Top 24 Beaches for Surfing in Dorset

Bowleaze Cove 

Location: Bowleaze Cove, Overcombe

About: Bowleaze Cove offers more than just sandy shores and scenic views, it's also a haven for surfing enthusiasts. With calm waters and gentle waves, Bowleaze provides an ideal setting for both beginner and intermediate surfers to hone their skills or simply enjoy the thrill of riding the waves. After a session in the water, surfers can relax on the beach.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Bowleaze Coveway, Weymouth, DT3 6PL

Photo credits: @mumma_to_the_sullivans

Kimmeridge Bay

Location: Kimmeride Bay, Wareham

About: Kimmeridge Bay in Wareham is home to some of the country's finest waves, making it a renowned surfing and windsurfing destination. Accessible via a small toll, parking is available just a minute's walk from the slipway, though fees may apply. The consistent, long, mellow reef break primarily favors left-handers, with peak surf conditions typically occurring during the winter months and in offshore winds from the north. However, visitors should be aware of the nearby military firing range, which occasionally results in shells landing offshore.

Surf Rating: 5/5

Address: Kimmeridge Approach Road, Kimmeridge, Wareham, BH20 5PF

Photo credits: @westcountrydadhikes

Portland Harbour

Location: Portland Harbour, Osprey Quay, Wareham

About: Portland Harbour stands out as a premier surfing spot for numerous reasons. Its' sheltered location provides protection from the open sea, resulting in relatively calm waters and consistent waves suitable for surfers of all levels. The harbour's expansive size allows for ample space to catch waves, while its unique geography creates diverse surfing conditions influenced by various wind directions. With its combination of accessibility, consistent waves, and scenic surroundings, Portland Harbour remains a top choice for surfers seeking an enjoyable and rewarding session on the water.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Osprey Quay, Portland, DT5 1DX

Photo credits: @lovewhereyouliveweymouth

Chesil Beach

Location: Chesil Beach, Portland

About: Chesil Beach's long stretch of shingle creates consistent waves that are suitable for surfing, attracting both beginners and experienced surfers alike. The beach's exposure to the Atlantic Ocean means it receives swells from various directions, providing diverse surfing conditions. With its combination of reliable waves, scenic beauty, and accessibility, Chesil Beach stands out as a top destination for surfers seeking an exhilarating ride along the Dorset coast.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Portland Beach Road, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9XE

Photo credits: @christopher_stocks

The Bill

Location: The Bill, Portland

About: The Bill is home to very consistent waves for surfing, due to the rugged coastline and exposure to the open sea, bringing swells from various directions. While there isn't a beach directly at Portland Bill due to its rocky terrain, nearby beaches such as Chesil Beach offer excellent surfing conditions. 

Surf Rating: 3/5

Address: Portland Bill Lighthouse, Portland, DT5 2JT

Photo credits: @lisaevangelou

Weymouth Beach

Location: Weymouth Beach, Weymouth

About: Weymouth Beach has an expansive three-mile stretch of golden sands and shallow waters, ideal conditions for catching waves. The beach faces into Weymouth Bay, receiving swells from various directions, so makes this a great consistent spot for all times of year. With its reliable waves, stunning scenery, and convenient facilities, Weymouth Beach is a top choice for surfers seeking an enjoyable and memorable experience along the Dorset coast.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Esplanade, Weymouth DT4 8DG

Photo credits: @lleetye

Lulworth Cove

Location: Lulworth Cove Beach, West Lulworth

About: While Lulworth Cove itself isn't typically known for its surfing conditions due to its sheltered nature, it can provide a great training ground for beginners. With its breathtaking surroundings and access to nearby surf spots, Lulworth Cove serves as a convenient and scenic base for surfers exploring the waves along the Dorset coastline.

Surf Rating: 2/5

Address: Lulworth Cove, BH20 5RQ

Photo credits: @javedkurmoo

Durdle Door

Location: Durdle Door, West Lulworth

About: Durdle Door, similarly to Lulworth Cove is not known for its big or consistent waves. However, during certain weather conditions, particularly when there are strong onshore winds or a large swell from the English Channel, experienced surfers can find opportunities to catch waves here. Although not having the best waves in Dorset, for those who are up for the challenge could be provided a unique and memorable surfing experience along the Dorset coastline.

Surf Rating: 2/5

Address: Durdle Door, Lulworth, BH20 5PU

Photo credits: @p0000m

Boscombe and Southbourne Beach

Location: Boscombe and Southbourne Beaches, Bournemouth

About: These neighbouring beaches benefit from the consistent swells of the English Channel, providing reliable surf conditions throughout the year. This makes them suitable for surfers of all levels, from beginners to experienced riders. They are also home to sandy bottoms, which create gentle and forgiving waves, ideal for learning and practicing surfing skills. Additionally, the beaches offer a variety of breaks, catering to different surfing preferences and abilities.

Alongside the conditions, these beaches are also home to a vibrant surfing community and a range of amenities and facilities, including surf schools, equipment rentals, and beachfront cafes.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Southbourne, Bournemouth, BH5 2EL

Photo credits: @shaunjacobs_landscapes_

Branksome Dene Chine

Location: Branksome Dene Chine, Bournemouth

About: Branksome Dene Chine offers a unique and inviting setting for surfing enthusiasts. While the beach itself may not be widely recognized as a primary surfing spot, it can provide enjoyable surfing experiences under certain conditions. The chine's sheltered nature and sandy shores create gentle waves that are ideal for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed surfing session. Additionally, the secluded atmosphere of Branksome Dene Chine offers surfers a quieter and less crowded alternative to other nearby beaches.

Surf Rating: 2.5/5

Address: Branksome Dene Chine, BH13 6JP

Photo credits: @waveslider_photography

Bournemouth Beach

Location: Bournemouth Beach

About: Bournemouth Beach is celebrated as an excellent destination for surfing enthusiasts, with it being home to a thriving surfing community throughout the year. The beach offers consistent swells and gentle waves; making the Beach ideal to beginners. The East is very popular, with left-handers heading back towards the pier and faster rights leading down the beach. There are more peaks on the West without the SW wind protection. On a solid SW groundswell and N wind, there are good barrels for the taking. Overall, Bournemouth Beach's combination of reliable waves, sandy shores, and supportive infrastructure makes it a top-notch destination for surfers seeking fun and adventure along the Dorset coast.

Surf Rating: 5/5

Address: Bournemouth Beach, Bournemouth, BH2 5AA

Photo credits: @fbartolo58

Charmouth Beach

Location: Charmouth Beach, West Dorset

About: Charmouth Beach, situated along the iconic Jurassic Coast, offers a unique and rewarding surfing experience. While primarily known for its fossil-rich cliffs and sandy shores, Charmouth Beach also attracts surfers throughout the year. The beach benefits from consistent swells generated by the English Channel, providing reliable surf conditions suitable for surfers of all levels. With its picturesque surroundings and clear waters, Charmouth Beach offers a scenic and enjoyable setting for catching waves and enjoying the thrill of surfing along the stunning Dorset coastline.

Surf Rating: 3/5

Address: Charmouth Beach, Bridport, DT6 6LS

Photo credits: @damsontreepottery

Seatown Beach

Location: Seatown Beach, West Dorset

About: While Seatown Beach in Dorset offers stunning coastal scenery, it's not typically known as a prime surfing spot. The beach's pebbly terrain and generally calm waters make it less conducive to surfing compared to other nearby beaches along the Jurassic Coast. Surfers seeking consistent waves and ideal conditions may find better options at neighboring beaches like West Bay or Charmouth. But for those looking for a challenge, try out Seatown.

Surf Rating: 1/5

Address: Seatown Beach, Bridport, DT6 6JU

Photo credits: @jamesloveridgephotography

Hive and Cogden Beach

Location: Hive and Cogden Beaches, West Dorset

About: Surfing at both Hive and Cogden Beaches in Dorset is limited due to its generally calm waters and lack of consistent waves. While the beach offers stunning scenery and recreational opportunities, including swimming and coastal walks, it's not considered a prime surfing spot. Surfers seeking ideal conditions and reliable waves may find better options at nearby beaches along the Jurassic Coast.

Surf Rating: 1/5

Address: Hive Beach, Dorset, DT6 4RF

Photo credits: @neilbarnesphotos

West Bexington

Location: West Bexington, Dorset

About: While West Bexington Beach may not be a famous surfing spot, it does offer nice surfing opportunities under specific conditions. With its pebble and shingle shoreline, the beach produces gentle waves, making it particularly appealing for novice surfers or those seeking a more relaxed surfing experience. 

Surf Rating: 1/5

Address: West Bexington, Dorset, DT2 9DG

Photo credits: @crigbee

Ringstead Bay

Location: Ringstead Bay, Dorset

About: Ringstead Bay, similarly to the other spots in West Dorset, is not home to many big waves. However, the waters at Ringstead Bay are quite reliable and result in gentle waves. Although experienced surfers may not find the massive swells they seek, Ringstead Bay's serene atmosphere and picturesque surroundings make it an inviting spot for a leisurely day on the waves. 

Surf Rating: 2/5

Address: Ringstead Bay, Dorset, DT2 8NQ

Photo credits: @steve_major.dorset

Lyme Regis Beach

Location: Lyme Regis Beach, Lyme Regis

About: Lyme Regis Harbour Wall, situated on the South Coast of England, is a relatively exposed point break known for its inconsistent waves, which are most reliable during the winter months. Despite not being widely recognized as a premier surf destination, Lyme Regis still offers decent surfing conditions. Numerous reefs contribute to predictable breaking sets and easy paddle-outs. From safe, sand-bottomed smaller waves near the harbor to the punchy reef wedge, there's something for surfers of all levels. While Lyme Regis may not be a hotspot for serious surfers, those willing to embrace its offerings can still have plenty of fun catching waves.

Surf Rating: 3/5

Address: Lyme Regis, DT7 3JF

Photo credits: @rachna_bassi

Swanage Beach

Location: Swanage Beach, Purbeck

About: Swanage Beach offers a sheltered beach break ideal for surfing, especially during the winter months. The best surfing conditions occur with offshore winds from the West, and the beach receives a combination of groundswells and windswells. The optimal swell direction is from the South West, producing waves that break both left and right. Surfing is best around low tide, although the beach may sometimes be crowded. It's important to be cautious of submerged rocks, which can pose hazards to surfers.

Surf Rating: 3.5/5

Address: Shore Rd, Swanage BH19 1LB

Photo credits: @g.e.mphotography_

Mudeford Beach

Location: Mudeford Beach, Highcliffe

About: Mudeford Beach offers varying surfing conditions influenced by weather, tides, and swell direction. While not a top surfing destination, it provides decent waves for beginners and intermediates, especially at certain times. Considerations include wave quality affected by winds, South West swells, tidal impact, limited crowds, and suitability for beginners due to sandy bottoms. 

Surf Rating: 1/5

Address: Mudeford Beach, Christchurch, BH6 4EW

Photo credits: @donna_millman

Highcliffe Beach

Location: Highcliffe Beach, Highcliffe

About: Surfing at Highcliffe Beach varies with factors like swell direction, wind, and tides. Though not a top destination for Dorset surfers, it offers decent waves for beginners and intermediates. Considerations include wave quality influenced by wind, southwest swells, tidal impact, fewer crowds, and suitability for beginners due to gentle waves. 

Surf Rating: 1/5

Address: Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch, BH23 5JA

Photo credits: @seemebythesea_

Avon Beach

Location: Avon Beach, Highcliffe

About: Surfing at Avon Beach offers enjoyable experiences for surfers of all levels, with consistent waves suitable for beginners and intermediates. The sandy shoreline and favorable winds create surfable waves year-round, with occasional larger swells depending on the weather. Tidal conditions affect surf quality, with mid to high tide preferred by some surfers for closer waves. Avon Beach's fewer crowds provide ample space for surfing, especially on weekdays.

Surf Rating: 4/5

Address: Avon Beach, Mudeford, Christchurch BH23

Photo credits: @socialbutterflyhr

FAQs

Can you surf on Dorset Coast?
There are 13 surfing beaches across Dorset which have gorgeous scenery, lots of amenities, and brilliant wave conditions.

Is Bournemouth beach good for surfing?
Winter and normally February are the best months to surf at Bournemouth Beach.

Is Swanage good for surfing?
The best time of year for surfing Swanage is during Winter and December.