Dorset Beach Guide

Amazing Beach Day Trips from The Victorian Barn Dorset

Welcome to our Dorset Beach Guide! The Victorian Barn Dorset is located in the heart of Dorset, and while we are not a coastal holiday destination, we are perfectly positioned for memorable day trips to some of the most beautiful beaches in the England and the UK. Whether you are looking for family friendly sandy beaches, rugged natural beauty, or dog-friendly beaches, you will find everything you need in Our Dorset Beach Guide.

This information is correct at the time of writing, please check before you travel for any changes.

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Weymouth Beach

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Yes, with traditional seaside fun such as Punch & Judy shows and donkey rides. There are also arcades and modern fun fair rides.
Dog-Friendly: Seasonal restrictions.
Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, toilets, and beach equipment hire.
Activities: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and pedalo hire available.

West Bay (Bridport)

Type: Shingle
Family-Friendly: Yes, but steep shingle can make it less suitable for young children.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, year-round.
Facilities: Cafés and fish-and-chip shops nearby.
Activities: Fishing, walking, and fossil hunting.

Bowleaze Cove

Type: Pebble
Family-Friendly: Yes, with arcades and a café.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round.
Facilities: Café, toilets, and parking.
Activities: Ideal for rock pooling and paddleboarding.

Chesil Beach

Type: Shingle
Family-Friendly: More suited to adults due to the steep slope and shingle.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, year-round.
Facilities: Visitor centre and cafés at nearby Portland.
Activities: Fishing, walking, birdwatching.

Hive Beach (Burton Bradstock)

Type: Shingle
Family-Friendly: Yes, but steep shingle may not be ideal for all.
Dog-Friendly: Seasonal restrictions.
Facilities: Café, toilets, and car park.
Activities: Walking along the Jurassic Coast, fossil hunting.

Charmouth Beach

Type: Sandy and Shingle
Family-Friendly: Yes, with safe swimming and fossil hunting opportunities.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but seasonal restrictions.
Facilities: Visitor centre, café, toilets, and parking.
Activities: Fossil hunting, rock pooling.

Man O'War Beach (near Durdle Door)

Type: Shingle
Family-Friendly: Yes, but the steep path may be challenging.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round.
Facilities: Limited (nearby facilities at Durdle Door).
Activities: Swimming and snorkeling.

Swanage Bay

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Perfect for families with a gentle slope and traditional beach fun.
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions during peak season.
Facilities: Cafés, shops, beach huts, toilets.
Activities: Watersports, boat trips, and walking along the South West Coast Path.

Sandbanks Beach

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Excellent for families, with safe, shallow waters.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but with restrictions.
Facilities: Cafés, restaurants, watersports hire, and parking.
Activities: Kite surfing, windsurfing, and boat hire.

Lulworth Cove

Type: Pebble
Family-Friendly: Great for exploring the stunning cove, but be cautious on the pebbles.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round.
Facilities: Café, toilets, and parking.
Activities: Kayaking, swimming, and coastal walks.

Lyme Regis Beach

Type: Sandy and Shingle
Family-Friendly: Yes, with safe swimming and fossil hunting.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, with restrictions on the main beach during peak season.
Facilities: Cafés, shops, and toilets.
Activities: Fossil hunting, paddleboarding, boat trips.

Studland Bay (Knoll Beach, Shell Bay)

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Yes, with safe, shallow waters.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but with some restrictions.
Facilities: Cafés, National Trust car park, toilets.
Activities: Kayaking, windsurfing, and nature walks.

Boscombe Beach

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Yes, with a pier, surf school, and cafés.
Dog-Friendly: Restrictions in summer.
Facilities: Beach huts, café, parking.
Activities: Surfing, volleyball, paddleboarding.

Southbourne Beach

Type: Sandy
Family-Friendly: Yes, quieter than other nearby beaches.
Dog-Friendly: Yes, with restrictions in summer.
Facilities: Café, toilets, parking.
Activities: Swimming and beach walks.

Top Tips for Beach Day Trips from The Victorian Barn Dorset

• Plan Ahead: Most beaches in Dorset are about a 40 minute to 1.5 hour drive from The Victorian Barn Dorset, so plan for a full day of fun!

• Pack for Comfort: Bring sunscreen, beach towels, and plenty of water, especially if you are visiting beaches with fewer facilities like Mupe Bay or Cogden Beach.

• Dog-Friendly Beaches: Check seasonal restrictions on dogs. Weymouth, West Bay, and Eype are great year round options.

• Family Fun: Beaches like Weymouth and Swanage Bay offer lots of entertainment for kids, while quieter spots like Bowleaze Cove are perfect for families who want a bit of peace.

• Jurassic Coast: Many of Dorset’s beaches, like Lyme Regis and Charmouth, are part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site which are perfect for fossil hunters and nature lovers.

With so many wonderful Dorset beaches to choose from, you will have no trouble finding the perfect spot for a seaside adventure during your stay at The Victorian Barn Dorset.

Pictured below, Weymouth Beach at one of their Sunset Sessions in August. Live music, bands and entertainment perform to the crowd as the sun goes down.