The 10 Best Beaches in Dorset for Every Adventure
Planning a holiday in the area and wondering which are the best Dorset beaches? We’ve got you covered.
Whether you're looking for the perfect spot the kids to build their sandcastles, a dog-friendly beach for Fido to have a splash, or somewhere quiet and off the beaten track, Dorset’s collection of stunning beaches can tick all of these boxes, and more.
Best family-friendly beaches in Dorset
Bournemouth Beach: A classic seaside spot with seven miles of golden sand to explore, this beach is perfect for the kids. With so much space, Bournemouth Beach makes an ideal backdrop for a game of frisbee and some paddling, followed by some indoor fun at the modern pier amusements. Just 20 minutes away from this sandy beach is where you’ll find our very own Forest Edge Holiday Park, providing the perfect place to stay after a fun-filled day.
Weymouth Beach: Another firm favourite for families, Weymouth Beach offers a sheltered bay with calm waters, perfect for swimming - especially for the little ones. What’s more, the beach boasts a plethora of watersports to discover, from stand up paddleboarding (SUP) for the more daring members of your group, right through to kayaking, for those wanting to stay (fairly) dry!
Sandbanks Beach: Looking for the best sandy beaches in Dorset? Imagine turquoise waters lapping at pristine white sand. Sandbanks Beach is a visual masterpiece, ideal for creating lasting memories with the entire family during your Dorset holiday, and just a 25 minute drive from Wilksworth Caravan Park.
Best dog friendly beaches in Dorset
Studland Bay: Featuring a vast expanse of sand dunes, Studland Bay is a haven for dogs to roam and play. Imagine your canine companion gleefully chasing frisbees, digging enthusiastic holes, and taking refreshing dips in the shallows. The wide-open space allows them to run free (while always following local leash rules, of course) and release all that pent-up energy. What’s more, this pup-friendly beach is located just 15 minutes from Swanage Coastal Park, which offers a range of dog friendly holiday accommodation, from spacious caravans to luxury lodges, some with their very own hot tubs.
West Bexington Beach: Alongside its wide-open spaces for Fido to run free, West Bexington Beach boasts a hidden gem – a network of rock pools exposed at low tide. These miniature marvels become an exciting playground for curious pups. Watch them intently sniffing the edges of the pools, ears perked up at the sounds of scurrying crabs or the sight of tiny fish flitting amongst the seaweed.
Hive Beach: Nestled away from the hustle and bustle, near the dramatic cliffs of Dorset, Hive Beach is a great spot for a relaxing walk with your furry friend. After your walk, head towards the Hive Beach Cafe, a dog-friendly haven offering delicious refreshments for both humans and canines.
Best Fossil Beaches in Dorset
Chesil Beach: Composed entirely of smooth, rounded pebbles, Chesil Beach stretches for an impressive distance, creating a dramatic landscape unlike any other. But beneath this unique surface lies a secret world waiting to be discovered. These sands are a haven for fossil hunters, a place where the whispers of the past can be unearthed with every turn of a pebble. Millions of years ago, this area was a shallow sea teeming with marine life. Now, fossilized remnants of ammonites, belemnites, and even dinosaur bones lie hidden amongst the pebbles, waiting to be brought back to light.
Golden Cap from Seatown Beach: One of the best beaches for fossil hunting in Dorset is the wonderful Seatown Beach. Take a scenic hike up Golden Cap, England's highest coastal cliff, and get stuck into excitement of fossil hunting. Seatown Beach is a perfect adventure for families with older children, teenagers, and anyone seeking a taste of Jurassic history.
Taking the Plunge: Best Beaches in Dorset for Swimming:
Sandbanks Beach: Making yet another appearance on our list is the sheltered bay and crystal-clear waters of Sandbanks Beach. The beach is known for its shallow bay, which is ideal for paddling and splashing, especially for those holidaying with young children. Sandbanks has also been awarded the Blue Flag status for over 30 years, recognising its excellent water quality, safety, and environmental effort.
Durdle Door: This iconic landmark boasts a beautiful cove with clear waters, ideal for a relaxing swim beneath the natural arch. For the more adventurous swimmers, Durdle Door offers more than just a refreshing dip. Snorkelling around the cove reveals a hidden world teeming with life. Spot vibrant starfish clinging to rocks, graceful seahorses swaying in the current, and playful shoals of fish darting through the seaweed forests.
Lulworth Cove: A little further along the coast you’ll find the hidden coves and turquoise waters of Lulworth Cove, perfect for a dip in a stunning setting. Lulworth is known for its sheltered and calm waters, making it a great choice for those with little ones.
There you have it – the best beaches in Dorset! Why not explore them all?
Dorset's coastline promises an unforgettable beach experience. So, pack your swimsuit, beach towel, and sense of adventure, and discover the perfect beach for your Dorset getaway!
