Dorset's Famous Beaches | Best Beaches In Dorset

Looking for a fantastic beach break but feel you need to jet off to a far flung destination?

Think again, because here in Dorset we have some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere in the UK, meaning it won’t cost the earth to feel soft sand and clear blue sea gently lap over your feet.

Glorious coastline

Dorset enjoys nearly 100 miles of coastline so it’s no wonder we’ve got some brilliant beaches that everyone will enjoy.

Whether you’re looking to build super sandcastles, safe swimming and paddling or to sit back and enjoy some fantastic food on our glorious coastline, we know you'll have a great day at the beach.

View our fantastic Dorset Beach & Coast video - we’re sure you’ll be blown away!

The diversity of the Dorset coast means there are plenty of Dorset beach destinations with their own unique charm and character to explore, from miles of sweeping golden sand to secluded private coves and everything in between.

Traditional seaside fun

The soft golden sands and safe bathing waters make Weymouth a fabulous family holiday destination. With a number of beaches to choose from, Weymouth with its Georgian architecture along the esplanade really is a slice of the traditional British seaside complete with donkey rides and Punch & Judy to entertain young and old.

Swanage is known for its crystal clear water and its family-friendly setting. This traditional seaside resort has been enjoyed by families since Victorian times, and even today you will still see children in the wonderful sunshine competing in making the finest sandcastle in town.

And don't forget the 10 miles of sandy beaches at Poole and Bournemouth. Stretching all the way from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head - where you can hop on a foot passenger ferry across Christchurch Harbour to Mudeford and Highcliffe beaches. You are truly spolit for choice.

Inspiring backdrop

Further to the west of the county you will find the stunning seaside settings of West Bay and Lyme Regis.

Eagle eyed visitors to West Bay may recognise it as the setting for ITV’s award winning drama Broadchurch. With its iconic cliffs, West Bay provides a breathtaking backdrop for a wonderful day at the beach.

Lyme Regis is another of Dorset’s most popular resorts which continues to be enjoyed by all ages. Home to glorious golden sand, stunning scenery and safe bathing waters protected by the famous Cobb, Lyme Regis makes for a wonderful day at the seaside.

Also, why not check out Dorset’s most popular beaches to give you a better idea before choosing your holiday destination in Dorset.

Have fun & stay safe

We encourage everyone to enjoy the spectacular beaches in Dorset safely. Visit Dorset has teamed up with the wonderful SafeWise charity and the Dorset Coast Forum to host a catchy animation to promote coastal safety in a fun way to children called CoastWise - check it out and remember to share these helpful tips with your family and friends.

Start planning your next beach holiday now

So, with all of Dorset’s wonderful beaches waiting to be enjoyed surely it’s an easy decision to come and visit.

Use our accommodation links below and book your break to Dorset today, just don’t forget your cossie!

If you would like to know about the other things happening in Dorset, head on over to our things to do, whats on, places to visit and food and drinks pages.

Here you will find more information on the following:

Last but not least, if you are looking for something a little different but still 'beach related', we definitely recommend you visit the filming location of ITV's hit crime series 'Broadchurch' and see for yourself how the beach played a key role in the series.

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Number of results: 35

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3528 reviews
Lulworth Cove

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

WEST LULWORTH

The beautiful white pebble beach of Lulworth Cove, with its blue waters and easy access make it a popular destination. Low tide reveals wonderful rockpools teeming with sea creatures. Dogs are permitted on the left hand side of the slipway.

Free
Lyme Regis Beaches

Type

Type:

Beach

Lyme Regis

The beaches in Lyme regis are a mixture of sand and pebbles.
Monmouth beach is very pebbly and shelves.
The Front beach is a flat, sandy beach, as is Cobb Gate.
West Bay Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Bridport

Shingle, sand and pebbles. Steep shelving.
TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
3526 reviews
Durdle Door

Type

Type:

Beach

WEST LULWORTH

Eroded by time and nature, Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.
A shingle beach only accessible on foot via a steep path and steps from Lulworth Cove or Durdle Door Car Park.
Swimming is possible in some places....

Free
Weymouth Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Weymouth

Weymouth’s sheltered bay, gradual sloping seabed and exquisite waters offer swimmers, bathers and water sports enthusiast’s idyllic and safe conditions to enjoy. The internationally recognised beach is a frequent host to festivals, sporting...
Hamworthy Park Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Poole

Hamworthy Park beach offers an oasis of peace and tranquility from the busy town centre.
Burton Bradstock (Hive Beach)

Type

Type:

Beach

BRIDPORT

A shelving shingle beach, close to the village of Burton Bradstock. On a clear day, visitors can enjoy breath taking views round to Portland and right the way round to the East Devon Coast.

Free
Hengistbury Head

Type

Type:

Natural Wildlife Site

Southbourne, Bournemouth,

Hengistbury Head is a relatively unspoilt and south-facing pebble beach, with imposing clay and ironstone cliffs.
Eype Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Bridport

Less well known than some of the beaches found along the South West Coast Path Eype Beach offers peaceful seclusion away from the more popular beaches located at Lyme Regis and West Bay.
Highcliffe Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Highcliffe, CHRISTCHURCH

Highcliffe Beach is just a few minutes walk from the village centre and has excellent cliff top parking.

Free
Worbarrow Bay

Type

Type:

Beach

Tyneham, EAST LULWORTH

Worbarrow Bay is found 1 mile (walking) from Tyneham village. The Bay and village are now managed by the Ministry of Defence and access is limited.

Free
Highcliffe Castle Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

HIGHCLIFFE, Christchurch

A beautiful, rural, shingle and sand beach set against tree-lined cliffs.

Free
Southbourne Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Bournemouth

Southbourne Beach is one of Bournemouth's favourite Blue Flag award winning beaches, particularly loved by the locals for its wide, exceptionally clean, sandy and shingle beaches situated further to the West of Bournemouth, away from the hustle and...
Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre

Type

Type:

Country Park/Nature Reserve

Portland

Managed by Dorset Wildlife Trust, the centre's exciting displays and programme of activities will help you make the most of your visit to Chesil Beach and Portland.

Free
Abbotsbury Beach - Chesil Bank and Fleet Lagoon

Type

Type:

Beach

Bridport

A shelving beach made up of pebbles and shingle, popular with both local anglers and families for mackerel fishing.
Kimmeridge Bay

Type

Type:

Natural Feature

Kimmeridge, WAREHAM

Kimmeridge Bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation and boasts the best rockpooling and safest snorkelling site in Dorset.

Free
Swanage Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

SWANAGE

Swanage has a gently sloping white sand beach which is sheltered and generally calm. The award winning beach is well served by local businesses providing refreshments and services.
Swanage Beach Huts

Type

Type:

Beach

SWANAGE

Swanage Beach huts are let daily, weekly or longer term. Hire a beach hut, and your trips to the beach are made easier without having to take all your towels, swimwear and children’s toys down to the beach every day!

Price £5.00 to £200.00 Per Ticket
Man O' War Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

WEST LULWORTH

The steps down to the beach are currently closed, however you can stand at the top of the steps for views over the beach and bay.

Free
Branksome Chine Beach

Type

Type:

Beach

Poole

Branksome Chine offers great sandy beaches and stunning views across the coastline. Its Blue Flag status attracts both locals and visitors.

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Enjoy a walk along Sandbanks Beach

Mudeford Beach Huts © Matt Pinner Photography

Durdle Door

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