Dorset boasts of some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK and the countryside. A visit to Dorset is incomplete without exploring the superb Dorset beaches. The region has a lot of options if you fancy a day by the sea.
Beaches in Dorset range from the popular world coves of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast to the sandy beaches and hidden gems. You will find plenty of options and maybe even spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best Dorset Beaches to visit.
Most Popular Beach In Dorset
Studland – Shell Bay
Studland-Shell Bay is in a relatively remote area but is still one of the most popular beaches in Dorset. This wonderful Shell Bay is situated at the tip of the National Trust Owned Studland Peninsula. It is separated from Poole and Bournemouth by a narrow channel you can cross by ferry from Poole Harbor.
The long, vast, and full of fine white sands are suitable for taking a walk, sunbathing, or building sandcastles. Bring your kids with their sandcastle building kit to take advantage of the sandy beach. Swimming and fishing are other activities you can enjoy here.
The beach is unspoiled and relatively quiet compared to other Dorset beaches but can be busy during summer. There are many facilities, and it is ideal for families and watersports like windsurfing and sailing.
The neighboring Studland Bay beach is famous for kitesurfing, and there is a designated area for naturists/nudists between Shell Bay and Knoll Beach.
A seafood restaurant and restaurant are right across the beach; a picnic area is also available. Dogs are restricted between May 1 to September 30.
Best Beaches In Dorset – Bournemouth
Bournemouth Beach – West Cliff and East Cliff
It is located in the southeast corner of Dorset. Bournemouth is nothing less than 10 miles long and has a lot to offer, which is why it is one of the best beaches in Dorset. The vast stretch of golden sand and clear water make it a family favorite.
There are many entertainment facilities right on the beach. Cafes, shops, arcades, an IMAX cinema, and an oceanarium, are all just a few minutes from the beach.
Beach huts are available for hire. Swimming, kayaking, fishing, sailing, surfing, water skiing, and windsurfing are activities you can enjoy here.
There are many other beaches in Bournemouth if you want to spend more time around the area.
Boscombe Pier Beach
Located about one and a half miles from Bournemouth’s pier and seafront, Boscombe beach is part of the long stretch of flat, sandy coastline between Sandbanks to the west and Hengistbury Head to the east.
Boscombe beach is an excellent choice for families and watersports enthusiasts. The superb water makes it perfect for swimming. Fishing, surfing, kitesurfing, and kayaking are other activities to enjoy here.
Many free on-beach activities here include volleyball, table tennis, and mini-golf. A wide promenade lines the beach with beautiful beach huts available for hire.
It is worth noting that this beach gets really busy during summer. Be sure to visit early to set down your beach mat for a spot.
Accommodation In Bournemouth Near Beaches
This hotel is right in the heart of Bournemouth, a few minutes from the beach. There is a bar, and a full English/Irish Bar is available. Standard rooms and deluxe rooms, which are elegantly furnished, are available. Many stores and restaurants are close to this hotel.
This elegant hotel is located in Boscombe, less than a mile from Bournemouth beach. The hotel offers Full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and Buffet breakfast. The rooms are comfortable and well-furnished.
The Rivera Hotel & Holiday Apartments Alum Chine
It is in a peaceful location, looking over the trees of Alum Chine to the bay. The hotel features a hot tub, indoor pool, a fitness center, disabled facilities, and a bar and restaurant.
There is a game area with a pool table, table tennis, Nintendo Wii, table football, board games, and children’s toys.
The bedrooms are well furnished with necessary facilities while many have a balcony with sea views. Excellent breakfast including full English/Irish, Vegetarian, Gluten-free, and buffet is provided.
Best Beaches In Dorset – Weymouth
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth cove is considered one of the most spectacular beaches in Dorset. It is an excellent spot for a beach outing. This unique mushroom-shaped cove boasts of beautiful blue waters that give the Mediterranean feel.
The sand and shingle beach get busy during the holidays, all thanks to its iconic nature. It is lined with a white limestone cliff backdrop. The turquoise water is shallow in most places, making it safe for swimming.
Other activities you can enjoy at Lulworth are sunbathing, kayaking, and rock pooling. Dogs are allowed all year round but must remain on the left of the slipway.
Durdle Door Beach
Durdle beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Dorset. The most significant feature of this iconic cove is the magnificent limestone arch leading into the water—the arch separates Doodle Door from Man’ o’ War Bay. The beach became the UK’s first natural UNESCO heritage site in 2001 because of this arch.
The sand and shingle beach curve away from the arch and is backed by the high limestone cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. To get a scenic view of this beach, you need to view it from the cliff-top viewing point above.
The crystal-clear water is safe for swimming, but children should be supervised as there are no lifeguards. Diving, rock pooling, and snorkeling are other activities to enjoy here so bring along your snorkel mask. Dogs are allowed throughout the year.
Accommodation In Weymouth Near Beaches
This is a family-run hotel with the town center, Weymouth Harbor, and the beach across the road. The rooms are traditionally furnished, and some have scenic sea views. The hotel features family rooms and a bar.
it is right on the doorstep of Lulworth Cove, with coastal views and picturesque Jurassic footpaths. This elegant hotel features a pub/restaurant and rooms with stunning sea views.
The pub serves Badger cask ales, lagers from around the world, and a menu full of fresh, seasonal dishes. Attractions like Fossil Forest, Stair Hole, and Dungy Head are close to the hotel.
MORE UK BEACHES: |
Best Beaches In Dorset – Poole
Canford Cliffs Beach
Candford is one of the quieter beaches in Dorset, yet it has something to offer everyone. The beach has flat light golden sand, with is firm enough for ball games and building sandcastles. A steep chalky cliff and conversation area back this beach.
The excellent water quality and gentle waves make swimming in the dedicated swimming area safe. Families and locals love it here, and there are beach huts for hire on the beach’s edge.
Swimming, bathing, sandcastle building, volleyball game, and soccer are some activities you can enjoy here.
Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks is also known as Britain’s Palm beach, and this is due to the expensive land price. This beautiful Dorset beach has soft golden sands and many facilities making it an excellent spot for a family day out by the beachside.
An ideal place for watersports enthusiasts as there is equipment for hire, and the waves are safe for watersports. It is suitable for windsurfing, kayaking, and jet skiing.
The award-winning water is excellent for swimming and bathing. Volleyball, table tennis, and crazy golf are out-of-water activities available.
If you are looking to stay multiple days in the region, there are many other amazing beaches in Poole you can explore.
Accommodation In Poole Near Beaches
This hotel is in a top-rated area with a scenic view across Poole Harbor. The hotel boasts of an award-winning restaurant and cocktail bar and offers a delicious breakfast. The rooms have an elegant nautical theme, and the bathrooms have a spa bath. The restaurant serves mouth-watering cuisine, and the new Chinese restaurant offers fine Asian dining.
This beautiful hotel features a restaurant, garden, and bar. There is a family room and a terrace. You can enjoy an à la carte or a Full English/Irish breakfast.
Other Beautiful Dorset Beaches
Chesil Beach
Chesil beach in Bridport is one of the rare beaches in Dorset and the whole of England. It stretches for 18 miles from Portland to West Bay. It is one of the most extensive shingle beaches in the UK and is as wide as 650 feet, with shingles height as high as 50 feet.
Chesil beach never gets as crowded as other Dorset beaches because of its size and lack of sand.
The clear water makes It is popular for swimming and watersports. It is also suitable for fishing and hikers. Nature lovers also explore this stunning beach because of its landscape and wildlife. You can have a picnic with your loved ones on this beach.
Avon Beach
Avon beach is excellent for families with young children because of its superb facilities. The beach is primarily sand with some shingles. A promenade backs it to one end and beautiful pastel-colored beach huts to the other.
Avon beach has everything you need for a family time out by the sea; you can hire beach huts, deck chairs, sun loungers, and windbreaks. The clean, shallow water is safe for swimming, with a designated area for swimming. Popular for beach paddling and playing water games.
Water sports enthusiasts will have a fantastic time on this beach as there is a dedicated waterport area. There is a restaurant, café, and beach shop where you get beach supplies like buckets, spades, etc. Other activities to enjoy on the beach aside from swimming include fishing, kayaking, and jet-skiing.
Kimmeridge Bay
If you love marine wildlife, Kimmeridge bay is one of the best Dorset Beaches to visit. This is the best place to access the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve. You don’t need to get into the water to see some marine life.
The clear water and lack of sand make this beach popular for snorkeling and diving. Surfing and windsurfing beginners also love it here because of the little tide. There is an abundance of rockpools with crabs, anemones, fish, and a colorful variety of seaweed to explore.
If you love adventure, Kimmeridge is the perfect beach for you. There are several exhibitions about the Jurassic Coast and its wildlife to discover.
There are no shops here except an ice cream van on the beach during summer. Ensure you go with snacks and water or head to the village for various pubs and restaurants.
Enjoying The Best Beaches In Dorset
Dorset is perfect for a relaxing vacation or day out that is activity filled. The amazing Dorset beaches have stunning scenery that will take your breath away.
Whether you want a day out with your family by the beach, or you’re just looking to lounge and take in the smell of the sea, there is a Dorset beach that meets your fantasy.
If you want an active day to enjoy all types of watersports, the coast of Dorset has something to offer as well. Pack your bags, gears, buckets, and spades as you explore the stunning Dorset beaches.
