Sandy Beaches in Dorset

Dorset’s sandy beaches are some of the finest in England, offering golden sands, clear waters, and a mix of lively and laid-back vibes.

Dorset’s sandy beaches cater to every taste—Studland’s wild dunes, Weymouth’s classic bustle, Swanage’s gentle charm, Bournemouth’s long beaches, and Lyme’s fossil opportunities.

They are perfect for a day of sun, sea, and sand.

Here’s a list of the best sandy beaches in Dorset:

Studland Bay

• Where: Near Swanage, Purbeck, just south of Poole Harbour.
• Highlights: Four miles of soft, golden sand split into sections—Knoll Beach, Middle Beach, South Beach, and Shell Bay—backed by dunes and heathland.
• Why It’s Special: Gentle slopes and shallow waters make this beach ideal for families, with stunning views of Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Purbeck. The National Trust manages the beach, keeping it pristine, and a naturist section at Middle Beach adds a quirky edge.
• Do: Swim, paddleboard, or build sandcastles. Walk the South West Coast Path for cliff-top vistas. Knoll Beach has a café and toilets; parking’s £5/day (National Trust).
• Vibe: Relaxed and natural—busy in summer, peaceful off-season.

Weymouth Beach

• Where: Weymouth town centre, along the esplanade.
• Highlights: A 3-mile arc of fine, golden sand sloping gently into a sheltered bay.
• Why It’s Special: Its calm, shallow waters and Blue Flag status (cleanliness and safety) make it a hit with kids. The Georgian esplanade adds charm, with Punch and Judy shows, donkey rides, and pastel beach huts evoking a vintage seaside feel.
• Do: Swim, kayak to Portland Harbour, or try beach volleyball. Loads of cafés, ice cream stalls, and facilities—parking’s £2/hour, plentiful but fills fast.
• Vibe: Bustling and cheerful—a proper holiday buzz year-round.

Swanage Beach

• Where: Swanage, Purbeck, near the pier.
• Highlights: A sandy bay with a gentle gradient, framed by low cliffs and a Victorian pier.
• Why It’s Special: Clear, Blue Flag waters and a safe, enclosed feel make it great for swimming. Views stretch to the Isle of Wight on clear days, and the town’s quaint vibe—think fish and chips—complements the beach.
• Do: Swim, rent pedalos, or fish off the pier. Parking’s £6/day; nearby amenities include toilets and cafés.
• Vibe: Cosy and traditional—less hectic than Weymouth, with a small-town heart.

Bournemouth Beach

• Where: Bournemouth
• Highlights: Seven miles of golden sand stretching from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head, with the Dorset AONB nearby.
• Why It’s Special: Silky sand, vibrant piers, and a lively promenade.
• Do: Swim, surf (gentle waves), or stroll to the cliff lifts. Parking’s £2-3/hour; cafés & toilets
• Vibe: Energetic and social—big crowds in summer, but space to spread out.

Lyme Regis Beach

• Where: Lyme Regis, west end near the Cobb.
• Highlights: A sandy stretch at Monmouth Beach, transitioning to shingle eastward, with the historic Cobb breakwater as a backdrop.
• Why It’s Special: Softer than the town’s pebbly Cobb Beach, it’s a fossil-hunting hub—Mary Anning found giants here. The sand’s a bonus amid Jurassic cliffs.
• Do: Swim (west end’s best), fossil hunt at low tide, or walk the Cobb. Parking’s £2/hour; museum and cafés nearby.
• Vibe: Historic and mellow—geology meets seaside calm.

Practical Tips

• Access: All have parking (£2-6/day) and bus links (Morebus from Weymouth, Swanage, or Poole). Studland’s a ferry hop from Sandbanks.
• Gear: Bring swimwear, towels, and sunscreen—windbreaks help on breezy days.