05 Dorset Best Beaches

Dorset’s Best Beaches: From Fossil Shores to Sandy Bays

*Dorset’s coastline offers an extraordinary variety of beaches, from
the fossil-strewn shores of the Jurassic Coast to classic sandy resorts.
Whether you’re seeking dramatic cliffs, hidden coves, family-friendly
sands, or wild swimming spots, somewhere along these 90 miles of coast
you’ll find your perfect beach.*

The Classic Sandy Beaches

Weymouth Beach

Weymouth offers the most traditional British seaside experience on the
Dorset coast. The wide sandy beach curves around a sheltered bay, backed
by a Georgian esplanade complete with colourful beach huts, ice cream
kiosks, and all the nostalgic trappings of the English seaside. The
water is shallow and calm, making this ideal for families with young
children.

King George III popularized Weymouth as a resort in the 18th century,
and a rather unusual statue celebrates his patronage—the king depicted
on horseback, carved into the chalk hillside overlooking the town. The
harbour area has excellent fish restaurants and a lively atmosphere,
particularly in summer.

Studland Bay

On the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast, Studland’s four miles of
sandy beach are managed by the National Trust and remain remarkably
undeveloped. The water is clean and clear, the sand is golden, and the
views across to Old Harry Rocks are spectacular. The beach is divided
into zones: Shell Bay at the northern end is popular with windsurfers;
the middle section suits families; and the southern end includes a
naturist beach.

Behind the beach, the Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature
Reserve protects rare heathland habitat home to all six British reptile
species. The walking trails through the dunes and heath make this beach
perfect for combining with a nature walk.

Sandbanks

At the entrance to Poole Harbour, Sandbanks has gained fame as one of
the most expensive places to live in Britain. But the beach itself is
freely accessible and genuinely excellent: fine golden sand, sheltered
waters, and good facilities. The chain ferry across the harbour mouth
provides a fun (and practical) link to Studland and the Purbeck coast
beyond.

Dramatic Coves and Cliffs

Lulworth Cove

This near-perfect horseshoe bay is a geological textbook made real. The
sea broke through the resistant Portland limestone band, then rapidly
eroded the softer clays behind, creating a sheltered cove almost
completely enclosed by cliffs. Swimming here feels like being in a
natural pool, and the water can be surprisingly warm in summer.

The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, and parking is limited in
summer—arrive early or late to avoid disappointment. The walk to
nearby Durdle Door adds drama to any visit.

Durdle Door Beach

The beach beneath Durdle Door is reached by a steep flight of steps from
the cliff-top car park. The iconic limestone arch frames the view
seaward, and for many visitors, swimming through the arch is an
essential experience. The beach is pebbly and exposed, making it less
suitable for small children, but the setting is unforgettable.

Man o’ War Beach

Between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, this smaller bay is often
overlooked by visitors rushing between its more famous neighbours. The
walk down is steep, but the reward is a beautiful crescent of pebbles
with clear blue water and relative solitude even in high summer.

Wild and Unspoiled

Worbarrow Bay

Reaching Worbarrow Bay requires a walk of about a mile from the ghost
village of Tyneham, and access is only possible when the Lulworth army
ranges are open (weekends and school holidays). But the effort is
rewarded with a spectacular bay backed by wild, empty coastline. The
village of Tyneham, evacuated during World War II and never reoccupied,
adds poignancy to the visit.

Kimmeridge Bay

Famous among fossil hunters and marine biologists, Kimmeridge’s dark
ledges and rock pools are best explored at low tide. The Kimmeridge
Marine Wildlife Reserve protects the extraordinary underwater life, and
the Etches Collection museum nearby displays fossils found in the
surrounding cliffs. Not a beach for sunbathing, but unmissable for
anyone interested in the coast’s natural history.

Ringstead Bay

This quiet pebble beach near Weymouth is reached via a toll road and
remains relatively uncrowded. The swimming is excellent in clear, clean
water, and the views along the coast toward Portland are superb. A good
café serves tea and cakes, and the surrounding cliffs offer interesting
walks.

Fossil Beaches

Charmouth Beach

The premier fossil-hunting beach on the Jurassic Coast, Charmouth’s
pebble shore lies beneath constantly eroding Blue Lias cliffs. After
storms, the beach is littered with new material, and ammonites are
common finds. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers guided fossil
walks and expert identification of finds.

Chesil Beach

Stretching 18 miles from Portland to West Bay, Chesil Beach is one of
Britain’s most remarkable coastal features. The pebbles are naturally
graded from potato-sized in the west to pea-sized at Portland—so
accurately that fishermen landing in fog could tell where they were by
the size of the stones. The beach is exposed and the currents are
dangerous, so swimming is not advised, but the wild beauty is
extraordinary.

Practical Tips

Dorset’s beaches range from fully serviced (Weymouth, Bournemouth) to
completely wild (Worbarrow, Kimmeridge). For family days, the sandy
beaches offer lifeguards, toilets, and cafés. For adventure, the cove
beaches and wild shores offer escape from crowds.

Water temperatures peak in August and September, when the sea finally
absorbs the summer’s warmth. Many cove beaches have limited parking
that fills early on sunny days—arrive before 10am in summer or
consider taking public transport where available.

Tide times matter enormously on many Dorset beaches. The rockpools and
fossil shores are best explored at low tide, while some cove beaches
shrink to nothing at high water. Check tide tables before planning your
day.