Looking for a tropical escape without the hassle of jet lag? Offering a slice of coastal paradise closer to home, Dorset boasts a tonne of pretty beaches just waiting to be explored. Whether you're into bustling sandy stretches or secret coves you can only reach by boat, this beachy gem serves up the ultimate seaside getaway featuring golden sands, clear waters, and azure skies. Get ready to dip your toes in the English Channel and discover the best beaches in Dorset UK with our curated list.
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Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach has been a seaside superstar since the Victorian era, and still reigns as one of Britain's beachy best, boasting a micro-climate with some of the UK's warmest sea temperatures. Picture this: miles of golden sand, a vibrant resort town at your feet, and a lively atmosphere exuding pure coastal charm. With epic views of the Isle of Wight and the Purbecks, cute beach huts, an arcade-packed Victorian pier as well as a playful promenade train, this sandy destination is the ultimate British seaside escape. Hungry? Head straight to nearby award-winning restaurant WestBeach to indulge in fresh seafood while taking in the views.
Don't be crabby - head to Bournemouth beach for a shell-ebration of all things sun, surf, and salty air.
Swanage Beach
On the hunt for sandy beaches in Dorset for dogs? Swanage Beach might make you feel like you're abroad, but no passport is needed to access its pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. Just a pebble toss from Swanage town centre, this exotic location perfectly blends Victorian seaside charm with a serene, gently sloping sandy stretch that hugs the whole village. Nestled in calm waters and sheltered from the storm, it extends from Ballard Down to Peveril Point, making it a shore thing for a relaxing day out.
Swanage Beach is famed for its epic, sweeping sandy bay that's been a crowd-pleaser for years and years.
Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, an 18-mile marvel of shingle stretching from West Bay to Portland, is the pebble paradise you didn't know you needed. Separated dramatically from the mainland by Fleet Lagoon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a haven for birds, marine life, and anyone looking to escape the ordinary. Dive into activities like paddleboarding at the picturesque Church Ope Cove, Jurassic Jet Ski Tours, or meander through Abbotsbury's cutesy art and pottery galleries. Feeling beach weary after all that fun? Drive 30 mins to the charming 16th-century coaching inn, Bull Hotel, for some well-deserved refuge and a steaming plate of ribeye steak.
When Dorset gives you sandy beaches, make sandcastles at Chesil Beach.
Durdle Door
Experience a quintessential English beach scene at Durdle Door beach, undoubtedly one of the best Dorset beaches, where the main attraction is the stunning limestone arch that frames the aquamarine sea. This iconic landmark on the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been shaped over millennia by the relentless waves crashing against the headland. Explore intriguing caves and take a shallow dip in the crystal-clear waters, all while soaking in the view of one of the world's most famous (and highly Instagrammable) natural arches.
Emerging majestically from the deep blue sea, Durdle Door stands as one of the world's most renowned natural rock arches.
West Bay Beach
West Bay Beach is a sloping Jurassic Coast gem that's too iconic to miss. This stunning location near Bridport features dramatic, shimmering sandstone golden cliffs that offer gorgeous panoramic views. Whether you're here to stroll along the shore, marvel at the magnificent cliffs soaring 50 metres above the beach, or simply soak up the scenery, the breathtaking beauty of one of the best beaches in Dorset for families guarantees a fantastic time. For a luxury stay close by, make an indulgent escape to Summer Lodge located a 30-minute drive away, where you can treat yourself to a delicious traditional afternoon tea.
Home to both East Beach and West Beach, West Bay Beach is famously known as the golden gateway to the Jurassic Coast.
Lulworth Cove
The stunning Lulworth Cove is a near-perfect circle sculpted by rock erosion over millions of years. This geological gem, one of the best West Bay beaches in Dorset, offers visitors a chance to soak in the wonders of nature. Framed by dramatic limestone cliffs, the cove features calm, lagoon-like turquoise waters perfect for swimming and rock pooling at a low tide. Picture a seashell-shaped bay where you can lazily dip in and out of the water or enjoy a picnic shielded from coastal gusts.
With its postcard-perfect beauty and unspoiled charm, Lulworth Cove is a must-visit spot for any beach lover or nature enthusiast.
Studland Beach
The UK's version of the Hamptons and a quintessential beach-goer's haven, Studland Beach is nestled between marram grass-covered dunes and boasts breathtaking views of the Old Harry Rocks sea stacks. Stretching over four miles, it boasts some of Dorset's finest coasts: South Beach, Middle Beach, Shell Bay, and Knoll Beach, offering gleaming sands and crystal-clear waters that are perfect for serenity by the shore. Surrounded by nature reserves, heaths, wetlands, and woodlands, this area isn't just a paradise for walkers but also a sanctuary for wildlife.
Dive into relaxation mode with stunning panoramic views at Studland Beach.
Man O' War Beach
Man O' War Beach is a true Jurassic Coast gem. This shingle beach, flanked by towering cliffs, offers stunning views of the iconic Durdle Door arch. The cove's lagoon-like aqua is sheltered from wind and currents by a ring of narrow rocks, creating a serene, semi-circular haven. A prime spot for adventure, locals love to snorkel and kayak here in the summer. With crystalline waters, it's a hotspot for divers heading to Durdle Door and Stair Hole. But beware; the steep path down to this beautiful beach is challenging, so come prepared for a bit of a hike.
Best beaches in Dorset for swimming? Dive into crystal-clear bliss at Man O' War Beach.
Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks Beach is a true gem along the British coastline, offering a slice of seaside heaven year-round. This small peninsula, perched at the mouth of Poole Harbour, has been a Blue Flag winner for over 30 years, thanks to its golden sands and crystal-clear waters. The views are equally breathtaking, stretching towards Studland, Old Harry Rocks, and the Isle of Wight on a clear day.
Sandbanks
Beach offers a little coastal magic no matter when you
visit.
Eype Beach
Once you've basked in the beauty of Dorset’s iconic beaches, make your way to Eype Beach, a hidden gem nestled below the towering Golden Cap peak. This secluded spot offers some of the most breathtaking Jurassic Coast walks and is a peaceful retreat compared to its busier neighbours like Lyme Regis and West Bay. Though the waters here are best reserved for strong swimmers, the beach offers stunning sunset views and makes for an idyllic picnic spot.
If you're
after an authentic taste of old Dorset life, Eype Beach is the
perfect place to escape.
Avon Beach
Avon Beach is a family-friendly gem with soft sands and a gentle, safe slope descending into the sea, perfect for paddling and splashing about. Nestled in the charming coastal town of Mudeford, this beach is the gateway to Christchurch Bay, offering gorgeous views that stretch toward Highcliffe. Lined with colourful beach huts, it makes for an idyllic seaside escape just 25 minutes from Bournemouth. It’s more than just a pretty spot, being part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) surrounded by unique cliff habitats.
With a mix of
sand and shingle stretching over a quarter-mile, Avon Beach is a
great spot for relaxing.
Highcliffe Castle Beach
Highcliffe Castle Beach is a stunning blend of shingle and sand framed by tree-lined cliffs, offering the perfect coastal escape. This Blue Flag-awarded beach sits at the most easterly point of Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole, right on the Dorset-Hampshire border. It boasts natural beauty and well-maintained coves formed by a series of breakwaters, offering panoramic views across the Isle of Wight and the Needles, making it a favourite for both locals and tourists looking to enjoy the tranquil seaside atmosphere.
With a gravel
promenade to stroll along, Highcliffe Castle Beach is an ideal spot
for a leisurely walk.
Gundimore Beach
Gundimore Beach offers a front-row seat to stunning, uninterrupted views of the Isle of Wight and the nearby Mudeford Sandbank. Its blend of sand and shingle makes it an ideal spot for a peaceful coastal escape, offering a picturesque beach setting with the added bonus of seaside walks and nature reserves. The surrounding cliffs are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest, offering a natural home to a variety of rare reptiles, birds, and insects.
Easily
accessible from Mudeford Quay, Gundimore Beach is the perfect spot
for seaside lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Worbarrow Bay
The stunning sweep of Worbarrow Bay isn’t just a feast for the eyes but also a journey through time itself, captured in the breathtaking geology that spans its shoreline. With aqua-blue waters and towering white limestone cliffs, this bay is a must-see on any Dorset itinerary. Sheltered from the elements, the bay invites you in for a refreshing swim, while its crystal-clear waters make it perfect for snorkelling and rock pooling. From the rugged Portland limestone at the water’s edge to the gleaming chalk at the rear, the cliffs tell a tale of long-gone swamps, forgotten rivers, and ancient seas stretching back 80 million years.
Worbarrow Bay
offers a visual and intellectual feast all at once.
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