Beaches in Dorset

One of the most famous sights on the Jurassic Coast: a natural limestone arch over a beautiful shingle beach. Access involves a steep 15-minute walk down a cliff path, which you must walk back up.

An almost perfectly semi-circular pebble cove, formed by the sea breaching the Portland limestone. The sheltered waters are usually calm, making it feel like a natural harbour.

A dramatic stretch of golden shingle beach backed by the towering, honey-coloured cliffs that fans of the TV drama Broadchurch will instantly recognise. The eastern side is the main beach for walking.

An extraordinary natural wonder: an 18-mile-long shingle barrier bank. The beach is steep and the currents can be dangerous, so it is best for walking and birdwatching rather than swimming.

Part of a Marine Conservation Zone, this sheltered rocky bay is a haven for marine life. One of the best spots in the UK for snorkelling, with a dedicated snorkel trail, and also fantastic for rockpooling and fossil hunting.

A stunning 3-mile arc of fine, golden sand with a gentle slope into a sheltered bay. A classic seaside experience with Punch and Judy, donkey rides, and a Georgian esplanade. Consistently wins Blue Flag awards.

A seven-mile sweep of soft, golden sand stretching from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head. The main beach is lively, centred around the iconic pier with attractions, a land train, and plenty of cafes.

A lovely sandy bay with a gentle gradient, framed by a traditional Victorian pier. The clear, Blue Flag waters are great for swimming, and the town's quaint, fish-and-chip vibe adds to its charm.

Four miles of soft, golden sand and dunes managed by the National Trust. The gentle, shallow waters are perfect for families and paddleboarding. Knoll Beach is the central hub with a great cafe and facilities.

Consistently named one of Britain's best beaches — a stunning stretch of fine sand on an exclusive peninsula. A Blue Flag beach with very clean, shallow waters.

The eastern end of Sandbanks beach, equally beautiful but often slightly quieter. Has its own car park and a popular refreshment kiosk right on the sand.

A wide, sandy beach that is generally less crowded than its famous neighbours. Backed by beautiful woodlands and gardens, with a cafe right on the promenade.

A quieter, more relaxed sandy beach with beautiful views. Fewer facilities than others, which helps keep it less busy — a favourite among locals.

A family-friendly sandy and shingle beach on the calm, sheltered waters of Poole Harbour. Right next to a large park with a paddling pool and play area — perfect for a full day out.

A family-friendly shingle and sand beach with a gentle slope into the sea. A quieter alternative to Bournemouth, with a large cliff-top car park and cafe.

A stunning, wild bay on the Jurassic Coast, accessible only by a one-mile walk from the lost village of Tyneham. Incredibly peaceful with crystal-clear waters. Access is restricted when the MOD firing range is in use.

A wild, unspoilt shingle cove surrounded by fossil-rich cliffs. The walk down is steep and can be slippery, but the reward is a remote and dramatic beach that feels a world away from the crowds.

A local secret that is not quite as secret as it used to be. This quiet shingle beach is reached via a narrow lane and offers a peaceful alternative to the busier West Bay nearby.

A small, secluded pebble cove on the wild eastern side of Portland. A sun trap, sheltered by high cliffs, featuring the ruins of St. Andrew's Church and the dramatic 15th-century Rufus Castle above.

A quiet, sandy beach at the very start of Studland Bay, right next to the Sandbanks Ferry terminal. A great spot for watching the boats and the comings and goings of the chain ferry.

A quiet, sheltered sandy cove near the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle. A favourite with locals looking to escape the main Weymouth crowds, and the adjacent gardens are lovely for a stroll.

A world-famous fossil-hunting beach where dogs can roam off-lead all year. A pebble beach — bring sturdy footwear — and you might just find your own piece of Jurassic history.

An unspoilt shingle beach on a quiet stretch of coast, much-loved by locals. The calm waters are usually safe for swimming and paddleboarding.

A peaceful, sandy beach tucked below the cliffs of the impressive Highcliffe Castle. A hidden gem that is generally much quieter than other local beaches.

A sheltered sandy cove just east of Weymouth, with a relaxed vibe and rock pools at low tide. A great family spot that also happens to be very welcoming to dogs.

A rugged, rocky beach with a small waterfall cascading onto it. Usually very quiet and great for fossil spotting, with the historic Smugglers Inn nearby for refreshments.

The premier fossil hunting beach in Dorset. The cliffs are rich in Jurassic marine fossils and you are almost guaranteed to find ammonites and belemnites, especially after a storm or high tide. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre nearby offers excellent advice and guided walks.

In addition to being a snorkelling paradise, the shale ledges and rock pools here are excellent for fossil hunting. The rock is much harder than at Charmouth, so you will need a keen eye.

While known as a quiet dog-friendly beach, the foreshore here can also yield fossils, particularly in the rockier sections. A less crowded alternative to Charmouth.

The vast, sheltered waters of Poole Harbour are ideal for beginners in kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and windsurfing. The conditions are calm and shallow, and there are several places to hire equipment.

The sheltered bay at Studland is a fantastic spot for kayaking and paddleboarding. Bring your own or hire equipment directly from Studland Watersports based right on the beach.

The wide, calm bay is a hub for watersports. Hire pedalos, kayaks, and SUPs, or take a lesson. For more adrenaline, book a RIB ride or jet ski tour from the harbour.

A popular route for experienced sea kayakers. Paddling between the two iconic landmarks allows you to explore sea caves and get a unique, up-close view of the Durdle Door arch from the water.

As well as swimming, you can try surfing (with lessons available), paddleboarding, and kayaking. The pier area has several operators offering equipment hire and tuition.