Dorset’s Coastal Treasures: A Guide to the Best Beaches in Dorset
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No trip to Dorset is complete without a beach day – it’s practically local law down south!
Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for activities, a peace-seeker longing for quiet stretches of sand, or an explorer at heart, our handpicked list promises the perfect beach for you.
Having called Dorset home for over 30 years, we’re pretty much self-declared beach connoisseurs. We’ve traipsed, trekked, and occasionally tripped over (don’t ask) our way across every beach this side of the English Channel.
Ready to explore the best beaches in Dorset and near Bournemouth?
Let’s dive in!
Highcliffe Beach
Highcliffe, in our book, stands out as one of the best beaches in the area. While it’s not always a secluded haven, it offers a quieter beach experience, which is why we’re fans!
Parking? No problem, you’ve got plenty. And when hunger strikes, you’re in luck. A nearby high street boasts irresistible bakeries, classic fish & chips, and a handful of cool pubs. Make sure you try Big Wigs Bakery.
But wait, there’s more!
You’ll find the Georgian Highcliffe Castle, built in 1830, and Steamer Point Nature Reserve beside the beach. Highcliffe ticks all the boxes, whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day, an exploratory wander, or a dog-friendly outing.
Or all, like we regularly do!
- 10 Miles from Bournemouth.
- Dogs are allowed on the beach all year. (check here)
- Nearby Attractions: Highcliffe Castle + Cafe onsite
- Nearest Shop: Tesco Express 0.5 miles.
Want to know more? Read our blog post, Highcliffe Beach, Castle & Nature Reserve, Here.
Mudeford Sandbank & Hengistbury Head
Another top pick is Mudeford Sandbank, also known as Hengistbury Head. Here, finding a tranquil spot is a breeze all year round, and the beaches rank among the finest.
This stretch of sand is famously home to ‘Millionaires Row’ — a collection of small beach huts with price tags around £850k each!
Getting to Mudeford Sandbank is an adventure in itself. You can trek from Hengistbury Head car park, hop on the land train, or – our preferred method – catch a ferry from Mudeford or Tuckton. The ferry isn’t just easier; it’s a bargain, costing only a few quid.
But there’s more to explore beyond the beach. The surrounding nature reserve is a haven for rare plants, amphibians, moths, and other fascinating wildlife.
History enthusiasts, take note: Human activity has been recorded on the head since the Upper Paleolithic era, earning it the status of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The visitor centre is a treasure trove of cool artefacts and information.
Whether you’re a history buff or just searching for a unique beach experience, this spot is a must-visit. Who knows what cool discoveries await?
- 4.7 Miles from Bournemouth.
- Dog-Friendly Beach All Year.
- Plan ahead, there are no shops nearby.
- Cafe/Bar on Mudeford Sandbank & Car Park
Want to know more? Read our blog post, Hengistbury Head & Mudeford Sandbank, here!
Avon & Mudeford Beach
For those lucky enough to stay in or around Christchurch, Mudeford Beach is the perfect seaside gem on your doorstep.
Stretching for miles, the sandy beaches lead you all the way to Highcliffe & beyond, offering a scenic and tranquil escape. The area is a haven for watersports enthusiasts in the harbour, and it’s also an ideal spot for family fun – think crabbing adventures that the kids will love.
And when it’s time to relax and refuel, there’s a delightful pub and restaurant nearby, serving up local flavours with sea views.
- 7 Miles from Bournemouth
- Dogs are allowed on the beach near the quay all year (check this map)
- Pubs: Haven House Inn, The Nelson & Ship in Distress
- The Jetty (fine dining)
- Noisy Lobster (seafood)
- Be prepared to queue for Alexander’s Fish n Chips (the best fish and chips in Dorset).
Southbourne Beach
Southbourne Beach is special in our hearts — it was our parents’ favourite summer retreat. The sand, fluffier than anywhere else, and the invitingly clean, calm waters made it an idyllic spot back in the day.
Today, it remains one of the area’s top beaches, boasting an independently spirited high street that really has its unique vibe.
The local bar scene is pretty cool, too. Check out Cafe Riva, where the tunes and beach vibes blend perfectly on those warm summer evenings. And for a bite to eat, you can’t go wrong with Sobo Beach Grill.
We’re big fans of the SOBO area — it’s definitely worth a visit!
- Distance from Bournemouth: 4 Miles
- Designated areas for dogs
- SOBO Beach (Bar & Grill)
- Larder House (tapas, sharing plates)
- Brewhouse Southbourne (craft beer)
- Co-Op & Tesco Express in high street
Bournemouth Beach
No list of Dorset’s best beaches would be complete without mentioning Bournemouth Beach.
Think award-winning, sprawling long beaches reminiscent of L.A., complemented by stunning gardens – it’s summer perfection, Californication!
Like L.A., the town may have seen better days, but the beaches and gardens retain their timeless allure.
However, Bournemouth can become notoriously crowded in the summer, transforming into something akin to Benidorm with beachgoers packed like sardines.
Looking for a cool activity? Check out the Zipline on Bournemouth Pier!
A pro tip? Head to the right of the pier for more breathing room when the crowds swell.
- Lifeguards on either side of the pier Apr-Sept
- No dogs on the beach between 1st May – 30 September
- Turtle Bay, Koh Thai, El Murrino
- Brewhouse & Kitchen Bournemouth Triangle
- Smokin Aces: Cocktail & Whiskey Lounge
- Chaplins Bar & Live Music (Boscombe)
Alum Chime / Branksome / Canford Cliffs
You’ll find Branksome, Alum Chime, and Canford Cliffs a little further from Bournemouth. These are a little unspoilt, with glorious beaches and surroundings.
The property price in the area is nearing Sandbanks prices, which reflects fewer tourists than Bournemouth, just a few minutes up the road.
Perfect to escape for a few hours. Westbourne also has some pretty boutique shops if that’s your thing.
(image coming when the weather warms up)
- 2 Miles from Bournemouth
- No dogs on the beach between 1st May – 30 September
- Lifeguards Apr-Sept
- Anchorage Restaurant (seafood)
- Tropical Gardens
Beach Map
All Beaches Are Accessible by Public Transport
All of our picks are accessible by public transport using More Buses. We recommend getting a day pass (approx £4.90 per person) or at least comparing prices.
Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Dorset
Thanks for reading, and we hope there’s a beach somewhere in this post for you!
You might be thinking, why have you left Sandbanks, Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove?
Are you crazy?
They’re all honestly more hassle than it’s worth. The roads are minimal and often get closed due to congestion. There were even tourists parking on roundabouts in the summer of 2023!
Really, guys?
I can’t think of anything worse than dealing with that on a hot summer day.
We recommend a weekday if you want to see them for the beautiful sights and grab a photo.
Apart from Sandbanks.
If you’re looking at our opinion as locals, we’re picking Highcliffe, Mudeford Sandbank, Alum Chine or Southbourne.
Do you have a favourite beach in the area? My grandparents always love Hengistbury Head & Mudeford Sandbank. It’s always a great walk and a brilliant beach.
You May Also Like:
- Free Things to do in Christchurch, Dorset
- Stanpit Marsh Nature Reserve
- Uncover 900 years of History & Secrets at Christchurch Priory
- St Catherine’s Hill: A Nature Walk in Christchurch
- Best Pubs in Mudeford, Dorset
- Brewhouse Southbourne
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¡Adiós amigos!
As an Australian who grew up 50 metres from the beach its pretty easy to turn our nose up at nearly all European and British beaches. But I thought Bournemouth was not bad at all. Also further around the coast I though Weymouth was a reasonable beach too.
One good thing about English beaches you can nearly always get food near a decent beach. Sometimes you find a good beach in Australia and there isn’t food for 50km.
We don’t get cricket on the beach here, though! Swings & Roundabouts, I suppose, ha.