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Family Friendly Beaches in Dorset

If spending a day on the beach building sandcastles, swimming in the sea and lazing around with your family in the hot summer sun sounds like your idea of a fantastic holiday then Dorset is definitely the place for you. With Dorset beaches a plenty, you can while away the hours and soak up the sunshine in the most stunning surroundings. Look at our superb video footage of the beautiful Dorset coastline and see just some of the breathtaking scenery you can enjoy.

With so many fantastic family friendly beaches you'll have trouble deciding which one to visit first! We'll leave the deciding up to you, but see our guide below for what we believe are the perfect beaches for you and your family to visit during your Dorset break.

Weymouth/Greenhill/Bowleaze

The sands and safe bathing waters of Weymouth Beach are what make this such a popular family holiday destination. With plenty of traditional entertainment including Punch & Judy, trampolines, donkey rides, pedalos & swing boats as well as refreshment kiosks, pedalo and sun bed hire this beach provides the ideal day out for any family.

If a sandy beach isn't your cup of tea then head over to neighbouring Greenhill. There are rafts in place during the summer months and it's the perfect beach to escape the crowds and relax with a family picnic.

Head slightly further round the coast you will find Bowleaze Cove. Grab a snorkel and mask and explore the marine life that is located around the reef, or relax on the beach and enjoy the views in the summer sun.

Ringstead

Ringstead bay is one Dorset's hidden gems. A great beach which never gets too crowded with fantastic views over Weymouth and Portland. Car parking is located just metres from the beach.  The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and the water here is great for a swim during the summer.

Hive Beach

Hive Beach is located along part of the World Heritage site and is a fantastic place to spend a relaxing day as a family.

Located slightly off the beaten track by the village of Burton Bradstock this beach never gets too crowded, and with the critically acclaimed Hive Beach Cafe located just yards away you are guaranteed a great day out.

West Bay

Located just minutes away from the market town of Bridport, the picturesque harbour and beaches at West Bay are a great place for a family day out.

Spend the day lazing about on the beach, or take a stroll along the coast and head back over the top of the cliffs for some fantastic views. Any day spent in West Bay should be finished with Fish & Chips from one of the kiosks over looking the beautiful harbour.

Charmouth

For a family trip to the beach with a difference head down to Charmouth.

As well as having safe sandy beaches Charmouth is a fantastic place to go on a family fossil hunting trip along the Jurassic Coast. The Heritage Coast Centre, located on the beach runs guided fossil walks as well as workshops and information on fossil hunting.

Lyme Regis

It's not hard to see why Lyme Regis is one of Dorset's most popular family seaside destinations.

The children will love the safe water and beautiful sands of Front Beach and Cobb Gate beach which are perfect for sandcastle building.

There is also the opportunity to learn more about the Jurassic Coastline around Lyme Regis by taking part in a guided fossil walk.

Durdle Door/Man o'War Bay

Spending the day at either Durdle Door or Man o'War Bay is one of the best ways to spend your time in Dorset.

The walk to the beaches from the top car park can be a little challenging for the little ones (especially on the way back up) but the crystal clear waters and breathtaking views are well worth the walk.

There is a refreshments stall on the way down where you can buy a variety of snacks but it is well worth taking picnic and making a full day of your visit.

Swanage

Swanage is a blue flag awarded traditional Victorian sea side resort. You are guaranteed that the children will love splashing around in the safe waters and building sandcastles in the golden sand.

Pedalo hire is also available at this beach and there are plenty of facilities located with a very short distance of the beach itself.

Christchurch

Christchurch has a number of fine beaches such as Highcliffe Beach, Friars Beach and Avon Beach. With 4 miles of predominantly sandy beaches, Christchurch provides everything you need for a varied day by the sea. Whether it's a traditional bucket and spade visit, a quiet family stroll or somewhere to enjoy the thrills of watersports you'll find it all!

Bournemouth & Poole

Bournemouth and Poole boast seven miles of golden sands running from the east to Studland in the west. At Sandbanks beach, the fine and golden family friendly sands slope gradually into the water and the beach has held the European Blue Flag for a record 21 years.

Bournemouth’s sheltered bay has some of the warmest sea temperatures in the UK and offers views of the Needles on the Isle of Wight and Old Harry’s Rocks in Purbeck.

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