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Your guide to the best sandy beaches in Dorset, England – written by a local!
Dorset’s coast is dotted with beautiful beaches. From remote coves backed by impressive cliffs to lively seaside resorts packed with attractions and amenities, there’s something here to suit every kind of beachgoer!
But not all of the beaches in the county have sand: many are rocky, pebbly, or shingle. So if it’s soft, golden sand you’re craving, here’s our guide to the best sandy beaches in the area. Buckets and spades at the ready!
Most Popular Sandy Beaches in Dorset
Weymouth Beach
Nearest Parking: Pavilion Car Park, Swannery Car Park – plus multiple town car parks.
Lifeguards on Duty: Various dates between early April and late September.
Toilets: At the King’s Statue and Pier Bandstand.
Popularity: Very busy in summer.
Facilities: Plenty of shops, restaurants and refreshment kiosks nearby. Punch and Judy, donkeys, amusement arcades and fairground rides. Deck chairs, pedaloes, and watersports equipment available for hire.
Weymouth‘s stunning sandy beach consistently receives Blue Flag status and wins multiple awards for its cleanliness and safety. The wide, sheltered bay and gradual sloping seabed make the beach very safe for swimming, and the nearby funfair, amusement arcades, and other attractions make it a popular spot for families!
FYI: Only the section near Weymouth town is sandy. East of the Pier Bandstand, the beach is shingle.
Bournemouth Beach
Nearest Parking: Bath Road Car Parks, Pavilion Car Park, or BIC or BH2 Leisure Centre
Lifeguards on Duty: From early April to late September.
Toilets: Several public toilets along the promenade.
Popularity: Very busy in summer.
Facilities: Pier with amusement arcade and other attractions. Land train. Plenty of shops, restaurants and refreshment kiosks nearby. Beach Hut hire available. Deckchairs and watersports equipment available to hire.
Bournemouth‘s beach is a seven-mile-long sweep of white sand that’s probably one of the most beautiful (and popular) beaches on the south coast! The “main” section is the beach closest to town, centred around the lively Bournemouth Pier, which is home to several attractions. Nearby are amusement arcades, a series of brightly painted beach huts, and a pastel blue Land Train running up and down the promenade!
Swanage Beach
Nearest Parking: Main Beach (Victoria Avenue), North Beach (De Moulham Road), Broad Road
Lifeguards on Duty: From late May to early September.
Toilets: Plenty of public toilets along the seafront.
Popularity: Generally busy in summer.
Facilities: Plenty of shops, restaurants and refreshment kiosks nearby. Beach huts for hire. Rent deck chairs, sun beds, pedaloes, and kayaks.
With its colourful beach huts, white sands, and sheltered bay that’s perfect for swimming and paddleboarding, Swanage is a fantastic beach destination for families. For a truly traditional seaside day out, park at nearby Norden or Corfe Castle and take the Swanage Railway steam train into Swanage – the station is a few minutes’ walk from the beach!
Sandbanks Beach, Poole
Nearest Parking: Sandbanks Surface Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: From early April to late September.
Toilets: Next to the car park and behind the beach office.
Popularity: Very busy in summer.
Facilities: Shops and restaurants nearby. Beach hut hire available. Deck chairs, sun umbrellas, and watersports equipment for hire.
Sandbanks Beach is a long, white sand beach that runs along the edge of a small peninsula on the edge of Poole Harbour. The peninsula is known for its luxurious waterfront properties, which make it one of the most expensive seasides in the country! But the beach is free for all to enjoy – and it’s a particularly lovely one.
All Other Sandy Beaches in Dorset
The remainder of this list is in geographical order from east to west, starting in Christchurch and ending in Lyme Regis!
Avon Beach, Christchurch
Nearest Parking: Avon Beach Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: During school summer holidays.
Toilets: On the Promenade and at Mudeford Quay.
Popularity: Fairly busy in summer.
Facilities: Café, restaurant and beach shop. Beach huts for hire.
A favourite with local families: white sand, pastel-painted beach huts, and views of the Isle of Wight in the distance!
Mudeford Sandbank
Nearest Parking: Mudeford Quay (you’ll need to take the passenger ferry) or Hengistbury Head Car Park.
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: Public toilets between the beach huts.
Popularity: Generally not too busy.
Facilities: Cafe & takeaway. Land Train (in summer).
A narrow strip of white sandy beach with water on both sides, stretching across from Hengistbury Head towards Christchurch. It can only be reached by walking about one mile from Hengistbury Head (or there’s a land train in summer) – or you can take a passenger ferry across the harbour from Mudeford Quay.
Southbourne Beach, Bournemouth
Nearest Parking: Warren Edge Car Park or Solent Beach Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: From late May to early September.
Toilets: Several public toilets along the promenade.
Popularity: Generally not too busy.
Facilities: A few restaurants and cafes nearby. Beach huts available to hire.
Bournemouth’s 7-mile sandy beach is divided into sections. Southbourne is at the eastern end, and is often quieter than the central beach areas.
Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth
Nearest Parking: Boscombe Undercliff Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: From early April to late September.
Toilets: Several public toilets along the promenade.
Popularity: Generally not too busy.
Facilities: Boscombe Pier (free entry). Mini golf. Sunbeds, deck chairs, windbreaks and parasols to hire. A few restaurants and kiosks on promenade.
Next along Bournemouth’s 7-mile beach is Boscombe Beach, which has its own (smaller) pier and several amenities, making it a family favourite.
Alum Chine Beach
Nearest Parking: Alum Chine Car Park
Lifeguards on Duty: From late May to early September.
Toilets: Alum Chine public toilets (near car park).
Popularity: Generally not too busy.
Facilities: Refreshment kiosk and at least one restaurant. Tropical Gardens (free).
West of Bournemouth Pier, you’ll reach Alum Chine: one of four “chines” in Bournemouth where a river flows through a steep ravine to reach the sea. The cliffs above the beach here are home to a picturesque tropical garden.
Shell Bay & Knoll Beach, Studland
Nearest Parking: Shell Bay Car Park, Knoll Beach Car Park (both National Trust)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: In both car parks.
Popularity: Can be busy near the car parks – but there are usually quiet spots.
Facilities: Cafe and shop at Knoll Beach. Seafood restaurant at Shell Bay. Knoll Beach Visitor Centre. Nature reserve (free) nearby.
Across Poole Harbour, Studland is home to a stunning stretch of white sandy beach and a National Trust nature reserve. You can reach it by car & passenger ferry from Poole, or by driving via Wareham. Shell Bay is closest to the ferry; further south you’ll reach Knoll Beach, where you’ll find the National Trust visitor centre.
FYI: The section of Knoll Beach (between Middle Beach and the northernmost tip) is a naturist beach.
South Beach & Middle Beach, Studland
Nearest Parking: Middle Beach Car Park, South Beach Car Park (both National Trust)
Lifeguards on Duty: No
Toilets: Middle Beach Car Park and at the end of Manor Road.
Popularity: Can be busy near the car parks – but there are usually quiet spots.
Facilities: Pub and restaurants nearby. Beach cafe at South Beach. Watersports equipment available to hire.
The southernmost beaches on Studland Bay are closer to Studland village. There are more amenitities here, and great views of nearby Old Harry Rocks.
Castle Cove & Sandsfoot Beach, Weymouth
Nearest Parking: Nothe Car Park (one mile walk) or road parking on Belle Vue Road and surrounds.
Lifeguards on Duty: No.
Toilets: In Sandsfoot Gardens.
Popularity: Generally fairly quiet.
Facilities: Cafe in Sandsfoot Gardens. Sandsfoot Castle ruins (free).
Popular with locals but little-known by tourists, these two small, sandy coves in Weymouth are overlooked by the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle – an artillery fort constructed by Henry VIII. The bay is very calm thanks to Portland Harbour’s natural protection, providing perfect conditions for swimming and paddleboarding.
Lyme Regis Front Beach
Nearest Parking: Monmouth Beach Car Park. Charmouth Road is larger but a 10-minute walk away – in summer, there is a Park & Ride service (read more here).
Lifeguards on Duty: From mid-July to early September.
Toilets: On Marine Parade and at Monmouth Beach Car Park.
Popularity: Generally very busy in summer.
Facilities: Plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants nearby. Amusement arcades and mini golf nearby. Watersports equipment available for hire.
Famous for fossils and Mary Anning, Lyme Regis is a picturesque seaside village with lots of independent shops to explore. It’s also home to one of the only sandy beaches in West Dorset – and all the nearby amenities and attractions make it a firm favourite with families!
FYI: Only a small section of the beach near The Cobb (the harbour wall) is sandy. This is typically the busiest area.
Sandy Beaches in Dorset: Map & Quick List
- Weymouth Beach
- Bournemouth Beach
- Swanage Beach
- Sandbanks, Poole
- Avon Beach, Christchurch
- Mudeford Sandbank, Bournemouth
- Southbourne Beach, Bournemouth
- Boscombe Beach, Bournemouth
- Alum Chine, Bournemouth
- Shell Bay, Studland
- Knoll Beach, Studland
- South Beach, Studland
- Middle Beach (aka Sandy Beach), Studland
- Castle Cove, Weymouth
- Sandsfoot Beach, Weymouth
- Front Beach, Lyme Regis
Are there any other sandy beaches in Dorset missing from this list? Scroll down to share in the comments!
