Dorset by the sea: sunny seaside resorts to explore
Dorset is one of England’s most beautiful coastal counties, with a shoreline that combines sweeping sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, traditional seaside towns, quiet harbours and some of the most spectacular scenery in the country.
Part of the famous Jurassic Coast, Dorset’s coastline is also a place where history and geology come together. Fossils can be discovered along the shore, ancient cliffs reveal millions of years of Earth’s history, and picturesque coastal towns have welcomed visitors for generations.
Keep dogs away from steep banks, cliffs and toxic plants/trees. Also keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel)
Bournemouth – the classic seaside resort
The town is famous for its long sandy beaches, attractive seafront and lively atmosphere. With miles of coastline, gardens, cafés, restaurants and traditional seaside attractions, Bournemouth offers everything you might expect from a classic English resort.
The golden sand is the main attraction, which reaches nearby Boscombe and provides space for swimming. The pier is another famous landmark, which provides amazing views.
Weymouth – a curved sandy beach and sheltered bay
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This has a seafront lined with Georgian buildings, hotels, cafés and restaurants, giving Weymouth a traditional holiday atmosphere. The beach is particularly popular with families. The gently shelving sand and sheltered bay provide ideal conditions for swimming when the weather is suitable.
Weymouth’s harbour is another major attraction. Colourful boats fill the water, while restaurants and pubs line the waterfront. This is also an excellent base for exploring the Jurassic Coast.
Swanage – Victorian charm and Purbeck coast
This town sits on the Isle of Purbeck and has a very different atmosphere from the larger resorts. The town grew as a seaside resort during the Victorian era and retains much of its traditional character.
Its sandy beach is the centre of the town, with the promenade providing easy access to the seafront. Swanage Pier is one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. Originally opened in the nineteenth century, it extends into the bay and provides wonderful views of the coastline.
Lyme Regis – fossil and the Jurassic coast
Lyme Regis is one of the most famous coastal towns in Dorset. Situated on the Jurassic Coast, the town has a rich history and is internationally known for its fossils.
The town’s waterfront is dominated by the historic Cobb, a harbour wall that curves out into the sea. The Cobb is one of the most recognisable landmarks on the Dorset coast and has appeared in literature and film.
Bridport and West Bay – a coastal escape
West Bay is a small coastal settlement near Bridport that provides one of the most dramatic seaside landscapes in Dorset. The village is surrounded by towering golden cliffs, giving the coastline a spectacular appearance.
West Bay is particularly famous for its appearance in the television series Broadchurch, which brought the landscape to a huge audience. The harbour and beach create a traditional coastal setting.
Studland – beaches and wild coastal scenery
Studland is a wonderful choice for visitors looking for a more natural seaside experience. The area is famous for its long sandy beaches and beautiful coastal landscape.
Studland Bay is backed by heathland and dunes, creating an environment that feels quite different from the built-up resorts of Bournemouth and Weymouth. Walking routes lead through heathland and along the coast, providing views across the bay and towards Old Harry Rocks.
Portland – a dramatic coast and maritime heritage
The Isle of Portland is connected to the mainland by Chesil Beach and offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Dorset.
Portland is famous for its distinctive limestone, which has been quarried here for centuries. Portland Stone was used in important buildings across Britain, including major landmarks in London. The island has a strong maritime history and is surrounded by rugged coastline.
Portland Bill, at the southern tip, is one of the most spectacular places to visit. The famous lighthouse stands above the rocky shoreline and provides an excellent viewpoint.
Exploring the Jurassic Coast
Several of Dorset’s seaside destinations sit along the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site extending along the coast of Dorset and Devon. The coastline is internationally important because its rocks record around 185 million years of Earth’s history.
Walking along the coast can therefore feel like travelling through geological time. The cliffs reveal layers of rock formed during different prehistoric periods, while fossils provide evidence of creatures that lived millions of years ago.
The Jurassic Coast is also one of Britain’s finest walking destinations. The South West Coast Path provides access to many of its most spectacular sections, although walkers should be prepared for steep climbs and changing weather.
Sandbanks – some of England’s most expensive homes
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Just outside Bournemouth and Poole the peninsula at Sandbanks, home to some of England’s most expensive homes.
However, some people say the area is a little sterile, as it’s all new luxury mansions, rather than old interesting houses. The beach is nice, but again a lot of it is cordoned off for luxury property owners.
