place to sit and watch the sun go down – best enjoyed with a glass of wine in hand and delicious food shared with friends and family.
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Swanage Beach, Swanage
The resort of Swanage started to become popular soon after the opening of the railway in 1885, which brought Victorians into town to enjoy the clean air and the new fashion of ‘sea bathing’ and soon became known as one of the sunniest spots on the south coast. Today, this seaside town remains a popular destination for all the family, and the sandy beach is one of the main attractions. The waters are clean and safe, winning the beach many European Blue Flag Awards and Seaside Awards. Swanage Beach is well known for being a wonderful place to soak up the rays, and kids love to play in the sand and sea here. Deck chairs are available for hire, as are pedaloes, kayaks and sunbeds. The beach runs the length of the town and is backed by a promenade lined with amusements and attractions. It is found on the South West Coast Path. The town also makes a great base to explore the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. The iconic chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks are a three-mile walk northeast along the South West Coast Path, while Durlston Head is a short walk to the south. The Jurassic Coast has breathtaking views westwards, with the Isle of Wight visible to the east.
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Avon Beach, Christchurch
Avon Beach is a gorgeous sandy beach with a gentle slope into the sea, with good facilities nearby, including a Cafe, restaurant (The Noisy Lobster), beach shop, toilets, and lifeguard service during July and August. It is ideal for families with small children and people with disabilities or mobility requirements because it has its own beach-level car park. There is a designated watersports area in front of the car park, so perfect if you want to bring a kayak, paddleboard or windsurf. The beach is also just a short walk from Mudeford Quay, a stunning spot with incredible views out to sea and of Christchurch town. Here you can also find several places to eat and drink and areas to enjoy a picnic.
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West Bay, Bridport
With the iridescent glow of the magnificent sandstone cliffs and the shimmering radiance of Golden Cap, West Bay, Dorset is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Sometimes known as the Dinosaur Coast, tourists worldwide visit Dorset for fossil hunting in stunning coastal scenery. This beautiful seaside location is ideal for family holidays. A superb spot to enjoy the coast, there’s plenty to do here. From walks, fossil hunting, fishing/angling trips, scuba diving, paragliding, golfing, river boating, and more! Bridport Harbour and Marina in West Bay offer children the excitement of crab fishing, and there are play areas, a swimming pool with fun slides and amusement arcades. And within Bridport itself, you will find a vibrant market town set inland from the West Bay coast, among the Dorset hills. Here you will find farmers and street markets and arts and craft shops.
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Castle Cove, Bournemouth
Castle Cove is an award-winning golden sandy beach overlooked by a magnificent Georgian seafront located at the heart of the Jurassic Coastline. This secluded and sheltered bay is backed by greenery and cliffs, whilst the gradually sloping seabed and clear waters make it an ideal spot for swimming and water sports. Overlooking the beach are the incredible ruins of Sandsfoot Castle, which are also worth visiting. The castle was built by Henry VIII to guard Portland Harbour. You will also find various cafes and restaurants in the area, and traditional seaside attractions include Punch and Judy shows, pedalos and a land train, with impressive sand sculptures during the summer months. The beach also has regular events, including festivals, sporting occasions and firework displays. Castle Cove is a perfect destination for families and visitors of every age!
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Church Ope Cove, Portland
Discover one of Portland’s hidden gems on the island’s sheltered east coast. The cove’s name originated with the establishment of Portland’s first parish church, St Andrew’s, above the beach, while “ope” means “an opening down to the waterside.” Climb down steps to enjoy this secretive cove or explore the Weares, a unique rocky landscape created through landslips and quarrying. The beach consists of soft limestone pebbles and is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, providing shelter from the area’s often strong breeze. As the beach faces south, it is also a sun trap throughout the day. The beach is famous for swimming, snorkelling and diving – with access to the numerous wrecks in the surrounding waters. Wildlife highlights here include a range of birds, and if you are lucky, you may even spot a passing dolphin!. To get to the beach, you will need to walk down a flight of steep steps, which may be difficult for small children or less able visitors. Amenities nearby include a cafe, a caravan park and toilets. The cove and surrounding area have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for the importance of its natural environment and wildlife.
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St Oswald’s Bay Beach, Wareham
Located near Lulworth on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, the pristine sand and epic view of the sunrise and sunset on St Oswald’s Bay Beach make it the ultimate unspoilt seaside destination. Although the beach is isolated with no facilities, this is what makes this spot particularly special. Tourism in charge keeps the exquisite shorelines spotless and waste-free. It’s a wonderfully peaceful beach popular with photographers, and the translucent waters are ideal for snorkelling.
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