Once used by smugglers, Ringstead's shingle beach is set in the Jurassic Coastline and boasts beautiful views. With parking available in the nearby National Trust carpark, there is a fair walk downhill to the beach. Dogs are welcome all year. Make sure you keep an eye out for fossils.
Located near Burton Bradstock, Hive Beach is set in the heart of the dramatic Jurassic Coast. Once planned to have been a landing point for Hitler's troops during the Second World War, these days the beach has a much more pleasant atmosphere. If not too distracted by the views, beach-goers should keep an eye out for fossils buried amongst the limestone.
Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.
A classic English seaside town with a flat and sandy beach. Lyme Regis' most famous landmark is The Cobb, a pier that was immortalised by the John Fowles novel The French Lieutenant's Woman.
This lovely long stretch of beach is backed by the Ridge cliff which affords great views of the lush Dorset countryside. A good spot to look for ammonites and other fossils all year round.
Two miles out of Weymouth, Bowleaze Cove is a sand and pebble beach backed by grassy fields. At low tide a swathe of beach is revealed, although this disappears at high tide. There is on road and paid parking available, and a cafe, pub, amusement arcade and shops are nearby. Visitors should keep an eye out for fossils, famous along this stretch of coast.
Along the coast from Seatown. You might find some fossils here, but expect to have work for them.
Rockley Sands beach in Poole is a small sand and mud beach, with facilities including a cafe, shop, toilets, equipment hire and parking. There is also disabled access and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Swimming at low tide should not be attempted due to strong currents.
Meander along the promenade past beach huts and an endless horizon, before heading down the ramp onto Branksome Chine beach. An all-terrain beach wheelchair can be hired if you wish, and there are plenty of facilities available to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Kick back, relax and savour the moment.
A sweeping arc of golden sand, Weymouth beach lies adjacent to the town centre. Thanks to its gently sloping sea bed, the bay is popular amongst swimmers and those looking to enjoy the water. With a host of things to do and see, from donkey rides to Punch and Judy, the beach is a hub of activity and there is even an allocated dog-friendly spot year-round.
'With miles of stunning Beaches in Dorset we have listed 38 of the very best beaches Dorset has to offer. Exclusively reviewed by people who have been there.'
9 August 2026
Once used by smugglers, Ringstead's shingle beach is set in the Jurassic Coastline and boasts beautiful views. With parking available in the nearby National Trust carpark, there is a fair walk downhill to the beach. Dogs are welcome all year. Make sure you keep an eye out for fossils.
1 August 2026
Located near Burton Bradstock, Hive Beach is set in the heart of the dramatic Jurassic Coast. Once planned to have been a landing point for Hitler's troops during the Second World War, these days the beach has a much more pleasant atmosphere. If not too distracted by the views, beach-goers should keep an eye out for fossils buried amongst the limestone.
1 August 2026
Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.
1 August 2026
A classic English seaside town with a flat and sandy beach. Lyme Regis' most famous landmark is The Cobb, a pier that was immortalised by the John Fowles novel The French Lieutenant's Woman.
2 June 2026
This lovely long stretch of beach is backed by the Ridge cliff which affords great views of the lush Dorset countryside. A good spot to look for ammonites and other fossils all year round.
1 November 2024
Two miles out of Weymouth, Bowleaze Cove is a sand and pebble beach backed by grassy fields. At low tide a swathe of beach is revealed, although this disappears at high tide. There is on road and paid parking available, and a cafe, pub, amusement arcade and shops are nearby. Visitors should keep an eye out for fossils, famous along this stretch of coast.
16 August 2020
Along the coast from Seatown. You might find some fossils here, but expect to have work for them.
22 April 2019
Rockley Sands beach in Poole is a small sand and mud beach, with facilities including a cafe, shop, toilets, equipment hire and parking. There is also disabled access and the beach is dog-friendly all year. Swimming at low tide should not be attempted due to strong currents.
5 February 2016
Meander along the promenade past beach huts and an endless horizon, before heading down the ramp onto Branksome Chine beach. An all-terrain beach wheelchair can be hired if you wish, and there are plenty of facilities available to make your trip as pleasant as possible. Kick back, relax and savour the moment.
7 September 2015
A sweeping arc of golden sand, Weymouth beach lies adjacent to the town centre. Thanks to its gently sloping sea bed, the bay is popular amongst swimmers and those looking to enjoy the water. With a host of things to do and see, from donkey rides to Punch and Judy, the beach is a hub of activity and there is even an allocated dog-friendly spot year-round.