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Dorset Beach Guide Discover our amazing beaches

Our most popular beaches at Bournemouth, Sandbanks and Weymouth, get very busy during the summer months. So if you are seeking a quieter beach away from the crowds, scroll down the page and take a look at our Beach Guide.

The beaches within our Guide are listed from Highcliffe in the east of the county to Lyme Regis in the west.

The Guide includes useful information for each beach including where to park, if toilets are available, accessibility information for visitors in wheelchairs and with other special needs, whether dogs are allowed and if there is a RNLI Lifeguard Service.

Assistance Dogs: There are exemptions for assistance dogs written within the Public Spaces Protection Orders. As long as the dog is liveried in the exempted area, no officer will challenge. However, where no livery is worn you may be challenged but enforcement officers would consider next step actions i.e. if an ID card is shown identifying the dog as an assistance dog, no fixed penalty notice would be served. Where no evidence of the dog being an assistance dog is presented, a Fixed Penalty Notice may be served.

Highcliffe Beach

  • Highcliffe Beach is a shingle and sand beach. A family friendly beach with gentle shelving.
  • There are no lifeguards at Highcliffe Beach.
  • Highcliffe Cliff Top Car Park (594 spaces). 5 to 10 minute walk down to the beach.
  • Toilets (including (baby changing) on cliff top.
  • No dogs between groynes H4 and H8 from 1 May to 30 September. For rest of beach, dogs are allowed all year.
  • 26 Accessible parking spaces. Accessible toilet next to Cliffhanger Cafe, accessed by RADAR key. Gravel slopes and paths lead down to beach level. Access at eastern end mainly on tarmac paths.

Highcliffe Castle Beach

Friars Cliff Beach

Avon Beach

  • Avon Beach is a sandy beach. Ideal for families, offering a safe, gentle slope into the sea.
  • Lifeguard patrols at Avon Beach during the school summer holidays.
  • ​Avon Beach Car Park (83 spaces). Or Avon Run Road Car Park (206 spaces), 5 minute walk via steps.
  • Toilets (including baby changing) on promenade.
  • From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on beach.
  • 6 Accessible parking spaces and step free, level access from Avon Beach Car Park. Accessible toilet on promenade (next to café) with RADAR key access.

Gundimore Beach

  • Gundimore Beach is a shingle and sand beach. The beach is close to the harbour entrance with strong currents and moving sand bars.
  • There are no lifeguards at Gundimore Beach.
  • Mudeford Quay Car Park (419 spaces) or Avon Beach Car Park (83 spaces). Both a 5 minute walk to the beach.
  • Toilets at Avon Beach or Mudeford Quay – 5 to 10 minute walk. Both have baby changing facilities.
  • Dogs allowed all year, off lead. 
  • 24 Accessible parking spaces at Mudeford Quay Car Park and 6 spaces at Avon Beach Car Park. Step free, level access from both car parks. Accessible toilets at Avon Beach and Mudeford Quay – 5 to 10 minutes walk away.

Mudeford Sandbank

  • Mudeford Sandbank is a sandy beach. The beach is close to the harbour entrance with strong currents and moving sand bars.
  • There are no lifeguards at Mudeford Sandbank beach.
  • ​Nearest car park is at Mudeford Quay (419 spaces), you'll need to catch a passenger ferry across to the beach. Or Hengistbury Head Car Park (704 spaces) with a 1 mile, level walk.
  • Toilets (some with baby changing) between beach huts.
  • Dogs allowed all year, off lead. If accessing the beach via Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, dogs should be under close control at all times to protect wildlife.
  • Access by foot, bike or land train from Hengistbury Head Car Park, which is 1 mile away and has 17 accessible parking spaces. The land train can carry wheelchair users.
    Accessible toilets with RADAR key access at end of sandbank (block 5) and at the ferry pontoon (block 3).

Hengistbury Head Beach

  • Hengistbury Head Beach is a shingle and sand beach. Paddling in the shallows is safe. Do not sit near to the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Hengistbury Head beach.
  • ​Hengistbury Head Car Park (704 spaces). A 10 minute walk to the beach.
  • Toilets next to café and at Visitor Centre.
  • Dogs allowed all year - keep on a lead to protect wildlife at this nature reserve.
  • 17 Accessible parking spaces. Additional parking bays on road next to Hiker Café. Accessible toilet at Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre.

Southbourne Beach

Boscombe Beach

Bournemouth Beach

  • Bournemouth Beach is a sandy beach. A family friendly beach with gentle shelving into the sea.
  • Lifeguard patrols at Bournemouth Beach from early April to late September.
  • ​Parking near beach and in town centre.
  • Toilets (including baby changing) on promenade.
  • Dogs allowed all year between Middle Chine and Durley Chine. For the rest of the beach, dogs are not allowed from 1 May to 30 September.
  • Accessible toilets at Pier and on promenade. 1 Beach accessible wheelchair available May to September.

Durley Chine Beach

Alum Chine Beach

Branksome Chine Beach

Canford Cliffs Beach

Shore Road Beach, Sandbanks

Sandbanks Beach

Hamworthy Park Beach

Studland Bay beaches
(Shell Bay Beach, Middle Beach, Knoll Beach)

  • The beaches at Studland Bay are sandy beaches. Gently shelving sand suitable for bathing depending on weather conditions. No BBQs on beach or adjacent heathland at any time.
  • There are no lifeguards at any of the Studland beaches.
  • ​Large National Trust car parks at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and Shell Bay.
  • Toilets (including baby changing) in all three car parks - open when car parks are open.
  • Dogs on lead at beach access points. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs on beaches must be on a lead less than 2 metres in length.
  • Accessible parking in all car parks. Parking charges do not apply to blue badge holders. Accessible toilets at all car parks. Knoll Beach is the most accessible with flat paths, beach wheelchairs and a Changing Places toilet.

Studland Bay
(South Beach)

  • South Beach at Studland Bay is a sandy beach. Gently shelving sand suitable for bathing depending on weather conditions. No BBQs on beach or adjacent heathland at any time.
  • There are no lifeguards at South Beach in Studland.
  • ​National Trust car park next to Bankes Arms pub.
  • No toilets on beach.
  • Dogs on lead at beach access and car park. From 1 May to 30 September, dogs on the beach must be on a lead less than 2 metres in length.
  • No accessible toilets. Accessible parking is available. Parking charges do not apply to blue badge holders.

Swanage Bay

  • Swanage Beach is a sandy beach. Gently sloping sandy beach with a clearly marked designated swimming area. Beach wardens patrol in summer.
  • Lifeguard patrols at Swanage Beach from late May to early September.
  • ​Numerous car parks and beach front parking.
  • Many public toilets and baby changing facilities throughout town and beach front.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead at Monkey Beach. No dogs on main beach from 1 May to 30 September.
  • Accessible parking is available. Flat seafront with ramps onto beach at Banjo Pier. Steps with handrails from promenade onto the beach at various locations. Wheelchair accessible matting will be located on the beach during July and August running from the slipway by Banjo Pier and the Clocktower. More than 40 beach huts accessible at ground level on Shore Road (opposite the beach). Accessible toilets. Changing Places toilet at North Beach car park.

Kimmeridge Bay

  • Kimmeridge Bay is not a typical bathing beach. Sheltered rocky bay with rockpools. Walking boots or trainers needed to walk to and on the shoreline. The bay is naturally sheltered. Great for snorkelling and diving. Stay away from the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Kimmeridge Bay beach.
  • ​Large car park accessed via toll road. 5 Minute walk downhill to shoreline.
  • Toilets at slip-way car park at end of toll road (near Wild Seas Centre).
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • Outside of Kimmeridge Wild Seas Centre is accessible via gently sloping gravel path. Accessible toilets and parking at the slip-way car park.

Worbarrow Bay

  • Worbarrow Bay is a shingle beach. Walking boots or trainers needed for walking to and on the beach. 1 mile (20 minute) walk to beach. Stay away from the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Worbarrow Bay beach.
  • ​Large car park at Tyneham Village - accessed by narrow lane.
  • No toilets on beach.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • Beach accessed via 1 mile footpath between car park and beach. There are toilets at the car park, but these are not accessible for disabled visitors.

Lulworth Cove

  • Lulworth Cove is a pebble beach. Due to sheltered cove, bathing is usually safe. Stay away from the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Lulworth Cove beach.
  • ​Large car park. 5 minute walk to beach.
  • Toilets at Visitor Centre and near to the Cove.
  • Dogs welcome all year on left hand side of slipway.
  • Accessible parking is available. Accessible toilets at Visitor Centre and near to the Cove. Access to beach via gentle wide pathway. No matting on beach.

Durdle Door and Man O' War

  • Durdle Door and Man O' War beaches are shingle beaches. Walking boots or trainers needed for walk to and on beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Stay away from the cliffs – danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Durdle Door or Man O' War beaches.
  • ​Large car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park - 15 minute walk down a steep path then steps to the beach. Good footwear essential.
  • No toilets on or near to beach. Toilets only available in the holiday park - a 15 minute walk from the beach.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • Accessible toilets in Durdle Door Holiday Park car park. Views of Durdle Door NOT possible from car park. 15 minute walk down steep path and then 140+ steps onto beach - not suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters or those with mobility problems.

Ringstead Bay

  • Ringstead Bay is a shingle beach with sand at low tide and rockpools. Often used for bathing depending on weather conditions.
  • There are no lifeguards at Ringstead Bay beach.
  • ​Parking available with vehicle height limit.
  • Toilets in car park behind kiosk.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • Accessible toilet by car park and shop. Compacted path to beach but no matting on beach.

Weymouth Beach

  • The main beach at Weymouth is sandy. Adjoining beaches at Greenhill and Preston are shingle. Gradual sloping sand into sea. Between May and September First Aid, accessible facilities, Lost Children Services and Beach Attendants.
  • Lifeguard patrols at Weymouth Beach on various dates between early April and late September.
  • ​Many car parks in town and on harbourside.
  • Many toilets and baby changing facilities. Nearest toilets for beach at Kings Statue.
  • Dogs welcome all year round, off lead at dog exercise area (Pavilion Theatre end of the sandy beach) and between Preston Beach and Bowleaze Cove. No dogs on the main beach from 1 May to 30 September.
  • Accessible parking is available in many car parks. Accessible facilities at all public toilets. Changing Places toilet at Beach Office. Beach accessed by ramps from promenade. SupaTrac beach matting for wheelchair access (available May to September) at dog friendly section of beach near The Pavilion Theatre, as well as opposite Marks & Spencers, and in front of the beach office. Beach wheelchairs are free to hire - call 01305 239832.

Chesil Beach

  • Chesil Beach is a pebble and shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen.
  • There are no lifeguards at Chesil Beach.
  • ​Parking at Chesil Car Park adjacent to beach (616 spaces). 5 minute walk over ridge to sea.
  • Toilets open when Chesil Visitor Centre open (usually 9am-5pm).
  • Dogs welcome all year but must be kept under control near nesting birds and mudflats.
  • 8 accessible parking spaces at Chesil Car Park. Good accessibility at Dorset Wildlife Trust Chesil Centre. Cross road from car park to hard surface track with views of Ham Bay. Accessible toilets are available.

Abbotsbury Beach

  • Abbotsbury Beach is a pebble and shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen at any time.
  • There are no lifeguards at Abbotsbury Beach.
  • Pay and display car park at the end of Buller's Way.
  • Toilets in car park.
  • Dogs welcome all year at Abbotsbury Beach to the Tank Teeth Boundary. Restrictions apply near The Fleet lagoon to protect wildlife.
  • An accessible toilet is available. Compacted gravel car park and sloping boardwalk onto the pebble beach. No beach matting.

West Bexington Beach

Cogden Beach

  • Cogden Beach is a shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen at any time.
  • There are no lifeguards at Cogden Beach.
  • Small National Trust car park. Access to beach via a sloping footpath across a field (5 to 10 minute walk).
  • No toilets. 
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • No accessible toilets. Sea and beach can be viewed from parking area with picnic tables. Parking charges do not apply to blue badge holders.

Hive Beach (Burton Bradstock)

  • Hive Beach is a shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen at any time. Stay away from cliffs - danger of rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Hive Beach.
  • ​National Trust (Hive Beach) car park adjacent to beach.
  • Toilets open when Hive Beach café open.
  • Dogs welcome all year at dog friendly area. No dogs on main beach from 1 June to 30 September.
  • 8 Accessible parking spaces. Parking charges do not apply to blue badge holders. The grassy area overlooking the beach is accessible. There is an accessible picnic bench and accessible toilets.

West Bay

  • The beaches at West Bay are shingle and sand beaches. West Beach is more family friendly. West Beach - often used for bathing. East Beach - bathing can be dangerous. Stay away from the cliffs due to rockfalls.
  • Lifeguard patrols at West Bay from mid July to early September.
  • ​Numerous car parks - some adjacent to beach.
  • Toilets with baby changing at various locations.
  • Dogs welcome at West Beach on the section separated by the rock groyne. No dogs on the main part of West Beach or East Beach from 1 May to 30 September.
  • Accessible parking at most West Bay car parks except East Beach, The George and Bridport Arms car parks. Accessible toilets at all West Bay public toilets. Changing Places toilet near the harbourside at West Bay Holiday Park and at West Bay Road long stay car park near the Accessible children's play area. Ramps to parts of West Beach. Wheelchair accessible beach matting at West Beach during spring and summer. Beach wheelchairs, a floating wheelchair for access into the water, and a beach accessible wheelchair carrier is available to hire for free during spring and summer. Accessible picnic benches are on eastern Esplanade. 

Eype Beach

  • Eype Beach is a shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen at any time. Stay away from cliffs due to rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Eype Beach.
  • ​Small car park accessed via single track lane. Extra parking at rest area by A35 turning with 15 minute walk down to beach.
  • No toilets.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead.
  • No accessible toilets. Steep steps to beach. Sea and beach can be viewed from cliff top parking area.

Seatown Beach

  • Seatown Beach is a pebble and shingle beach. Bathing can be dangerous. Beach shelves steeply with a strong under-tow. Large waves can happen at any time. Stay away from cliffs due to rockfalls.
  • There are no lifeguards at Seatown Beach.
  • ​Large car park adjacent to beach.
  • Toilets on beach front, next to pub.
  • From 1 May to 30 September dogs are not allowed on beach.
  • No accessible toilets. Compacted gravel car park but no easy access to beach.

Charmouth Beach

  • Charmouth Beach is a pebble and sand beach. Always follow the fossil collecting code. Often used for bathing, depending on weather conditions. Risk of mudslides and mud. Risk of being cut off by tides. Danger of falling rocks.
  • There are no lifeguards at this beach.
  • ​Three car parks with short walk to beach.
  • Toilets behind Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
  • Dogs welcome off lead on East Beach all year. At West Beach dogs not allowed from 1 May to 30 September.
  • RADAR key accessible toilet. Promenade suitable for wheelchairs. Access to grassy picnic area with benches across wooden bridge.

Lyme Regis Beaches

  • The beaches at Lyme Regis are a mixture of sand, pebble and shingle. Monmouth Beach is a pebble beach. Front Beach is sand and shingle. Cobb Beach is a shingle beach. East Cliff Beach is pebbly and known for fossils. Always follow the fossil collecting code. Front beach - Often used for bathing, depending on weather conditions. Monmouth beach - bathing can be dangerous. Tides can cut off access between Lyme Regis and Charmouth.
  • Lifeguard patrols at Lyme Regis from mid July to early September.
  • ​Monmouth Beach and Cabanya car parks (281 spaces) are two minutes walk from Monmouth Beach, along a flat path. Holmbush (393 spaces) and Charmouth Road (386 spaces) are long stay car parks with a 10 minute walk down a steep hill.
  • Multiple public toilets with baby changing facilities along beach front and in car parks.
  • Dogs welcome all year, off lead on East Cliff Beach, Church Cliff Beach and Monmouth Beach. No dogs on Front Beach (sand and shingle beach) and Cobb Beach (shingle beach) from 1 May to 30 September.
  • Lyme Regis has a flat promenade called the Cart Road with easy access to the beaches as well as the Monmouth Beach car park and Cabanya car park - these car parks have 13 accessible parking spaces. Parking for Blue Badge holders is available on The Cart Road via Cobb Gate car park. Accessible toilets are found at Marine Parade, Charmouth Road car park, Monmouth Beach, Holmbush car park and Broad Street car park. Wheelchair accessible beach matting is in place on Front Beach and Monmouth Beach during spring and summer. There are 2 beach wheelchairs and 1 floating wheelchair available to hire and you can find more details on the Lyme Regis Town Council website.

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