The Dorset coastline does not disappoint with its vast beaches with white sand, crystal clear water, and quaint fishing harbour villages. Rich with history, classic British seaside entertainment and picturesque villages, Dorset is the place to visit.
Here is a full list of Dorset Seaside Towns you don’t want to miss!
Table of Contents
19 Charming Dorset Seaside Towns and Villages
Lyme Regis
West of the Dorset coastline sits the ‘pearl of Dorset’, named the best seaside town in Dorset.
Lyme Regis is on the Devon/ Dorset border and is full of beautiful boutiques, delicious bakeries and a beautiful beach with views of the cliffs in the distance.
Lyme Regis has the ‘Lyme Regis and Dinosaur Fossil Museum’, which provides lots of information and history of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
In this Dorset coastal town, you can visit the Lyme Regis brewery, relax in the shoreline sauna, or enjoy a day at the beach with the family, offering great value for a memorable experience.
There are lots of places to eat and lots of beautiful buildings and houses to admire and dream about living in, each with its unique location charm.
Certainly, not one to miss if you’re exploring the coastal towns and villages in Dorset.
Charmouth
Charmouth is a beautiful destination that is well known for drawing in visitors due to its wealth of fossils and stunning beach shoreline.
It is a little village with lots of shops, a market every Monday, and lovely country pubs where you can enjoy a meal or a drink while visiting under the watchful eyes of local seagulls.
Fun fact: Charmouth is also a great spot for sea glass collectors.
This lovely rural village in west Dorset is perfect if you want to visit somewhere quaint and ‘untouched’ from all the modern ways of busier towns.
Burton Bradstock
Burton Bradstock is a very rural, picturesque village just southeast of Bridport.
Surrounded by vast, beautiful, green countryside rife with thatched cottages, they look like they’re right out of an Enid Blyton story.
There are very few shops, but there are a variety of pubs, cafes, and tea rooms. There is also a beautiful beach and a holiday park (FreshWater Beach Holiday Park) packed with lots of entertainment for families and people who want to holiday in a beautiful and quiet part of the world.
Eype
Eype is a quiet part of Dorset and is situated just west of Bridport.
There are several hotels and caravan/ campsites. Although it is a tiny village, it is worth mentioning because of the beautiful scenery and stunning sandy beach.
It is also home to the highest cliff on the south coast, ‘The Golden Cap’, which is a staggering 191 m above sea level. A perfect hidden gem for hikers exploring the south coast.
Seatown
Seatown has been identified to be an Area of Outstanding Beauty. With a stunning and quieter beach compared to surrounding ones and the vast green countryside as a picturesque backdrop, it is ideal for swimming.
There is a pub practically on the beach, which makes for a perfect place for lunch and possibly a glass of wine!
Seatown is popular for fishing, fossil hunting, and country walks, and it is the starting point for the Golden Cap hike.
Bridport
Bridport is a lovely seaside market town and fishing port. The market takes place along three streets on Wednesdays and Saturdays, making it perfect for anyone who loves to shop in gorgeous boutique shops and various market stalls.
There’s a vast selection of pubs and cafes to enjoy, and the local people are friendly and love to chat.
West Bay is close by with stunning beaches and cliff-top views, a picturesque harbour, amusements, and great places to eat.
Many TV shows have been filmed around here, the most recent one being ‘Broadchurch.’ There is also a holiday park, which is perfect for family getaways.
Chickerell
Chickerell is a town close to Chesil Beach and Weymouth. It’s home to Bennetts Water Gardens, an 8-acre garden with many beautiful ponds and lakes that hold international collections of water lilies.
Chickerell is a beautiful place to visit and hosts weddings because of its beautiful surroundings. It also has a great selection of places to eat, whether you fancy a takeaway or a pub lunch.
If you’re looking for a seaside town with shops, Chickerell isn’t the place for that. However, what it lacks in boutique shops, it makes up for with its beautiful countryside surroundings and vast beaches nearby.
Portland
When you think of Dorset towns, the Isle of Portland doesn’t stand out as much as Bournemouth, Poole, or Swanage. However, it offers a lot in the way of beautiful scenery, excellent walks, and history.
Portland is the most southern point on the famous Jurassic coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach.
It boasts not 1 lighthouse but 3! And also a castle and is home to the local landmark Pulpit Rock. It is also popular for water-based sports such as kite surfing and is an excellent place for sailors.
Definitely worth a visit for the quaint village feel and beautiful surroundings.
Weymouth
Weymouth is packed with things to do with the family or just for quiet trips without the kids!
The beach is a blue flag-winning bay bursting with natural beauty and themed family fun, such as a Punch and Judy show or a traditional donkey ride.
It also wouldn’t be a traditional British seaside town with amusement parks nearby packed with games and coin machines. There are plenty of places to eat, including fresh seafood restaurants, bakeries, pubs, and takeaways.
Weymouth has a stunning harbour and is home to Nothe Fort, which is full of history and tales of the area. A great place for photographers and people looking for a stunning view of Portland in the distance.
Weymouth is the perfect seaside town—it really has it all! If you’re not interested in the beach, a lively high street with lots of independently run shops and some of your high street favourites is close by.
The town also hosts lots of exciting seasonal festivals and days to enjoy throughout the year.
Wyke Regis
Nestled between the bustling Weymouth and the scenic Chesil Beach, Wyke Regis is a delightful blend of traditional charm and modern comforts.
This quaint village, known for its stunning views over the Fleet Lagoon and Portland Harbour, offers a tranquil escape from the busier tourist spots.
Wyke Regis is proud of its historic church, St. Andrew’s, which dates back to the 15th century and stands as a testament to the village’s rich heritage.
The area is perfect for those who love outdoor activities, with numerous walking and cycling paths showcasing the best of Dorset’s natural beauty.
The village itself, with its blend of old and new architecture, invites leisurely exploration, and you can find cosy pubs and cafes perfect for a restful break.
Wyke Regis may not boast the extensive amenities of larger towns, but its serene atmosphere and picturesque setting make it an unmissable stop for anyone seeking a peaceful seaside experience.
Abbotsbury
Abbotsbury is one mile inland from the sea and is a charming little village with pretty thatched-roof cottages and vast countryside surrounding it.
There are a few independent shops, pubs, and bnb’s. It is also home to St Catherine’s Chapel and Abbotsbury Swannery.
Walking through nesting mute swans makes it a unique day out. You can also visit the subtropical gardens, which are home to some of the most amazing plants and gardens.
There’s a tea house there and amazing Christmas and winter lights to enjoy on those colder winter nights.
Osmington
Osmington is a little village close to Osmington Bay. The beach is stunning with its clear blue water, and the village has pretty thatched cottages, charming gardens, and countryside.
Osmington is famous for having King George III carved into the hillside, riding his horse Adonis. It was carved on the hill to commemorate the royal visits to Weymouth.
Lulworth
Lulworth is home to one of the most picturesque beaches in Dorset. The water is crystal clear, and the beach is mostly shingles and stones, perfect for exploring rock pools.
The beach has a secluded feel, and there are some excellent walks around the area, including a great hike to Durdle Door.
In the small village of Lulworth, there are a few independent shops, a few places to eat, and some B&Bs.
Although Lulworth is small, it makes up for it by being a fantastic place to visit and having cheap, natural, and genuine fun at the beach.
Swanage
Swanage is a beautiful seaside town that is underrated in its beauty and attractions.
There is a stunning Victorian pier to stroll along, multiple amusements, and great restaurants. Swanage also has beautiful beaches and various water activities. You even have the stunning Old Harry Rocks a short walk away.
The town is charming and full of history.
There are a number of beautiful spots and places to camp in Swanage that are suitable for families or quieter places for people who wish to camp alone.
There are also a number of breathtaking beaches around the Purbecks, such as Studland, and the historical Corfe Castle is not too far away.
Poole
Poole is one of Dorset’s larger seaside towns and is home to Europe’s largest natural harbour.
It has the luxury of many high-street shops but is also a beautiful old town with its historical Georgian houses.
Along the quay, there are a mixture of independent shops and restaurants, the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon drink or lunch in the sun.
There are a number of stunning beaches in Poole, including the award-winning Sandbanks Beach, with gorgeous white sand and amazing views of the Purbecks.
You can also enjoy a boat trip to Brownsea Island, home to the red squirrels and Brownsea Castle.
The National Trust owns the island, which is bursting with wildlife and stunning views from every aspect.
Bournemouth
Bournemouth is renowned for its glorious beaches and being a classic seaside town.
Probably the most well-known in Dorset and the busiest.
There is a bust high street, great nightlife and is packed with restaurants with cuisine from all over the world.
Bournemouth’s lively pier is home to restaurants, fun fair attractions, and a zip wire that runs from the pier to the beach.
To reach the beachfront from the town, you can take a walk through Bournemouth Gardens (pictured above), which hosts various festivals and attractions, such as Pride and a Christmas market, every year.
The seafront provides entertainment for families in the summer months, especially on Friday nights, when there is a fireworks display throughout the summer holidays.
Bournemouth is also an excellent place to catch a show or a live performance, with the BIC and Pavillion close to the seafront.
Bournemouth offers a range of activities outside, such as surfing by the pier and inside, such as the cinemas and the oceanarium.
A fantastic place to visit if you prefer somewhere more lively with a mixture of Dorset beauty.
Boscombe
Boscombe is a lively Bournemouth suburb with its 1890s Royal Arcade, independent shops and high street favourites.
Taking a walk around Boscombe, you will see some amazing Art Deco buildings, and there’s lots to see for anyone interested in architecture.
Boscombe is home to beautiful beaches and stunning gardens, which are close to the beach, with crazy golf and a play park.
It is also where you would find the Vitality Stadium, home to Bournemouth Football Club.
Southbourne
Southbourne is a pretty suburb in Bournemouth but is worth noting for its lively high street with its independent bars and restaurants.
It’s a clean, welcoming area full of exciting little shops selling unique boutiques and vintage finds.
There is a lovely walk to the clean, family-friendly beach close to Hengistbury Head. This natural, unspoiled beach is popular for its beauty and picturesque beach huts along Mudeford.
Christchurch
Christchurch is a place of natural beauty on the edge of Dorset.
It has the luxury of being close to Bournemouth and The New Forest in Hampshire.
Surrounded by beautiful beaches such as Avon, Highcliffe and Mudeford, Christchurch is popular for water sports enthusiasts such as kayaking, paddleboarding and sailing.
There is an outdoor door splash park for the hotter months, and there’s a great feeling of community with food and wine festivals held yearly.
A truly beautiful park of Dorset with lots to offer for people who like quieter towns with lots of wildlife, castles and country walks.
So there you have 19 seaside towns you must visit in Dorset.
Some are much smaller and quieter than others, but all offer the benefits of beautiful coastal walks and beaches.
From quaint little towns that make you feel like you’re in an old-fashioned famous five-book to bustling busy towns with the added bonus of being in beautiful seaside surroundings but also having the modern world to hand in.
I hope you enjoyed this article and it has helped you book your next trip to Dorset.
Thanks for reading.
