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Everyone enjoys time at the beach. The feeling of the breeze on your skin and the gentle waves rubbing salty water on your legs is second to none. Anyone looking to experience this will enjoy this read as we cover the best beaches in Dorset. This county in southwest England is known for its long stretch on the English Channel, which means it is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. Pay attention as we run through them.
Table Of Contents
Best Beaches In Dorset
We’ve grouped the best Dorset beaches into four categories, which include the best sandy beaches, swimming beaches, dog-friendly beaches and fossil beaches.
Best Sandy Beaches In Dorset
Let’s start by exploring the best sandy beaches Dorset has to offer.
1. Bournemouth Beach
First on our list is Bournemouth Beach in Bournemouth. This beach was rated the best in the UK and 20th in Europe for the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The beach has soft sand and is very family-friendly, with lifeguards present for most of the year to ensure your safety while swimming.
The beach has cliff lifts at the west and east cliffs, which will transport you up and down for a small charge. However, you can use the zigzag paths next to the lifts if you’re buzzing with energy. Bournemouth Beach also features a land train along the promenade that can transport you from Bournemouth Pier to either Boscombe Pier or Branksome Chine.
2. Sandbanks Beach
Another special beach makes our list. Sandbanks Beach isn’t just one of the best among Dorset’s beaches but one of the best in the whole of Britain as a winner of the Blue Flag Award for over 30 years. Sandbanks features fine golden sand and sparkling clean waters, promising a lovely time for the family.
Kids can build sandcastles with the soft golden sand while you enjoy a game of crazy golf on mini golf on the golf courses. The beach also has a children’s space with climbing, swings, sand diggers and a sensory play area. Anyone feeling a bit sporty can hire equipment and enjoy watersports, table tennis or volleyball.
If you’re looking for fun activities in Dorset, check out the best things to do in Dorchester.
3. Swanage Beach
Swanage Beach is another lovely sandy beach you’d want to see in Dorset. It has everything you want—clean waters and an attractive promenade to add to its numerous European Blue Flag Awards. Amenities like deck chairs, pedaloes, kayaks and sun beds are available for hire, whether you need to relax or enjoy watersports.
Those looking to swim can do so within the clearly marked designated swimming area. Beach wardens also patrol in the summer to ensure swimmers are safe. To cap it up, Swanage Beach is only a short distance from attractions like Mowlem Theatre and Swanage Museum.
4. Weymouth Beach
This is another award-winning beach in Dorset, located in the heart of the Jurassic Coast. It gained initial popularity in the 1700s due to King George III’s frequent visits. Weymouth has since become one of the country’s top traditional seaside resorts.
Weymouth Beach features a sheltered bay, a gradual sloping seabed and its superb waters offer swimmers and watersport enthusiasts safe conditions for swimming. This beach is perfect for the family, with attractions such as Punch and Judy, donkeys, children’s rides and pedalos present to keep the little ones entertained.
Best Beaches In Dorset For Swimming
While most beaches in Dorset are great for swimming, some are better than others. Here are our picks.
1. Man O War Beach
Man O War is a very fine beach comprising sands and pebbles but its waters are clearly why it stands out. It has waters of the highest quality, which are great for swimming as well as diving, fishing and snorkelling. The water retains its quality, protected from swells by a partially submerged offshore reef.
Although there are no facilities available on Man O War Beach itself, you can find some in Durdle Door Holiday Park, which is a 15-minute walk uphill. Bring along a picnic basket and enjoy a leisurely lunch on the beach with family and friends. There are also a number of attractions worth exploring near here, including the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove.
2. Lulworth Cove
The beautiful white pebbly beach of Lulworth Cove is another fantastic place for swimming. Its colourful blue waters and ease of access make it a popular destination for anyone who enjoys a waterside experience. The waters are calm and clean, making it great for bathing, diving and even water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding.
At low tide, the beach reveals wonderful rock pools, which serve as homes to various small sea creatures. You can get refreshments from Boat Shed Café at the water’s edge. If you’re looking for more to do, check out nearby attractions like Lulworth Village, Durdle Door and Tyneham Village.
3. Durdle Door Beach
Durdle Door stands out as one of Dorset’s biggest attractions. The magnificent limestone arch is one of the most famous in the world but the waters beneath are equally impressive. The surrounding cliffs offer panoramic views of the Dorset coast and you’re guaranteed to take some of the nicest photos while you’re here.
The beach is a mix of pebbles and shingle, which stretch out into the crystal clear waters. This makes it a lovely spot for swimming, sunbathing and exploring marine life. You do need to be careful, as the beach shelves steeply in some areas and there are no lifeguards present.
4. Alum Chine Beach
Alum Chine in West Bournemouth is another great beach swimmers are going to love. Both locals and tourists love this blue flag beach due to its clean waters and range of facilities. It features everything from toilets, beach huts and changing rooms to lost children centres, RNLI lifeguard stations, pubs and ice cream kiosks.
Alum Chine Beach also has many colourful beach huts available for rent. Young families will also like the pirate-themed large adventure playground for kids. Lifeguards are present from 25 May to 1 September 2024, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., so these are probably the best periods for swimmers.
SDVH offers minibus options in Dorset. You can also check out our range of car hire options, available for residents and visitors.
Best Dog-Friendly Beaches In Dorset
The county, Dorset also has some beautiful beaches for dog owners looking to bring their furry friends along.
1. Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach stretches over 18 miles (30 km), running from West Bay to Portland. The stretch makes up part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are talks that this beach contains 180 billion pebbles, which gradually reduce in size as you travel from one end to another.
Chesil is one of the best beaches for fishing as it offers a strip of unbroken sand that offers fantastic opportunities for catching mackerel. As you’d expect, dogs are welcome at this beach all year round, but you must keep them on leashes near nesting birds and mudflats.
2. Knoll Beach
Knoll Beach is located in Studland, sitting right between Shell Bay and Middle Beach. This beach runs for 4 miles (6.4 km), serving as home to various wildlife. Many will find this to be a great spot because there’s plenty of space and the sand here is soft and golden, easy on your feet.
You can bring your dogs along at any time of the year but between 1 May and 30 September they must be on leash, as there’s usually a larger crowd. You’ll also be happy to know that basic amenities like a shop and restaurant are present. There are also plenty of toilets, outdoor seating and a watersports centre.
3. Shell Bay
Shell Bay is one of Dorset’s most secluded beaches (except during the summer months) and this is due to the fact that there are only two ways to get here. You can either drive along the peninsula from the Swanage end or take a short ferry ride over from Sandbanks. The beach is run by the National Trust, who like to keep things as they are, so most of the area is unspoilt and free from commercialism.
Shell Bay sits at the entrance of Poole Harbour, so you’ll see plenty of boats pass while relaxing. Dogs are free to roam all year, save for May to September, when you must put them on leashes. You can also enjoy activities like fishing, sailing, windsurfing and bathing.
4. West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach is divided into two areas: East Beach and West Beach. The East Beach is a sloping, shingle beach that features beautiful sandstone cliffs. The scenery here is one of a kind and you get to enjoy lovely views towards Chesil Beach and Portland.
West Beach is smaller and quieter, which makes it great for young families and the presence of the protective cove makes it safe for swimming. Dogs are welcome off-leash between 1 October and 30 April on both beaches. However, you can’t bring your four-legged friends between 1 May and 30 September.
There is an additional area of the beach that is separated from the west part by a large rock groin, which has no dog restrictions all year.
Best Fossil Beaches In Dorset
If you’re into fossil hunting, Dorset also has some great beaches for you.
1. Monmouth Beach – Lyme Regis
With a blend of natural beauty and tranquillity, Monmouth Beach is every vacationer’s dream. This shingle beach runs from the harbour at Lyme Regis, West Dorset, to Pinhay Bay, East Devon. The beach gets its name from the Duke of Monmouth, who landed here in 1685 during a failed attempt to overthrow King James II.
Monmouth Beach is a fossil hunter’s dream, as it features a layer of limestone known as the ‘ammonite graveyard’ or ‘ammonite pavement’. With some patience, you may find some small ammonites. You can even arrange to go out with a fossil guide from Lyme Regis Museum.
2. Kimmeridge Bay
Next on our list is Kimmeridge Bay, located in a marine Special Area of Conservation in Dorset. This is probably the best site for rock-pooling in the county and it is also great for snorkelling. The beach features some of the most important geology on the Jurassic Coast, while also boasting some of the area’s most accessible marine wildlife.
Kimmeridge Bay is also a great spot for various water-based activities, including surfing and windsurfing. Parking at Kimmeridge Beach is included in the cost of the toll road and parking is only five minutes away from the shoreline.
3. Front Beach – Lyme Regis
Front Beach, located on the Jurassic Coast, is known for its lovely views and rich fossil heritage. This sandy and pebbly beach stretches along Lyme Bay, providing a family-friendly atmosphere perfect for sunbathing, swimming and other waterside activities.
The cliffs around the beach contain rocks from the Jurassic period, offering the opportunity to discover ancient ammonites and other ancient remains. Another great feature of this beach is the Cobb, an ancient stone harbour wall. It protects the harbour from the sea and is a great spot for a stroll.
Check out SDVH’s estate cars, perfect for visits to the beach with your dog. We also have budget car options for solo trips and everyday travel.
What Are The Blue Flag Beaches In Dorset?
The best Blue Flag beaches in Dorset are Sandbanks Beach, Alum Chine Beach and Weymouth Beach. Sandbanks is famous for its clean waters, golden sand and excellent facilities. Alum Chine features a safe swimming area and beach huts for hire, while Weymouth Beach consistently earns the Blue Flag award for its safety and water quality.
Best Time To Visit Dorset Beaches
As with other beaches, the best time to visit Dorset is during the summer months. The weather is still pretty much warm and there are plenty of beach activities and events for everyone. These months are ideal for family vacations. The beaches are lively and some even hold events like festivals and watersports competitions.
Late spring between May and June also works well for beach visits. There are fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Many beaches are also quieter and you can enjoy spots like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove without too many visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Best Sandy Beach In Dorset?
The best sandy beach in Dorset is Bournemouth Beach. It offers a long stretch of golden sand, excellent facilities, and a range of activities for everyone. For the 2024 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards, it was also rated the best in the UK and 20th in Europe. Sandbanks and Swanage are also great alternatives.
Are There Any Dog-Friendly Beaches In Dorset?
Yes, there are dog-friendly beaches in Dorset. In fact, most beaches in Dorset are either partially or fully dog-friendly. If you’re looking for the best of the bunch for you and your furry friend, you can try Chesil Beach, Knoll, Shell Bay and West Bay. These beautiful beaches also offer fun activities to enjoy with your pet.
Is There a Shingle Beach In Dorset?
Yes, there is a shingle beach in Dorset. In fact, Dorset has more than one of these pebbly beaches. The most famous shingle beach in this county is Chesil, which runs from West Bay to the Isle of Portland. The beach is made up entirely of pebbles, which vary in size. Kimmeridge Bay is another shingle beach, while Weymouth offers a mix of sand and shingle.
Which Beaches Are Best For Water Sports In Dorset?
The beaches that are best for water sports in Dorset are Sandbanks Beach, Swanage Beach, Bournemouth Beach and Weymouth Beach. These beaches are great for various activities like surfing, kayaking, paddleboarding, jet skiing and windsurfing. Some of the beaches also have lifeguards to ensure your safety while enjoying these activities.
What Are The Most Scenic Spots Along The Jurassic Coast In Dorset?
The most scenic spots along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset are Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks. Durdle Door is a majestic limestone arch in the middle of the sea; Lulworth Cove is a near-perfect horseshoe-shaped bay with clear waters; and Old Harry Rocks are chalk formations that stand at the edge of the cliffs.
Conclusion
So now you know the best beaches in Dorset. Whether you’re looking for a quiet and clean beach to relax with your family and pet or enjoy watersports and boat trips, Dorset has the perfect beach for you. So hire a vehicle today and come explore this country and enjoy the best waterside experience.
