Beaches & Coves in Dorset

Find details of the Beautiful Beaches that Dorset has to offer.

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Exploring Brownsea Island: A National Trust Adventure

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Nature & Countryside

Exploring Brownsea Island: A National Trust Adventure

Escape to Brownsea Island, one of Dorset's most extraordinary National Trust destinations, where ancient woodland, peaceful heathland and spectacular views across Poole Harbour create an unforgettable day out. Famous for its rare red squirrels, abundant birdlife and rich Scouting history, the island offers beautiful walking trails, family-friendly adventures and a true sense of tranquillity. Discover why Brownsea Island deserves a place on every Dorset bucket list.

Guide to the Best Beaches in Southbourne

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Guide to the Best Beaches in Southbourne

Discover the many beautiful beaches that Southbourne offers along the coastline of Dorset, England. Whether you prefer sunbathing, watersports, or just a walk along the promenade, there's something on these beaches for you.

Rockley Poole: Watersports, Activities, Courses & Visitor Guide

Activities & Sports » Sailing & Boats » Sailing Schools & Clubs

Rockley Poole: Watersports, Activities, Courses & Visitor Guide

Discover Rockley in Poole with essential information on watersports, activity centres, children’s holiday camps, RYA sailing courses, equipment hire and booking. Rockley operates from Rockley Point and Poole Park, offering activities including dinghy sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, canoeing and multi-activity sessions. Established in 1976, the family-run company caters for children, adults, schools and families, with everything from one-hour taster sessions and pedalos to structured sailing courses and residential watersports programmes.

Taking a Dorset Coastal Cruise from Weymouth: My Honest Review

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Tourist & Visitor Attractions

Taking a Dorset Coastal Cruise from Weymouth: My Honest Review

Discover Dorset Coastal Cruises from Weymouth and experience the breathtaking Jurassic Coast from the sea. Departing from Weymouth Harbour, enjoy scenic boat trips, sunset cruises and family-friendly coastal adventures with stunning views, onboard refreshments and unforgettable memories along one of England's most spectacular coastlines.

Poole Harbour Watersports: Lessons, Hire, Shop & Visitor Guide

Activities & Sports » Sailing & Boats » Sailing Schools & Clubs

Poole Harbour Watersports: Lessons, Hire, Shop & Visitor Guide

Discover Poole Harbour Watersports with essential information on lessons, equipment hire, opening times, shop facilities and the Shore Road watersports school. Based in Lilliput, the independent specialist stocks paddleboards, windsurfing and wing-foiling equipment, wetsuits, kayaks, surf gear and watersports accessories. Its seasonal school operates beside Poole Harbour, offering lessons and hire subject to weather and tides. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced watersports enthusiast, Poole Harbour Watersports provides equipment, tuition and local advice.

Hengistbury Head Beach

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Hengistbury Head Beach

Discover more about Hengistbury Head Beach, a natural, preserved pebble and sand beach perfect for getting away from the crowds.

Sandbanks Beach | Beaches, Family Days Out & Things to Do in Poole

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Sandbanks Beach | Beaches, Family Days Out & Things to Do in Poole

Plan your visit to Sandbanks Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and things to do. This popular Blue Flag beach on the Sandbanks peninsula is ideal for families, swimmers and visitors looking for one of the best beaches in Poole. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Sandbanks Beach, including nearby amenities, seasonal facilities and practical tips for a day by the coast.

Exploring Poole Harbour: Europe's Largest Natural Harbour

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Exploring Poole Harbour: Europe's Largest Natural Harbour

Discover why Poole Harbour is one of Dorset's most iconic destinations and an essential stop on any visit to the Jurassic Coast. From peaceful waterfront walks and breathtaking harbour views to boat trips, watersports and incredible wildlife, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're exploring Poole Quay, setting sail across Europe's largest natural harbour or simply soaking up the coastal atmosphere, Poole Harbour offers an unforgettable day out for families, couples and nature lovers alike.

Greenslade Pleasure Boats Poole: Cruises, Prices & Visitor Guide

Activities & Sports » Sailing & Boats » Boats Trips & Excursions

Greenslade Pleasure Boats Poole: Cruises, Prices & Visitor Guide

Discover Greenslade Pleasure Boats in Poole with essential information on cruises, ferry routes, prices, departure points and booking. This family-run Poole Quay company has operated boat trips since 1970, with current sailings including Poole Harbour and Sandbanks cruises, Brownsea Island ferries, Wareham River trips and wildlife cruises with Birds of Poole Harbour. Whether you want a short sightseeing cruise or a longer day on the water, Greenslade offers several ways to explore Poole Harbour and Dorset’s coastline.

Dorset Cruises Poole: Boat Trips, Prices & Visitor Guide

Activities & Sports » Sailing & Boats » Boats Trips & Excursions

Dorset Cruises Poole: Boat Trips, Prices & Visitor Guide

Discover Dorset Cruises in Poole with essential information on boat trips, prices, private charters, food and drink and departures from Poole Quay. Cruises take place aboard the historic Dorset Queen, a restored vintage motor yacht offering themed experiences including fish and chips, afternoon tea, gin and jazz, Wareham trips and special events. With onboard bars and views across Poole Harbour, Dorset Cruises combines sightseeing with food, drink and entertainment for a more experience-led day on the water.

Southbourne Beach: Your Complete Guide to One of Dorset's Best Beaches

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Southbourne Beach: Your Complete Guide to One of Dorset's Best Beaches

Discover Southbourne Beach in Dorset, including parking, facilities, cafés, nearby attractions and why it's one of the best beaches near Bournemouth and Christchurch.

Guide to the Best Beaches in Christchurch, Dorset

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Guide to the Best Beaches in Christchurch, Dorset

Find details of the many beautiful beaches and coves that Christchurch has to offer along the coastline of Dorset, England. From the ancient headland of Hengistbury Head to the picturesque sandbanks at Mudeford Beach, the coastline offers many stunning views at each of the beaches in Christchurch.

Hengistbury Head Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Hengistbury Head Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting

Discover everything you need to know about visiting Hengistbury Head, including walking routes, beaches, wildlife, parking, the land train and nearby attractions in Christchurch, Dorset.

Boscombe Beach - Bournemouth

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Boscombe Beach - Bournemouth

Discover the plethora of things to see and do at Boscombe Beach, whether that's a walk along its iconic pier, or enjoying its wide range of amenities. With there always being something to do, it's perfect for a day out.

Branksome Chine Beach: Parking, Facilities & Visitor Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Branksome Chine Beach: Parking, Facilities & Visitor Guide

Plan a visit to Branksome Chine Beach in Poole with essential information on parking, facilities, accessibility, lifeguards, dog restrictions and places to eat. This popular Blue Flag beach offers golden sand, a promenade, accessible beach facilities and seasonal RNLI lifeguards, with Rockwater Branksome providing beachfront food and drink overlooking the sea. Discover everything you need to know before visiting Branksome Chine, whether you are planning a family beach day, coastal walk or morning beside the water.

The Best Sandy Beaches in Dorset: 10 Beautiful Beaches to Visit

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

The Best Sandy Beaches in Dorset: 10 Beautiful Beaches to Visit

Explore Dorset's best sandy beaches with our complete guide, featuring family favourites, hidden gems, watersports and beautiful coastal scenery across the Jurassic Coast.

Alum Chine Beach: Your Complete Guide to One of Bournemouth's Best Beaches

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Alum Chine Beach: Your Complete Guide to One of Bournemouth's Best Beaches

Alum Chine Beach showcases all the qualities that make Dorset's coastline so beautiful: pristine sands, lapping turquoise waves and charming beach huts. Its Blue Flag status speaks to its safe and clean shores, whilst its vibrant promenade and lush, subtropical gardens ensure there is something for everyone.

Avon Beach Christchurch

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Avon Beach Christchurch

Find out more about the beautiful Avon Beach, overlooking the scenic blue waters of Christchurch Bay. Perfect for both bathing and watersports, it has everything you need for a fun and memorable day at the beach.

Branksome Dene Beach Bournemouth: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Branksome Dene Beach Bournemouth: Everything You Need to Know Before You Visit

Nestled at the most western point of Westbourne's picturesque coast, Branksome Dene Beach offers a charming escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. With its pretty sands, blissful calm waters and lush, surrounding greenery, it makes for the perfect coastal backdrop to any day out.

Durley Chine Beach Bournemouth: Your Complete Guide

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Durley Chine Beach Bournemouth: Your Complete Guide

Durley Chine Beach in Bournemouth offers a perfect escape on the stunning Westbourne coastline. Its golden sands and crystal-clear waters have earned it the Blue Flag-award, whilst its beachfront cafes, water sports, and scenic coastal walks are sure to add flavour to any seaside visit.

Poole Harbour in Dorset

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Poole Harbour in Dorset

Discover Poole Harbour, one of Dorset's most iconic natural attractions and the largest natural harbour in Europe. From scenic waterfront walks and unforgettable boat trips to watersports, wildlife and stunning views across Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour offers something for every visitor. Whether you're planning a family day out, a coastal adventure or simply looking to relax by the water, this guide includes everything you need to plan your visit.

Mudeford Beach Christchurch

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Mudeford Beach Christchurch

Find out more about the popular Mudeford Beach, well-known for its quaint, vibrant beach huts and nearby harbour. Complete with a ferry to the harbour and a lovely café, this white, sandy beach is bursting with character and is definitely worth exploring.

Highcliffe Beach Christchurch

Visitor & Tourism Guide » Beaches & Coves

Highcliffe Beach Christchurch

Highcliffe Beach is a wonderful stretch of shingle and sand, boardered by grassy dunes, cliffs, and greenery. A favourite of swimmers, surfers and body boarders, it offers spectacular, panoramic views of the ocean and distant Isle of Wight. Paired with cafes and refreshments dotted along it, and its proximity to Highcliffe Castle, it's a lovely spot for a day out.

Our Favourite Beach Cafés & Restaurants on the Dorset Coast

Food & Drink - Wine & Dine » Dining Out Guide - Restaurants

Our Favourite Beach Cafés & Restaurants on the Dorset Coast

Discover our favourite beach cafés and restaurants around Westbourne and Bournemouth's coastline. From the panoramic sea views at Rockwater Branksome and relaxed beachfront dining at Chineside to authentic Italian cuisine at Vesuvio, stunning coastal views at Café Riva and the laid-back atmosphere of SOBO Beach, these are some of the best places to enjoy breakfast, brunch, coffee, lunch or dinner by the sea in Dorset.