Best beaches in Dorset: a guide

Welcome to our comprehensive guide of the best beaches in Dorset. We'll take you through the perfect beaches for every type of visitor, from the most scenic and best for families, to the most accessible and dog-friendly places throughout the county.

This comprehensive guide cuts through the noise to bring you the definitive list of the best beaches in Dorset, perfectly categorised for every type of visitor. 

We’ll take you through:

• The closest coastal spot to a UK Club campsite
• The safest family beaches with shallow, calm waters
• The most photogenic, scenic beach to head to
• Unrestricted, dog-friendly spots for year-round fun
• The ultimate locations for watersports action
• An easily accessible escape to the coast

Best Dorset beach close to a UK Club campsite

West Bay, Bridport

West Bay, Bridport, near Bridport Bingham Grange Club Campsite.

Type: shingle

This is one of the most stunning spots along the world-famous Jurassic Coast. West Bay is also famous for its role in the popular TV series Broadchurch and fans will recognise one or two landmarks from the small screen.

You’ll also see dramatic cliffs from its ‘East Beach’, formed of the aptly named Bridport sandstone. Admire them from a distance as they are prone to erosion, and this is more than enough to see why the area has been certified a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4 miles from Bridport Bingham Grange Club Campsite

Best scenic beach in Dorset

Lulworth Cove, West Lulworth

Lulworth Cove, near Crossways Club Campsite. Member photo by Clare Viles.

Type: sandy, shingle

The smooth, horseshoe-shaped bay is a unique geological feature and also part of the Jurassic Coast UNESCO World Heritage Site. The contrast of the white pebbles and cliffs with the clear, turquoise water is stunning.

You’ll be hard pushed to find a more impressive place for a photo, with the added benefit of being the starting point for the spectacular cliff walk to the equally impressive Durdle Door.

7 miles from Crossways Club Campsite

Best dog-friendly beach in Dorset

Durdle Door Beach, near West Lulworth

Durdle Door, near Crossways Club Campsite. Member photo by Steve Woodman.

Type: sandy, shingle

Dogs allowed: all-year-round

It’s rare to find such a famous beach that doubles up as dog friendly. It combines a truly spectacular setting with complete dog freedom. While the walk down is steep, the vast space at the bottom makes it worth the effort for an unforgettable day out.

The iconic natural limestone arch is simply iconic, so be sure to bring your camera alongside all your canine gear.

7 miles from Crossways Club Campsite

Best family beach in Dorset

Weymouth Beach, Weymouth

Weymouth from above, near Crossways Club Campsite.

Type: sandy, shingle

This bustling seaside town is one of the most famous in the UK and in no small part because of its fantastic beach. Handily adjacent to the town centre and complete with a pier at the southern end, Weymouth is a beacon for a day out with the family.

Shallow waters make it ideal for a foray into the water, and during the busier months, expect to be entertained by everything from Punch and Judy shows to donkey rides.

10 miles from Crossways Club Campsite

Best watersports beach in Dorset

Middle Beach, Studland Bay

Type: sandy

This stunning corner of the county is worth a visit alone, before you even get to its enchanting beaches. The four mile stretch of sand radiating from its middle section is perfect for a range of watersports.

You’ll see stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking and snorkelling along the coastline, all with equipment available for hire nearby. Given the bay is sheltered from the prevailing winds of the channel, it provides some of the calmest conditions in Dorset. You’ll be able to admire the view towards Old Harry Rocks whilst you’re out on the water, which is the icing on the cake!

Best accessible beach in Dorset

Sandbanks Beach, near Poole

Type: sandy

This stretch of golden sand is nothing short of globally renowned. The Sandbanks peninsula is one of the most exclusive areas of the UK, with visitors flocking all-year-round for its natural beauty.

Winner of several Blue Flag awards, there’s excellent accessibility to everything, including wooden boardwalks onto the sand, beach wheelchairs for hire and convenient parking. Its prestigious status has given it great infrastructure, making it one of the best accessible beaches in Dorset.