Dorset is renowned for its golden sands and stunning coastlines. Whether you fancy a relaxing day by the sea or an adventurous water sports experience, there’s something for every beach lover here.
There’s nothing better than having a beach day, and with some of the best weather in the UK and a wide variety of beaches to go to, Dorset has you covered.
Fancy digging your toes into soft sand? Head over to Sandbanks Beach famous for its miles of white sand, glorious sunsets and wonderful views of The Purbecks.
If pebble coves are more your style, then Lulworth Cove is a must-visit.
Dorset’s beaches aren’t just about lounging around. Dorset has a host of beaches you can dive into a range of water sports, from paddleboarding to windsurfing.
So grab your sunscreen, and let’s explore the sun-soaked beaches of Dorset!
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The Best Dorset Beaches
Dorset is home to some incredible beaches, each offering its own unique features and activities. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or explore nature, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a closer look at some of the best beaches in Dorset.
Durdle Door / Man O’War
Durdle Door is one of (if not) the most famous beaches in Dorset, being famous for its natural limestone arch and clear turquoise waters. It’s a favourite spot for photographers, hikers and nature lovers.
Adjacent to Durdle Door is Man O’War Beach, a secluded cove; the views are beautiful from the top of the cliffs, and it’s worth the walk down to dip your toes in the crystal clear waters.
Handy Tips:
- Visiting Durdle Door can be a bit of a hike, so be prepared to walk on uneven terrain and up steep hills.
- There is no lifeguard service at this beach, and it is quite secluded, so take care if swimming.
South Beach
South Beach in Studland (a personal favourite of mine) is smaller and quieter than the more famous Studland Bay but is worth a mention for the peaceful atmosphere and great views of Old Harry Rocks.
A rustic beach with a mixture of white sand and lots of wildlife and trees, it is a great place to spend the day.
The clear water is shallow, making it a great place for children and families and for any water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.
Handy Tips:
- Scenic walks can be found all around South Beach, including a fantastic walking trail up to Old Harry Rocks.
- National Trust parking is close by.
- No lifeguard service.
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is a beautiful, horseshoe-shaped bay. The cove was formed around 10,000 years ago, making it a fascinating place for anyone into geology.
Lulworth Cove is a brilliant place to spend the day relaxing; children will love rock pooling and will spend hours seeing what they can find.
It’s a great spot for a wild swim or to go kayaking, and for any who enjoys finding sea glass, Lulworth is a great spot for a hunt. In the village nearby there are also some excellent pubs and shops for you to enjoy.
Handy Tips:
- Lulworth is a stony beach, so appropriate footwear is advised.
- No lifeguard service.
Mudeford
Mudeford can be found just off of Hengistbury Head; with no road access, this is a secluded and quiet beach.
Giving a beautiful mix of nature, heathland and the beach, it is a perfect spot for a day out. There is a land train that runs all year from Hengistbury Head car park to Mudeford if you have a lot to carry or don’t fancy the walkover.
Alternatively, you can get the ferry across from Christchurch.
Mudeford is home to some of the most expensive beach huts in the country, and when visiting, you’ll see why with the amazing white sands, calm waters and great atmosphere.
Handy Tips:
- There is The Beach House Cafe to enjoy and an Ice cream stand.
- No lifeguard service.
Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach offers donkey rides, pedalos, amusements and the Punch and Judy shows, it’s got everything that makes a traditional British seaside.
The sand is soft, and the waters shallow, making it a great place to build sandcastles and go for a paddle.
Weymouth Harbour is also a beautiful spot, with lots of bars and restaurants around the area, making it a livelier place to come to.
Handy Tips:
- Lifeguards are present seasonally.
- Take lots of 2p’s for the many amusements around the beach area!
Studland
Studland Bay is a gem with its long stretches of golden sand, clear blue waters and natural surroundings with impressive views of Old Harry rocks.
Part of the National Trust, Studland is rich with wildlife and well-preserved surroundings. Studland is also one of the most popular naturist beaches in Britain.
Handy Tips:
- There is a National Trust car park close by.
- Studland is easily located from the Sandbanks Ferry.
- You can visit other quieter beaches close by, such as Knoll Beach and Middle Beach.
- No lifeguard service.
- Swanage is a short bus or car journey away from here.
Sandbanks
Sandbanks Beach is known for its fine, white sand and Blue Flag status; it is often considered one of the best beaches in Britain.
Families will love the clear, shallow waters and the softest sand to dig holes and build sandcastles.
There are lots of watersports activities adjacent to the main beach, making it a hot spot for anyone who loves seaside water activities.
There are lots of facilities close by, including cafes, restaurants and toilets.
Handy Tips:
- Set out early as Sandbanks is a very popular beach, the car park can become full.
- The ferry over to Studland and The Purbecks is close by.
- Lifeguards present from March – September.
Swanage
Swanage Beach is a fantastic traditional seaside town with a great beach. Watch Punch and Judy from the beach, venture out on a pedalo or just relax with an ice cream.
There’s lots to do with the small town being close to the beach, lots of places to eat and to grab some beach essentials.
The sea is some of the clearest water in Dorset and shallow, perfect for families having a paddle.
Handy Tips:
- Swanage Railway is close by, offering a great experience and fantastic countryside views, stopping at Corfe Castle.
- Check out our article on Swanage parking if you’re struggling with somewhere to park.
- Lifeguards present May – September.
- If you’re looking for a place to eat, check out our article on all the different restaurants in Swanage.
Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach is a unique pebble and shingle beach that stretches for 18 miles from West Bay to Portland.
The beach is a quiet and rugged beach, different from the ‘typical’ tourist spots around Dorset. This beach is untouched and, in some way, a wild beach, making it all the more beautiful.
Chesil Beach is a great spot for fishing, and fishermen can be seen catching fish such as mackerel as well as other marine life.
Behind the beach, you can find The Fleet Lagoon, a haven for bird watchers.
Handy Tips:
- Swimming is not recommended due to strong currents.
- No lifeguard service.
Kimmeridge Bay
A beach that is unique and stands out from the traditional white sandy beaches. Kimmeridge Bay is a must-visit for fossil hunters. A beach made up of mostly stone and pebbles but rich in rock pools filled with marine life and fossils galore.
Making it a fun and educational day out with the family, children will love exploring the dinosaur fossils and spotting crabs in the little pools.
The waters are clear and full of fish, making it one of the best snorkelling spots in Dorset.
Handy Tips:
- No lifeguard Service.
- Suitable footwear is a must.
- Be aware that debris can fall from the cliffs, so take care when visiting.
Worbarrow Bay
Situated one mile from Tyneham Village, you can find a very quiet and secluded Worbarrow Bay. As well as access from Tyneham Village, you can visit this beach via the South West Coast Path from Lulworth Cove or Kimmeridge Bay.
The beach is mostly shingle, the views of the cliffs are amazing, and the rusticness of the beach gives it a calm and tranquil vibe.
The beach and Tyneham Village are managed by the Ministry of Defence and used as an army training ground, so for safety reasons, the area is restricted at certain times. However, it is open to the public most weekends and school holidays.
Handy Tips:
- There are no toilets available
- No lifeguard service
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is famous for its picturesque landscapes and fossil-rich cliffs. Views of West Dorset and the East Devon coast can be seen, and lots of beautiful quaint buildings run along the beach.
Traditional British seaside vibes are around with the many places to get an icecream, amusement arcades and bakeries.
The pretty pastel beach huts and beautiful Lyme Regis harbour add to the charming seaside atmosphere.
The town is also lovely and close to the beach, with many places to eat and quaint little shops and boutiques.
Handy Tips:
- If fossil hunting, only look at fallen or beach items as digging into the cliffs can be dangerous.
- Lifeguards present July – September.
- Check out the mouthwatering Hog roast sandwiches at The Whole Hog, they will not disappoint!
Hive Beach
Hive Beach is part of the Jurassic Coast and offers stunning views all the way up to Portland and The East Coast of Devon.
The beach is a great fossil hunting spot, but take care of the cliffs and rockfalls. There are lots of fantastic walking trails around, and it is a fantastic natural area to visit with lots of well-preserved areas and wildlife.
The Hive Beach Cafe is a perfect spot to grab some lunch, serving delicious seafood and lovely views.
Handy Tips:
- This isn’t a safe beach to swim in due to the large waves and strong undertow.
- No lifeguard service.
- There is a National Trust car park close by.
The vast Jurrasic coast and the stunning natural surroundings are what make Dorset so special.
Going to the beach can be fun for everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, pro sunbather or looking for the next adventure with the children, there is a beach out there for everyone and every occasion.
Thanks for reading, and have fun!
