5 of our favourite beaches in Dorset

If you’re keen on a beach holiday, you won’t be disappointed with Dorset. There is a fantastic range of amazing beaches in Dorset to choose from that accommodate families, groups of friends, couples and individuals looking for beautiful scenery and seaside fun. Highlighted below are five beaches in Dorset that offer great facilities, entertaining nearby attractions and of course a lovely stretch of sand and water to cater to swimmers, sunbathers and sandcastle-builders alike. 

Swanage Beach

Swanage Beach (pictured above) in the south east of Dorset is a Blue Flag award winner with a wide range of facilities, including toilets, dining venues, a lost child centre and a first aid point. The beach doesn’t have lifeguards but it is patrolled by beach wardens during summer. This beach is great for water sports such as scuba diving, sailing and swimming, and there is a designated safe bathing zone, making it a suitable option for children and adults. The town of Swanage offers lots of pretty gardens and parks to explore and sporting options such as swimming pools and tennis, with rock climbing also a popular pursuit in the area.

Weymouth Beach

Next to the town of Weymouth, Weymouth Beach is a great family beach offering an abundance of glorious sand and safe swimming that will tire out even the most energetic of children. There is a lot to see and do nearby, including magnificent sand sculptures, terrific donkey rides and a range of sporting events held during the summer including the International Beach Kite Festival and sailing championships. There are numerous facilities available such as baby changing and toilet facilities, a first aid point, a lost child centre, deck chairs, cafes, as well as lifeguard services during summer. Nearby attractions include the likes of Nothe Fort that has a collection of WWII memorabilia, as well as a SEA LIFE Adventure Park and pirate-themed Adventure Golf.

Bournemouth Alum Chine

With beachfront train rides, a pirate-themed play area and safe swimming, Bournemouth Alum Chine will have kids bouncing with excitement and waving buckets and spades eagerly in anticipation. Nearby facilities for this Blue Flag beach include eating venues, toilets with baby changing areas, a first aid point and lost child centres. There is a lot to keep adults entertained too, including a museum and art gallery, tropical gardens and a variety of pretty walks.  

Sandbanks Beach

This frequent Blue Flag winner in Poole offers a fantastic day out for families and individuals alike. Designated swimming areas ensure safe splashing, while water sports enthusiasts will enjoy practising windsurfing and sailing. Baby changing areas, toilets, showers, dining venues and a first aid point are just some of the facilities on offer at Sandbanks. Nearby attractions include museums, gardens, shops, a speedway and an indoor water park to name a few. 

Canford Cliffs Chine

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter to enjoy splendid natural beauty, consider Canford Cliffs Chine in Poole. This Blue Flag beach doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches during the summer but still offers convenient facilities such as toilets and places to purchase refreshments. A safe swimming zone and lifeguards make this a suitable spot for children and adults to enjoy the water. Some of the attractions close by include Canford Cliffs which are a conservation area with beach huts that have been around since 1927, as well as the stunning historic garden of Compton Acres.  

Superb sun, sand and sea getaways

With the five beaches above you are sure to experience an excellent day out, whether you partake in some wild water sports, create some amazing sand castles or perfect a summer tan. There are many camping and caravan parks in Dorset to choose from near all of the beaches to ensure comfortable accommodation during your visit. These beaches are just as pretty during colder months, but for a perfect summer holiday you’ll find them hard to beat.