8 of the best beaches in Dorset

Dorset isn’t just about picture-postcard coastline - though you’ll find plenty of that here. Spend a little time by the sea and you realise each beach has its own personality. 

There are the big sandy bays where families gather for donkey rides and ice creams, the tucked-away coves locals save for early-morning swims, and the shingle sweeps where fossil hunters quietly scan the tide line.

This stretch of the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast carries millions of years of history in its cliffs, but it also carries stories: summer barbecues on Ringstead’s pebbles, the thrill of climbing down to Man O’ War Bay before the crowds arrive, or the hazy memory of watching the sun set through Durdle Door’s limestone arch.

If you’re planning a trip, basing yourself close to the coast makes life easy. Browse our wide range of holiday parks and lodges in Dorset and you’ll always have a comfortable retreat after a day on the sand.

Read on for eight of Dorset’s very best beaches and a little insight into what makes each one special.

Jump to:

Best for families

Best for iconic scenery

Best for watersports

Best for fossil hunting

Best for nature and wildlife

Best for traditional seaside vibes

Best for peace and quiet

Best hidden gem

Best beach for families: Weymouth Beach

If you’re looking for a classic family day out by the sea, Weymouth Beach is hard to beat. Stretching for three miles, it’s a wide sandy bay with shallow waters that stay calm even in the height of summer. That makes it ideal for paddling, sandcastle building and safe swimming, with lifeguards on duty during peak season.

Why Weymouth is so good for families

There’s no shortage of entertainment here - from Punch and Judy shows and donkey rides to pedalos and arcades along the esplanade. Cafés, restaurants and plenty of toilets mean everything you need is within easy reach, and the beach is just a short walk from the town centre and train station.

Good to know: Dogs are welcome on certain stretches outside summer, parking is plentiful, and accessibility is excellent thanks to flat promenades and ramps.

Insider tip: Experienced collectors say low tide after a storm is the best time to find fossils freshly exposed by the waves. Head east from the main car park for quieter stretches, and drop into the fossil shop in the village for expert advice on what you’ve found.

Best beach for iconic scenery: Durdle Door

Few places capture Dorset’s coastline quite like Durdle Door. Famous for its striking limestone arch, this beach is one of the most photographed spots in the UK - and with good reason. The sweeping views of the Jurassic Coast and the dramatic backdrop of cliffs make it a must-see for anyone visiting the county.

Why Durdle Door is so good for iconic scenery

It’s not just about the arch itself. The beach has a wild, rugged beauty that changes with the light, making it just as impressive at sunrise as it is at sunset. Photographers, walkers and sightseers all come here to soak up the views, and the steep footpath down to the bay adds to the sense of adventure.

Good to know: The beach is mostly shingle, with steep access via steps and paths - so not suitable for everyone. Facilities are limited, and dogs are welcome year-round. Parking is available at the top of the cliffs.

Insider tip: Photographers and walkers recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset when the crowds thin and the light makes the arch even more dramatic. Midday tends to be the busiest time.

Best beach for watersports: Portland Harbour & Chesil Beach

If you’re after adventure on the water, Portland Harbour and the eastern stretch of Chesil Beach are top choices. Portland was the venue for the 2012 Olympic sailing events, and today it’s a hub for paddleboarding, kitesurfing, windsurfing and sailing. The sheltered waters of the harbour make it a great place to learn, while Chesil’s dramatic sweep of shingle is a spectacular backdrop.

Why Portland Harbour & Chesil Beach are so good for watersports

The variety is the real draw. You’ll find watersports schools and rental shops dotted around the harbour, with options for complete beginners through to experienced sailors. The consistent winds and safe conditions mean you can try something new or sharpen your skills against a truly iconic coastal setting.

Good to know: Parking is available around Portland and along Chesil Beach. Dogs are welcome on Chesil year-round but be mindful of wildlife areas. Facilities vary depending on which part of the harbour or beach you visit.

Insider tip: The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy isn’t just for pros: you can often book beginner sessions using Olympic-standard facilities. If you’d rather keep your feet on dry land, the nearby Crab House Café is a long-time favourite for oysters fresh from its own beds.

Best beach for fossil hunting: Charmouth Beach

Charmouth Beach is one of the best places in the world to go fossil hunting. Part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s famous for the ancient treasures that regularly wash up here - from ammonites to belemnites and even ichthyosaur bones. Families and amateur collectors often find small fossils on the shoreline, while guided walks make it easy to learn the ropes.

Why Charmouth is so good for fossil hunting

The beach sits beneath golden cliffs that are constantly eroding, which means new fossils are revealed all the time. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers expert advice, displays and guided tours, so you’ll know exactly what to look for. It’s educational, fun and a unique way to connect with Dorset’s prehistoric past.

Good to know: Parking is available close to the beach, facilities are excellent, and dogs are allowed year-round in certain zones. Bring sturdy shoes if you plan to explore near the cliffs.

Insider tip: Experienced collectors say low tide after a storm is the best time to find fossils freshly exposed by the waves. Head east from the main car park for quieter stretches, and drop into the fossil shop in the village for expert advice on what you’ve found.

Best beach for nature & wildlife: Studland Bay

Studland Bay is a four-mile stretch of golden sand backed by dunes and heathland, managed by the National Trust. It feels wilder and more natural than many other Dorset beaches, with calm, shallow waters that are popular for swimming and kayaking. The area is also a haven for wildlife, from rare birds to native reptiles, making it a top spot for nature lovers.

Why Studland Bay is so good for nature & wildlife

The surrounding heathland is one of the UK’s most important habitats, home to all six species of British reptile and a rich variety of wildflowers. 

Birdwatchers can spot everything from oystercatchers to migrating terns, while seahorses have even been recorded in the seagrass beds offshore. It’s a rare combination of beach and conservation area that offers something different from the typical seaside trip.

Good to know: Parking is available at several car parks along the bay. Facilities include cafés and toilets, and there are designated dog-friendly areas. Part of the beach is also a well-known naturist area, so it’s worth checking before you visit.

Insider tip: The chain ferry from Sandbanks is a popular way to reach Studland: it turns the journey into part of the adventure. Nature lovers often wander a little inland too, where dragonflies and other wildlife thrive around the heathland pools.

Best beach for a traditional seaside vibe: Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach is everything you’d hope for in a classic British seaside town. With its gently curving sandy bay, colourful beach huts and traditional pier, it’s a place where time feels like it slows down. Families and couples flock here for safe swimming, deckchairs on the sand and strolls along the bustling promenade.

Why Swanage is so good for a traditional seaside vibe

It has that nostalgic charm you only find in old-school resorts. You can grab fish and chips on the seafront, browse the amusements, or take a boat trip from the pier. The sheltered bay makes swimming enjoyable, while the town’s lively atmosphere gives you plenty to do once you’ve had your fill of the beach.

Good to know: Lifeguards patrol in summer, parking is available in the town, and facilities are excellent. Dogs are restricted in summer but welcome on certain sections outside peak season.

Insider tip: Swanage Pier isn’t just for strolling, it’s also a favourite with divers and anglers. For food with a more local feel, try the Black Swan Inn a short walk back from the seafront, a traditional pub that’s well loved for hearty meals.

Best beach for peace & quiet: Ringstead Bay

If you prefer your beach days a little more low-key, Ringstead Bay is a brilliant choice. Just east of Weymouth, it’s a shingle and pebble beach with sweeping views across to Weymouth Bay and Portland. It’s less crowded than some of Dorset’s headline spots, making it perfect for long walks, picnics and simply enjoying the sea air without the bustle.

Why Ringstead Bay is so good for peace & quiet

There are no fairground rides or big seafront attractions here - just open space and beautiful views. The water is clear for swimming, and the beach has a wonderfully natural feel. On a clear day, you can even spot the Isle of Wight in the distance.

Good to know: Parking is available at a National Trust car park above the cliffs, with a scenic walk down. Facilities are limited, and dogs are welcome year-round.

Insider tip: There’s a small private car park near the beach run by a local landowner, which saves the longer cliff-top walk from the main National Trust site. On clear days, the bay is one of Dorset’s quieter spots for snorkelling.

Best hidden gem: Man O’ War Bay

Tucked right next to Durdle Door, Man O’ War Bay often gets overlooked - but that’s what makes it such a gem. This sheltered cove has clear turquoise water and a sweeping curve of shingle that feels worlds away from the busier spots nearby. It’s a place to slow down, take in the scenery and enjoy the quieter side of the Jurassic Coast.

Why Man O’ War Bay is such a hidden gem

The bay’s horseshoe shape keeps the water relatively calm, making it good for paddling and swimming in summer. It’s particularly beautiful in the early morning or evening, when the light glows across the cliffs and the day-trippers have gone. With fewer crowds than Durdle Door, you get the same dramatic setting but with more space to yourself.

Good to know: Access is via steep steps from the clifftop path, so it’s not suitable for everyone. There are no facilities on the beach itself, but parking and cafés are available nearby at Durdle Door. Dogs are allowed year-round.

Insider tip: The beach shelves quickly and the pebbles can be slippery, so seasoned visitors recommend water shoes for easier paddling. For the most peaceful experience, go early - sunrise here is unforgettable, and you’ll often have the cove to yourself before the Durdle Door crowds arrive.

Pros & cons of Dorset beaches

With so many beaches to choose from, Dorset really does have something for everyone - but it’s worth knowing a few pros and cons before you go.

Pros:

• Huge variety, from sandy family favourites like Weymouth to quiet coves such as Ringstead Bay.

• The Jurassic Coast setting makes many beaches unique, with fossils, dramatic cliffs and stunning scenery.

• Plenty of beaches are dog-friendly, and many are accessible by public transport as well as car.

• Good mix of lively resorts with full facilities and more natural, unspoilt spots.

Cons:

• The most popular beaches, like Durdle Door, can get very busy in peak summer.

• Parking is limited at some coves, and cliff paths or steep steps make access tricky for visitors with limited mobility.

• Several beaches are shingle or pebble rather than sand, which might not suit everyone.

Comparison Table: Which Dorset beach is best for you?

FAQs about Dorset beaches

What is the best beach to go to in Dorset?

It depends on what you’re looking for. Weymouth is perfect for families, Durdle Door is the most iconic for scenery, and Studland Bay is ideal if you want nature and wide open space.

What time of year should I visit beaches in Dorset?

Summer is best for swimming and family days out, but spring and autumn are quieter with plenty of sunshine. Winter brings dramatic coastal views and fewer crowds, making it great for walks.

Are there sandy beaches in Dorset?

Yes - Weymouth, Swanage and Studland all offer wide sandy stretches. Many others, like Charmouth and Ringstead, are shingle or pebbly but still beautiful in their own right.

Ready to explore the best beaches in Dorset?

From sandy bays and fossil-rich shores to quiet coves and dramatic landmarks, Dorset’s beaches offer something for every kind of trip. Whether you’re planning a family holiday, a nature break or a weekend by the sea, you’ll find plenty of choice along this spectacular stretch of coast.

Ready to start planning? Browse our holiday parks and lodges in Dorset and find the perfect base for your next beach escape, whether that's an Easter escape, or fun in the sun this summer.

Written by Georgie Darling

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