Best Beaches in Dorset

Sandbanks Beach

About: Sandbanks Beach isn't just about expensive properties. The beach is famous across the UK and one of the best beaches in the country. Sandbanks Beach has won the Blue Flag Award consecutively for over 30 years, making it a really safe destination for all the family to enjoy. The sweeping golden sands, clear waters and views all contribute to the beauty of Sandbanks Beach.

There are a number of designated areas where you can barbecue, swim or dog walk.

You are welcome to bring your own equipment and there are parasols, deck-chairs, sun-loungers and sports equipment available to hire from the beach office on Banks Road.

Facilities: There are a number of toilets with disabled access scattered across the beach, showers, several restaurants and cafes (we love the Jazz Cafe for people watching at any time of the year), crazy-golf and sports facilities including beach volleyball.

Parking and Transport: There are a number of carparks in Sandbanks which are mostly pay and display. You can also pay to park on the road if you are able to get a space. Try Sandbanks car park or Shore Road Car Park. There is also a regular bus service (get the Breezer 60 from Poole), and Sandbanks Ferry is always a favourite.

Location: Banks Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7QQ

Tel: 01202 708181

Hamworthy Park and Beach

About: Hamworthy Beach is the oppposite end to Poole's famous Sandbanks beach, on the Northern Shore of Poole Harbour. It's close to the town centre and Poole's amenities, but far enough away to offer a real slice of paradise. Hamworthy Park and Beach is often quieter than Sandbanks (although it's very popular with locals). 

It's popular all year round for dog walking as it is a designated dog beach. The park and seasonal paddling pool make it a really popular choice with families too.

Facilities: There is an onsite cafe, public toilets and beach huts for hire. You are no longer permitted to barbecue at Hamworthy Park and Beach.

Parking and Transport: Parking - Hamworthy Park surface car park BH15 4DJ; 60 spaces. There are a few public transport options with morebus and Yellow Buses. The nearest train stations are Hamworthy (0.9 miles), Poole (1.4 miles) and Holton Heath (2.8 miles). Although you can cycle to the beach and park and there are designated cycle routes, cycling isn't allowed on the promenade at Hamworthy Park.

Location: Lulworth Avenue, Poole, Dorset, BH15 4DH

Canford Cliffs Beach

About: We love the Canford Cliffs area; the blue sea and golden sands backed by the stunning backdrop of the cliffs make it a real beauty spot. It's located between Shore Road and Branksome Chine. It has Blue Flag status making it a hit with families and it's popular with swimmers and paddle boarders.

Facilities: Lots of cafes and restaurants in the lovely village of Canford Cliffs. There are plenty of refreshments and drinking water spots on the beach itself, plus public toilets and lifeguards during peak summer months.

Parking and Transport: Parking in Canford Cliffs can be tricky, especially during peak season so be prepared to drive around a bit to find a spot. Off street parking is available on Western Road BH13 7BH; 50 spaces, 2 disabled. There are a few public transport optoions, view timetables with morebus and Yellow Buses. The nearest train stations to this beach are Branksome (1.6 miles), Parkstone (2.8 miles) and Bournemouth (2.9 miles). Cycling is permitted on the promenade but restrictions are in place during July and August. 

Location: Cliff Road, Poole, Dorset, BH13 7HX

Branksome Chine

About: Branksome Chine offers great beaches on the Dorset coastline, right in between the very busy beaches of Bournemouth and Poole. During the Summer months you can hire volleyball nets and Beryl e-scooters (these scooters are not allowed from 10am-6pm in July to August). One of Dorset's top surfing schools are also based out of Branksome Dene Chine - Shaka Surf.

Facilities: There are shops, restaurants and cafes along the stretch of Branksome Chine Beach. Public toilets are situtated by the on site car parks. 

Parking and Transport: There are both Parking on Site, local bus routes and additional car parks - including Branksome Chine Surface Car Park.

Location: Pinecliff Road, Branksome, Poole, Dorset, BH13 6LP

Studland Bay

About: Studland Bay in Purbeck, is a magnificent four-mile long strength of perfect golden sandy beaches with gentle waters and offers incredible views across to Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight.

The four National Trust owned sandy beaches and heathland are; Knoll Beach, Shell Bay, Middle and South Beach. 

Don't be surprised if you see more than the coastline; these are the most popular naturist beaches in Britain! 

Although you can while away the time sunbathing and swimming, it's worth a walk around the designated walking trails throughout the sand dunes and woodlands as you are likely to spot many wild flowers, birds, insects, and even deer!

Facilities: There are numerous public toilets on Studland's Beaches including disabled, guide dogs allowed, numerous car parks with disabled spaces, cafe and shop at Knoll Beach. Boat, Kayak and Wind Surfing hire and designated areas.

Parking and Transport: The shorest journey to Studland from Poole is via the Sandbanks Ferry. If you drive, or take the bus, it's a good 19 mile drive, approx. 30 minutes but the views are worth it and if you can take in some of the walks and views which aren't close to the ferry port (Old Harry Rocks is a must!). The more Breezer 50 has a good bus service to and from Studland.

Location: Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ

Kimmeridge Bay

About: Kimmeridge Bay is a sheltered rocky bay and is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a good spot to observe the geological importance of the Jurassic Coast.

This sheltered bay, though not sandy, is a designated area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and home to the Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Centre.

As well as delivering some really wild and different views to what you would be used to from Poole's beaches, Kimmeridge, with a right-hand reef break, can be a fantastic spot for surfing when the conditions are right. Check out the current conditions and surf forcast here.

Facilities: If you are looking to spend the day here, we recommend you check the tide times and bring a picnic as the local shop and pub is a good 20 minute walk away from the beach and car park. Toilets and showers in the slip-way carpark. Bring change for parking and the £3 toll road.

Parking and Transport: Kimmeridge Bay is 17 miles and approx. 32 minute drive from central Poole via the A351. There are parking spaces for 100 vehicles. Visit Travel Line South West to play your busy journey. 

Location: Ferry Road, Studland, Dorset, BH19 3AQ

Lulworth Cove

About: Lulworth Cove is a beautiful and secluded pebble beach on the Jurassic Coast. With the Cove sitting below a cliffside, visitors are encourages to not sit close to the base of the cliffs due to the chance of rockfall.

Just over a hill from its neighbour Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is part of the 12,000-acre Lulworth Estate, which has been owned and managed by the Weld family since 1641.

Facilities: Directly on the beach you can find a refreshments kiosk, there is also a shop and tea rooms nearby. The Lulworth Cove toilets are up by the car park in the visitors centre.

Parking and Transport: There is a large on site car park just a 5 minute walk from the beach. You can find all information on the car park here. Bus routes 15, 30, X54 or X55 also run to Lulworth Cove.

Location: Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ

Durdle Door

About: Durdle Door is one of Dorset's most photographed landmarks and an icon of the Jurassic Coast. This natural limestone arch is part of The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and is situated near Lulworth Cove in Dorset. 

Durdle Door is a must-see for any trip to the Dorset coast. From kayaking to rock-pooling, walking to coasteering, photography to nature walks, or to just enjoy the stunning views; there is something for everyone all year round but during the summer months, it does get very busy. It is privately owned by the Weld family who own Lulworth Estate, but it is also open to the public.

Facilities: The closest toilets are situated at the Holiday Park, so make sure to go before heading down to the beach.

Parking and Transport: There is a large car park at the Durdle Door Holiday Park, this is a 15 minute walk from the beach. Ensure you wear sturdy shoes, as you will be walking down a steep hill and then descend a staircase to reach the beach. You can find a bus stop an additional 5 minute walk away from the Holiday Park.

Location: Durdle Door, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5PU

Bournemouth Beach

About: One of the most visited beaches in the UK! The beach at Bournemouth is not only beautiful but one of the safest beaches in the UK, with RNLI Lifeguards based there between April and September. Bournemouth was also the first place in the country to have beach huts, with the first one being built way back in 1909 and they are still as popular as ever! 

From 1 April until 31 October, there is a Land Train running along the promenade which will take you (for a small charge) from Bournemouth Pier to either Boscombe Pier or Branksome Chine. At the Pier, you can try PierZip, the first pier to-shore zip wire in the world, and will have you whizzing over the waves to the beach below!

Facilities: There are numerous ice cream kiosks, food kiosks, toilets and more along the length of Bournemouth Beach. You will even find a pier packed full of attractions, restaurants and a full Oceanarium. 

Parking and Transport: There are numerous car parks along the seafront and from a 10 minute walk in the town centre. Find out more here.

Location: Pier Approach, Bournemouth, Dorset, BH2 5AA

Boscombe Beach

About: Boscombe Beach extends on both sides of the freely accessible Boscombe Pier, offering stunning views across Poole Bay. The pier features eco-friendly mini golf and various food kiosks.

Visitors can also rent sunbeds, deck chairs, windbreaks, and parasols. Simply choose what you need, and once you're settled, an attendant will come by to collect the rental fee.

Facilities: You will be able to find ice cream and food kiosks on the pier and by the beach front. There are toilet and also shower facilities by the beach.

Parking and Transport: There are numerous car parks along the seafront, including Boscombe Undercliff car park and Overstrand Car Park.

Location: Sea Road, Boscombe, Bournemouth, BH5 1BN

Hengistbury Head

About: Hengistbury Head features walking routes that offer spectacular panoramic views of the nature reserve, Christchurch Harbour, Bournemouth Bay, and the Isle of Wight.

Hengistbury Head is a fascinating place, renowned not only for its diverse habitats—including heathland, grassland, scrub, woodland, freshwater wetland, and coastland—but also for its internationally significant archaeology and geology.

These varied habitats support over 500 plant species, 300 types of birds, and a remarkable array of insects, reptiles, and small mammals. Notable residents include adders, skylarks, sand lizards, and natterjack toads, one of Britain’s rarest creatures.

Facilities: Hengistbury Head is relatively untouched, so make sure you leave nothing behind and plan your toilet breaks ahead of time.

Parking and Transport: There is an on site car park for Henigstbury Head, view here.

Location: Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve, Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH6 4EW

Chesil Beach

About: Chesil Beach is an 18-mile-long shingle barrier beach extending from West Bay to Portland, making it one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks.

As part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, this expansive shingle ridge stretches for miles, offering a breathtaking sight. The view of Chesil Beach from the coast road above Abbotsbury has even been voted Britain’s 3rd best view by Country Life Magazine.

Facilities: There are a variety of restaurants and kiosks nearby. You will also find toilet facilities at the Chesil Visitor Centre nearby. 

Parking and Transport: There is parking available a 5-minute walk over ridge to sea, at Chesil Car Park.

Location: Chesil Beach, Weymouth, DT6 4RJ

Weymouth Beach

About: Weymouth Beach is one of the best sandy beaches in the country

Located in the heart of the Jurassic Coastline, this award-winning beach is set on a beautiful Georgian seafront and offers a traditional British Seaside experience to 1,000s of visitors every summer.

Weymouth is the quintessential seaside town and the beach is long with fine sand that is perfect for children and sand-castle building. Its shallow waters with seasonal lifeguards, make it a safe place to bathe and paddle and very popular with families in the summer months. Traditional seaside entertainment can be found along the length of the beach such as donkey rides, a Punch and Judy Show, and a fairground. Refreshments are also available in numerous seaside cafes and kiosks.

Facilities: You will find a variety of restaurants, cafes, bars and amusements alongside the beachfront in Weymouth. There are also seasonal funfair rides at Weymouth Beach.

Parking and Transport: Weymouth Beach is very central in Weymouth, you will find numerous car parks in town, alongside a plethora of bus routes.

Location: The Esplanade, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 7AN

Lyme Regis Beach

About: Lyme Regis is a picturesque and historic seaside town nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Known for its steep streets, the town's most notable feature is the charming 13th-century harbor known as the Cobb. A stroll along this historic Cobb offers stunning views of the West Dorset and East Devon coastlines.

Lyme Regis has four distinct beaches. Front Beach, situated near the harbor, is a mix of sandy shores with a gentle slope into the sea and a shingle beach. To the west of the harbor lies Monmouth Beach, a pebble beach that shelves down to the water. Near the Marine Theatre is Church Cliff Beach, a small beach with both sand and pebbles. East Cliff Beach, located to the east of the town towards Charmouth, also features a combination of sand and pebbles.

Facilities: Toilets and baby changing are available along the beach front. You can also find shops, kiosks and even watersports equipment hire. 

Parking and Transport: Monmouth Beach and Cabanya car parks are two minutes from Monmouth Beach and are short stay. Holmbush and Charmouth Road are long stay car parks and a ten minute walk down a steep hill to the beaches.

Location: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3JE