Dorset Beaches - Sykes Inspiration

Discover and visit some of the best beaches in Dorset by using this handy guide.

Dorset is home to numerous beaches, as well as encompassing much of the phenomenal Jurassic Coast, so you can expect incredible scenery as well as a wonderful day by the beach. Choose from our selection of wonderful Dorset beaches.

With nearly 100 miles of coastline to explore, Dorset is home to a range of wonderful beaches, catering to a variety of tastes. For glorious golden sand that’s perfect for sunbathing or building sandcastles with the little ones, try Bournemouth, Weymouth and Poole beaches.

For spectacular scenery in the form of a dramatic backdrop, head to the iconic cliffs of West Bay, famously featured in ITV’s hit series Broadchurch or the renowned natural limestone arch that is instantly recognisable at Durdle Door Beach.

Enjoy safe swimming with the children in the calm waters and serene beauty of Lyme Regis and if you like the more daring activity, head to the expansive pebble beach at Chesil Cove, very popular with scuba divers looking to explore Dorset’s marine life.

Alum Chine Beach

Dog Friendly

Wheelchair Accessible

A hit with the families, Alum Chine Beach rests along the 7 miles of sands at Bournemouth, and offers a paddling pool as well as an adventure playground.
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Branksome Dene Beach

Dog Friendly

Parking Available

This glorious stretch of beach boasts soft, golden sands and is backed by a stunning cliff-face, making for a perfect summer’s day out.
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Canford Cliffs Beach

Dog Friendly

A peaceful, wide sandy beach set away from the bustling atmosphere of Poole and offering toilets and an ice cream kiosk.
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Charmouth Beach

Parking Available

Divided into two parts due to the mouth of the River Char this charming sandy beach is back by dramatic high-rise cliffs with shallow shores, ideal for rock pooling and exploring for fossils.
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Chesil Beach

Dog Friendly

This unique pebbled beach stretches for 17 miles between Portland and West Bay, along the idyllic Dorset coast.
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Hengistbury Head Beach

Parking Available

This south-facing, pebbled beach is backed by striking chalk cliffs and rests at the tip of Hengistbury Head on the Dorset coast.
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Lulworth Cove

Dog Friendly

Parking Available

With awe-inspiring scenery and clear blue seas, Lulworth Cove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is well-known for its fascinating geological features and panoramic views of the Devon coastline.
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Lyme Regis Beach

Dog Friendly

Parking Available

Lyme Regis Beach sits adjacent to the town’s 14th-century harbour, boasting both sand and pebbles and offering sublime views of the Dorset coast.
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Monmouth Beach

Dog Friendly

Parking Available

This sandy and pebbled beach stretches for around a mile just south of Lyme Regis town, surrounded by both natural beauty and a far-reaching history.
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Sandbanks Beach

Dog Friendly

Parking Available

Wheelchair Accessible

Sandbanks Beach is a long and narrow stretch of sand with a Blue Flag award, offering superb water sports conditions and facilities for all the family to enjoy.
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