In an ever-changing world where technology is at the forefront of our lives, it can get a little overwhelming at times.
Sometimes we need to take time out and enjoy ‘good old-fashioned’ fun, put the phones down and enjoy nature.
Crabbing is a perfect example of a purse-friendly activity that children and adults love, whilst providing lots of entertainment.
Create childhood memories of long summer days crabbing along the Dorset coastline with these top spots to visit.
Let’s start with some top crabbing tips to enhance your experience
- Please do not use hooks; using bait in a net bag is an effective way of catching the crabs.
- Cheap smoked bacon, prawns, or fish off-cuts are the best bait to use
- The Shore Crab is the most common crab you will find in Dorset, and the best time to catch them is as the tide is rising
- Crabs like the shade, so try to avoid direct sunlight
- If you would like to display your crabs in a bucket whilst you fish, try to avoid overcrowding
- Be as eco-friendly as possible and take away any plastic and rubbish with you when you leave
- Remember to stay safe by using handrails if available and acting sensibly around the water’s edge
- Add rocks or seaweed to your bucket to replicate the crab’s natural environment
- If needed, pick a crab up from behind to avoid getting pinched
- When finished, place the crabs safely back into the water (in the same place you fished them from).
Top Crabbing Spots in Dorset
Mudeford
Mudeford is a beautiful place to enjoy crabbing, the harbour has a quay that is a perfect spot and offers lots of crabs.
Many families gather around to join in, excited children, and many enjoy the friendly competition of how many crabs they have caught.
Mudeford is a well-known beauty spot offering a ferry service over to the picturesque Mudeford Spit, where you’ll find the most expensive and impressive beach huts in Britain.
There are also lots of lovely beaches around the area to enjoy during your visit.
🦀 Good to Know:
- Crabbing equipment is available to buy
- Toilet facilities
- Car park
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dog friendly
📍Mudeford, Christchurch BH23 3NQ
Swanage
Located on the stone quay near Swanage Pier, you can find a fantastic spot for crabbing.
Many gather together on sunny days to enjoy the views and catch crabs from the crystal clear waters of Swanage.
The town has a lot to offer, with many places to eat, drink, and shop. The Swanage Museum & Heritage Centre is also located nearby.
🦀 Good to Know:
- The closest car park is Broad Road car park
- Toilet facilities along the beach
- Dog friendly
- Lots of shops in the town to purchase crabbing equipment
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 Swanage BH19 2NT
Poole
Poole Quay has been a favourite spot for crabbing for many years. It is said that the area around the Old Lifeboat Station is a particularly good spot to do it (pictured).
Here, you can enjoy lovely views of the harbour and marina, and little ones will love spotting the large boats that sail by.
The quay boasts lots of places to eat and drink, and shops offer crabbing nets and buckets if needed.
🦀 Good to Know:
- Public toilets
- Dog friendly
- Multistory car park
- Shops and restaurants are close by
- Wheelchair accessible
📍 The Quay, Poole BH15 1HJ
Weymouth
Weymouth Harbour is a popular and well-known spot for crabbing. Thousands of people and holidaymakers flock to the traditional seaside town every year to enjoy its amusements, donkey rides and Punch and Judy shows.
Crabbing is an excellent and low-cost way to join in on the seaside fun.
The quayside is often lined with crabbers showcasing their latest catch, which adds to the happy atmosphere.
🦀 Good to Know:
- Wheelchair accessible
- Dog friendly
- Lots of places to eat and drink
- Picturesque seaside setting
- Harbourside car park
- Public toilets
📍 Weymouth DT4 8BG
West Bay
Crabbing can be enjoyed along the harbour walls of West Bay, from tiny baby crabs to large ones; it’s a popular spot for all.
West Bay is well known for its dramatic cliffs along the coastline, which were featured in the popular TV series Broadchurch.
Around the harbour, you can find souvenir shops and lovely spots to eat and drink.
A short drive away, you can visit the lovely town of Bridport, where there is a weekly market, boutique shops and lots of pubs and restaurants.
🦀 Good to Know:
- Public toilets
- Car Park
- Wheelchair accessible
- Places to eat and drink
- Dog friendly
📍 West Bay, Bridport DT6 4ER
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay is a beautiful part of Dorset. It is a secluded and rural beach offering lots of rock pools to explore.
Small crabs and other marine life can be discovered, including starfish, sea anemones, shrimp, and even small fish.
The rockpools bring a sense of adventure to the day, as well as fossil hunting, which is also a popular activity at Kimmeridge.
🐚 When exploring the rockpools, please ensure you return everything to where you found it to protect the rockpool ecosystem.
🦀 Good to Know
- Dog friendly
- Toilet facilities
- No food/ drink facilities
- Not suitable for wheelchair users
- Sensible footwear is advised
📍 Kimmeridge, Wareham BH20 5PF
Lyme Regis
The historic and iconic Cobb in Lyme Regis is a great spot to crab fish. There’s a lot of space for families to sit along the wall and patiently wait for the crabs to enjoy their bait.
Local shops offer crabbing equipment close by, along with bait. Lots of quirky shops, bars and restaurants are located close by, and the iconic Lyme Regis beach is a short walk from the Cobb.
🦀 Good to Know:
- Toilets along the seafront
- Dog friendly
- Limited wheelchair access due to uneven surfaces
- Car park close by
📍 The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ
