Best Dorset Beaches to Visit This Summer
1. Charmouth Beach – Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Nestled on the Jurassic Coast and just a short walk from Newlands Holidays, Charmouth Beach is famous for its fossil-rich cliffs and rock pools. It’s ideal for families with kids who love to explore, and there’s a Heritage Centre offering guided fossil hunting tours. Bring a bucket and see what ancient treasures you can uncover!
2. Durdle Door & Man O’ War Bay – Iconic Dorset Coastline
One of the most iconic spots on the Dorset coast, Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch offers an unforgettable photo opportunity. Nearby Man O’ War Bay is perfect for a quieter beach experience with its crystal-clear waters and pebbled shore. Be prepared for a steep walk, but the views are worth every step.
3. Lulworth Cove – Scenic and Family-Friendly
Just around the corner from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is a picturesque, horseshoe-shaped bay formed by millennia of coastal erosion. Its calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and kayaking, and it’s surrounded by great walking trails along the cliffs.
4. Chesil Beach – Unique Shingle Stretch
This unique 18-mile-long shingle beach stretches from West Bay to Portland and offers a dramatic backdrop for long coastal walks and nature watching. Behind it lies the Fleet Lagoon, a haven for birdlife. Chesil Beach is ideal for scenic strolls and quiet contemplation.
5. Weymouth Beach – Classic Seaside Fun
A classic British seaside resort, Weymouth Beach offers golden sands, shallow waters, traditional Punch and Judy shows, and donkey rides. It’s perfect for families and well-equipped with cafés, toilets, and amusements - a fantastic all-day destination for summer beach lovers.
6. Swanage Beach – Blue Flag Award-Winner
Located in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage Beach boasts a Blue Flag award, soft golden sand, and clear, shallow waters. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, or just building sandcastles, it’s a brilliant beach for families and couples alike.
7. Hive Beach (Burton Bradstock) – Rustic Charm
With its impressive cliffs and golden shingle, Hive Beach offers something a little more rustic. The Hive Beach Café is a popular stop for locally sourced food, and the surrounding countryside makes for beautiful walks. It's quieter than some of the big-name spots but just as rewarding.
8. Ringstead Bay – Hidden Dorset Gem
For a more secluded experience, Ringstead Bay is a hidden gem. This pebble and sand beach is perfect for fossil hunting, swimming, and picnicking. With fewer crowds and unspoiled views, it's a lovely place to escape the summer hustle.
9. Seatown Beach & Golden Cap – Coastal Hiking and Fossils
Seatown is a peaceful shingle beach nestled beneath Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast. It’s a great starting point for hikes and fossil hunting, with dramatic views and a quiet, natural setting that’s perfect for a relaxing day by the sea.
Whether you're into sunbathing, swimming, fossil hunting, or scenic hiking, Dorset’s coastline offers a beach to match your perfect summer vibe. Why not base your adventure at Newlands Holidays in Charmouth and explore them all?
Newlands is the ideal holiday park in West Dorset and offers a range of accommodation options perfect for relaxing after a day of exploration. We also offer fantastic facilities for you to enjoy, including a leisure centre, indoor and outdoor play areas, and an on-site bar and restaurant with a tow bar.
Book your summer stay in Dorset with Newlands Holidays and get ready for unforgettable seaside memories!
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