Guide: the most beautiful beaches of the county of Dorset in England

Guide: the most beautiful beaches of the county of Dorset in England

April 11, 2025

The county of Dorset, located on the southern coast of England, is a true paradise for lovers of seaside recreation. Famous for its breathtaking scenery, picturesque coves and golden beaches, it attracts thousands of tourists each year, eager to relax by the shore. In our guide we will take you on a journey through the most beautiful beaches of the region, which will delight families with children, as well as seekers of tranquility or lovers of active recreation. From intimate coves hidden among cliffs to expansive sandy beaches perfect for long walks, Dorset has an amazing variety of coastal landscapes to offer. Get ready to discover places that will stay in your memory for a long time and make you fall in love with the English coast. Whether you dream of lazy sunbathing, building sandcastles with the kids or searching for fossils on the Jurassic Coast, there's a beach perfect for everyone in Dorset.

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Pearls of the Dorset coast - Lulworth Cove and Man O'War Beach

We begin our journey with two absolute gems of the Dorset coast - Lulworth Cove and Man O'War Beach. These picturesque beaches, located close to each other, offer unforgettable views and are perfect examples of the region's natural beauty.

Lulworth Cove Beach is a true natural wonder. This perfectly circular cove, surrounded by white limestone cliffs, is stunning in its shape and crystal clear waters. The beach, although rocky, attracts crowds of tourists enchanted by its extraordinary charm. It is an ideal place for a picnic overlooking the sea or a short walk along the shore. For families with children, we recommend bringing water shoes to facilitate exploration of the rocky bottom. It is also worth visiting the nearby tourist center, where you can learn more about the geology and history of this unique place.

Just a few minutes' walk from Lulworth Cove is the equally charming Man O'War Beach. This smaller, but no less beautiful cove, offers a more intimate setting for relaxation. The distinctive rock formations emerging from the sea create a unique landscape that is sure to delight photography enthusiasts. The water in the bay is usually calmer than in the open sea, making it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling.

Both beaches are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast, famous for its abundance of fossils and unique geological formations. For outdoor enthusiasts, we recommend walking along the path along the cliffs connecting the two beaches - the views are absolutely unforgettable.

Comparing the two locations, Lulworth Cove offers more amenities, such as parking, restrooms and cafes, making it more family-friendly for families with young children. Man O'War Beach, on the other hand, is a bit more difficult to access, but makes up for it with more tranquility and a less crowded beach. Regardless of your choice, both places guarantee an unforgettable experience and contact with the wild, unspoiled nature of the Dorset coast.

Golden sands and picturesque cliffs -. West Bay and Weymouth Beach

Continuing our journey along the Dorset coast, we can't leave out two more great beaches that offer completely different but equally fascinating experiences - West Bay Beach and Weymouth Beach.

West Bay Beach, also known as 'Broadchurch beach' thanks to the popular TV series that was filmed there, is a place that impresses with its dramatic golden cliffs and wide, sandy beach. The distinctive, steeply sloping cliffs create an impressive backdrop for a seaside holiday. It's an ideal place for families with children to enjoy building sandcastles, as well as for those who enjoy strolling along the shore. West Bay also offers a range of amenities, including cafes, restaurants and souvenir stores, making it a great place for a day out.

Weymouth Beach, on the other hand, is an expansive sandy beach that has attracted tourists for centuries with its charm. The golden sand, shallow water and gentle waves make it one of the safest places to swim in the UK, ideal for families with young children. Weymouth Beach is also famous for its traditional, colorful beach booths, which add to its distinctive seaside charm. Along the promenade, you'll find numerous attractions, from carousels to ice cream stalls, guaranteeing entertainment for the whole family.

Comparing the two locations, West Bay Beach offers more dramatic scenery and is ideal for those looking for a combination of beach relaxation and the opportunity to admire impressive rock formations. It is slightly less crowded than Weymouth, which can be an advantage for those looking for a quieter vacation. Weymouth Beach, on the other hand, is a classic example of an English beach with all the amenities you would expect from a popular seaside resort. It's ideal for families with children due to safe swimming conditions and plenty of activities in the area.

Both beaches offer excellent conditions for water sports. At West Bay, you can try your hand at kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding while admiring the cliffs from the perspective of the sea. Weymouth, meanwhile, is a popular place to learn windsurfing and sailing, with numerous schools offering courses for beginners.

Whether you choose the dramatic cliffs of West Bay or the family atmosphere of Weymouth, both beaches guarantee an unforgettable experience and are a great example of the diversity that the Dorset coast has to offer.

Unique Chesil Beach - a natural wonder on the Dorset coast

To conclude our tour of Dorset's most beautiful beaches, we can't leave out one of the coast's most unusual and distinctive sites - Chesil Beach. This unique geological formation is a true wonder of nature, which impresses with its monumentality and raw beauty.

Chesil Beach is an 18-mile (about 29 km) pebble spit that stretches from West Bay to Portland Island. It is one of three major spits in the UK and is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What makes Chesil Beach so special is its structure - the spit is made up of millions of pebbles that gradually change in size from small pebbles at the western end to large boulders in the east.

Although Chesil Beach is not a typical beach for sunbathing or swimming, it offers an unforgettable experience for nature lovers, photographers and anyone who appreciates contact with wild, unspoiled nature. A walk along the spit is a true geological adventure - you can watch the size and color of the rocks change, and enjoy panoramic views of the sea and surrounding landscapes.

Chesil Beach is also a paradise for anglers - it's one of the best places for bass fishing in the UK. For bird lovers, the Fleet lagoon behind the spit is home to many species of waterbirds and is an important breeding ground.

Compared to previously described beaches, Chesil Beach offers a completely different experience. You won't find typical beach infrastructure here, and swimming can be dangerous due to strong currents. However, it is this wildness and naturalness that make this place unique. It is an ideal location for those who are looking for peace and quiet, want to commune with raw nature or are interested in the geology and ecology of the coast.

It is worth remembering that Chesil Beach is protected by law as part of an area of special scientific interest. Taking rocks from the beach is forbidden, but nothing prevents you from admiring its diversity and beauty.

To sum up our tour of Dorset's beaches, from the picturesque coves of Lulworth Cove and Man O'War Beach, to the family beaches of West Bay and Weymouth, to the monumental Chesil Beach, we can certainly say that the Dorset coast offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences. Each of these beaches has its own unique character and atmosphere, but they all have one thing in common - the breathtaking natural beauty that makes Dorset one of the most fascinating coastal regions in England.

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