Dorset’s coastline stretches for more than 90 miles and includes some of the most beautiful beaches in southern England. From the sandy resort beaches of Bournemouth and Weymouth to the dramatic coves and cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, the county offers a wide variety of coastal landscapes. This guide provides a comprehensive list of Dorset beaches arranged from east to west along the coastline. Many of these beaches are popular seaside destinations with facilities and easy access, while others are quieter natural bays reached by coastal paths. Use the links below to explore individual beaches and find more detailed visitor information.
Beaches listed from east to west:
Highcliffe Beach
Highcliffe Beach is a long stretch of sand and shingle on the eastern edge of Dorset near the Hampshire border. The beach offers wide views across Christchurch Bay and is popular for walking and swimming.
Highcliffe Castle Beach
Highcliffe Castle Beach lies below the historic Highcliffe Castle and offers attractive views across the bay. The beach is mainly shingle with some sandy areas revealed at low tide.
Friars Cliff Beach
Friars Cliff Beach is a quiet family-friendly beach close to Christchurch Harbour. It features a mix of sand and shingle with beach huts and views across to the Isle of Wight.
Avon Beach
Avon Beach is a popular sandy beach at Mudeford with clear water and good facilities. The beach offers excellent views across Christchurch Bay towards the Isle of Wight.
Mudeford Sandbank
Mudeford Sandbank is a narrow spit of land separating Christchurch Harbour from the sea. The beach is known for its colourful beach huts and sweeping views of the harbour entrance.
Hengistbury Head
Hengistbury Head is a dramatic headland with sandy beaches and important nature reserves. The area is popular for walking and offers wide views across Christchurch Bay and Poole Bay.
Southbourne Beach
Southbourne Beach is a quieter stretch of sand and shingle east of Bournemouth. The beach is backed by cliffs and coastal paths with good access from the nearby suburb.
Fishermans Walk
Fishermans Walk Beach is a sandy beach below Boscombe with a peaceful atmosphere. A zigzag path and lift provide access from the clifftop.
Boscombe Beach
Boscombe Beach is a lively sandy beach with a modern pier and popular restaurants. The beach is well known for watersports and seaside events.
Bournemouth Beach
Bournemouth Beach is one of the most famous beaches in the UK with miles of golden sand. The beach is backed by gardens and the historic Bournemouth Pier.
Durley Chine
Durley Chine Beach is a quieter sandy beach west of Bournemouth Pier. It offers pleasant views across Poole Bay and easy access from the clifftop.
Middle Chine
Middle Chine is a small and peaceful beach area between Bournemouth and Alum Chine. The beach is reached through wooded chine valleys leading down from the cliffs.
Alum Chine
Alum Chine Beach is a wide sandy beach backed by one of Bournemouth’s largest chines. The area features gardens, play areas and scenic coastal views.
Branksome Dene
Branksome Dene is a pleasant sandy beach reached via a wooded chine valley. The beach is quieter than nearby Bournemouth and offers views across Poole Bay.
Branksome Chine
Branksome Chine Beach is a long sandy beach popular for swimming and watersports. The area has beach huts and good access to the surrounding coastline.
Canford Cliffs
Canford Cliffs Beach is a sandy beach beneath the residential area of the same name. It provides a quieter alternative to the busier beaches nearby.
Flaghead Chine
Flaghead Chine Beach lies between Canford Cliffs and Sandbanks. The beach offers wide sandy areas and views towards Old Harry Rocks in the distance.
Sandbanks Shore Road
Sandbanks Shore Road Beach is a popular sandy beach facing Poole Bay. The beach is known for its clear water, Blue Flag status and excellent facilities including Jazz Cafe.
Sandbanks Beach
Sandbanks Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Dorset, with fine golden sand and safe swimming waters. The beach stretches along Poole Bay with wide views across the English Channel towards the Isle of Wight.
Shell Bay Beach
Shell Bay Beach lies at the entrance to Poole Harbour opposite the Sandbanks Car Ferry. The sandy beach is popular with walkers and offers views across the harbour mouth.
Studland Naturist Beach
Studland Naturist Beach is a designated naturist section of the long sandy beach at Studland. The beach lies within the scenic surroundings of the Isle of Purbeck.
Studland Knoll Beach
Knoll Beach is one of the main access points to Studland Bay and is managed by the National Trust. The wide sandy beach is backed by dunes and heathland.
Studland Middle Beach
Studland Middle Beach is a quieter stretch of sand between Knoll Beach and South Beach. The beach offers views across Poole Bay towards Bournemouth.
Studland South Beach
Studland South Beach is the southern end of the long sandy beach at Studland Bay. From here there are impressive views towards Old Harry Rocks.
Swanage Beach
Swanage Beach is a traditional seaside beach with gently sloping golden sand. The beach lies beside the town of Swanage and is popular with families.
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay is a rocky bay on the Jurassic Coast famous for its geology and marine life. The area is popular for rock pooling, diving and coastal walks.
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is one of Dorset’s most famous natural landmarks, formed by thousands of years of coastal erosion. The sheltered cove has a small beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.
Man O War Bay
Man O War Bay is a beautiful natural bay just east of Durdle Door. The beach is reached by coastal paths and offers impressive views of the surrounding cliffs.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic coastal landmarks on the Jurassic Coast. The beach lies below the famous limestone arch rising from the sea.
Ringstead Bay Beach
Ringstead Bay is a quiet shingle beach along the Jurassic Coast west of Durdle Door. The beach offers wide views across the English Channel.
Osmington Mills
Osmington Mills is a small coastal village with a rocky beach beneath the cliffs. The area is popular with walkers exploring the South West Coast Path.
Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach is a large sandy beach beside the historic seaside town of Weymouth. The gently sloping sand and calm waters make it popular with families.
Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach is a remarkable 18-mile shingle barrier stretching along the Jurassic Coast. The beach forms part of a unique natural landscape linking the mainland with the Isle of Portland.
West Bay Bridport
West Bay Beach lies beside the harbour at West Bay near Bridport. The beach is backed by dramatic golden cliffs that are part of the Jurassic Coast.
Charmouth Beach
Charmouth Beach is famous for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast. The beach is a mix of sand and shingle and is popular with walkers and families.
Seatown Beach
Seatown Beach is a small shingle beach beneath the cliffs of Golden Cap. The area offers spectacular coastal scenery and access to the South West Coast Path.
Lyme Regis Beaches
Lyme Regis has several beaches including sandy family-friendly areas and rocky shores along the Jurassic Coast. The town is also well known for fossil hunting and its historic harbour known as the Cobb.
Explore more Dorset guides
Dorset Attractions
Dorset Coastal Towns and Villages
Dorset Rural Towns and Villages
Dorset Castles
Dorset Historic Houses and Gardens
Dorset Beaches
Dorset Walks