Burnbake's Guide to Dorset's Best Beaches
Being based in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck, we at Burnbake are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most fantastic beaches in the country. Dorset is renowned for its incredible beaches, seaside towns and clifftop walks. The area has something for everyone, from family-friendly sandy beaches to rugged, rocky outcrops, windy clifftop walks to peaceful promenades.
Studland
Studland Bay and village is naturally inspiring – Enid Blyton even used it as the basis for Noddy’s ‘Toytown’! The beautiful National Trust-owned sandy beaches of Studland Bay stretch four miles along the Jurassic Coast, from the mouth of Poole Harbour (the largest natural harbour in the world) round to the iconic Old Harry’s Rocks. With opportunities for kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding, as well as ample space to enjoy the sand and sea, the Studland beaches are the perfect place to spend the day.
The National Trust café and beach is dog-friendly too, so your pooches can join you on short lead during the summer and off lead in the autumn and winter months.
Lulworth
The beaches of Lulworth are probably the best-known in Dorset and for good reason! The famous rock arch of Durdle Door, Man’O War beach and stunning Lulworth Cove sit in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, on the edge of the Lulworth Estate and are well worth a visit to walk over the clifftops and admire the scenery. At low tide, Lulworth Cove is a treasure trove for rock poolers and those wanting some adventure can go coasteering, hire a jet ski or kayak along the coastline.
Swanage
Hire a beach hut for the day as a convenient base and enjoy the golden sandy beach and clear waters of Swanage. The bay has beautiful views and there’s plenty to see and do in the charming town. Stroll the promenade, enjoy the seaside attractions, browse artisan studios and shops, or catch a film at the cinema. Monkey Beach even allows dogs off-lead all year round, so your four-legged-friends can join you for a paddle.
Winspit
(Photo credit: Daniel Start)
Not for the faint of heart and only accessible by foot, is the rugged Winspit beach. Take a walk from the quaint village of Worth Matravers down to the beach, where you can take a picnic on the rocky ledge and admire the views of the dramatic Jurassic Coast. Doctor Who fans may even recognise the beach as ‘Skaro’, home planet of the Daleks! Explore the caves of the old quarry and spot the ancient ammonites in the roof.
Seatown
Just a skip and a jump from the iconic Golden Cap, the beach at Seatown is nestled at the foot of the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast. Take a walk over the cliffs, climb up Golden Cap, enjoy a meal in the beachside Anchor Inn or enjoy spending time in the water. The pretty shingle beach is a favourite spot for anglers and fossil hunters and families alike.
Kimmeridge Bay
The clear waters of Kimmeridge Bay teem with marine life, making it a top spot in the country for rockpoolers, divers and snorkelers. Take part in a rockpool ramble, follow a snorkeling trail or try some eco-friendly crabbing. Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round off the lead and will love coming along on a rockpooling adventure. The area is also popular with surfers and windsurfers, if you fancy a more adrenaline-fuelled day out!
Lyme Regis
The ‘Pearl of Dorset’ Lyme Regis sits on the far west of Dorset. Famed for its fossils and iconic Cobb, Lyme Regis is home to both sandy and stony beaches, some of which allow dogs year-round. Watch the windsurfers zipping across the bay, rent a paddleboard, catch some mackerel on a fishing trip, take a hair-raising RIB ride, go fossil hunting or just relax on the beach! The historic town has an abundance of delicious eateries to suit every taste, independent shops, a museum, and a theatre overlooking the sea.
To book your Dorset seaside break, head to our bookings page and select either our luxury lodges or forest campsite.
