7 Secret Beaches in Dorset
Uncovering Some of Dorset’s Best Sandy Secrets
The majestic Dorset coastline remains one of the UK’s most cherished landscapes. Lofty clifftops, towering sea stacks, sparkling bays and sandy coves help define this spectacular sweep, which continues to captivate all those who follow its many trails.
We’ve picked out seven lesser-known beaches for you to discover, all of them found tucked away and off the beaten track. Backed by dunes and grassy, sea thrift tufts, hidden by rocky shelves and craggy outcrops, these quiet inlets are sure to warm your cockles…
Mupe Bay, near Lulworth Cove, Wareham
Many of you will have seen or heard about the tranquil, emerald waters that lap the scallop-shaped shores of Lulworth Cove, but perhaps the gentle ripples of neighbouring Mupe Bay are still uncharted? This hidden gem is flanked by colossal chalk cliffs and overlooked by the steep slopes of Bindon Hill. Access to this lesser-known beach is only allowed when the MoD’s Lulworth Ranges (which sometimes operates live firing) are open to the public: be warned, it’s undulating terrain and the path leading down to the cove can have you scrambling in places.
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A sandy beach and the Lupe Ledge rockpools are revealed at times of low water; at high tide, all that’s visible is a rocky shelf and shingle. To the west lies the distinctive string of slanting wedges known as Mupe Rocks. Parking is available by the Lulworth village church. Expect brilliant sunsets and far-reaching views beyond the shimmering waters of Worbarrow Bay. The cove attracts some regular wild bathers but there is no lifeguard service so keep your wits about you if you fancy a dip. Dogs are allowed on the beach. Keep an eye out for the blankets of wild sweet peas that flower on the cove’s grassy western banks during August.
Eype’s Mouth Beach, near Bridport
With sparkling views of Lyme Bay and the adjacent deep orange cliffs that undulate magnificently towards the coastal hamlet of Seatown, it’s easy to see why this golden stretch is one of the locals’ best kept secrets. Bathers and surfers enjoy these turquoise waters, while cliff walkers often take a break from their trails along the South West Coast Path to admire the calm and serenity of this sunny bay. Blue lias clay cliffs and mudstone form the backdrop of the beach, which should be admired from a safe distance due to the risk of landslip. There is a private car park at Lower Eype where a path and steps lead down to the shore. Here, you can enjoy dreamy sunsets and endless walks along green lanes and winding coastal paths. The water quality at Eype (which means ‘steep place’) is considered excellent, but if you do fancy a dip, beware of the stronger currents that run beyond the shingle shelf. As is the case for the majority of lesser-known beaches in the South West, there is no life guard cover. Your waggy-tailed chums are welcome on the beach, but please be responsible and clean up any mess. It’s also a popular haunt for budding fossil hunters.
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Chapman’s Pool Beach, near Worth Matravers
The Isle of Purbeck is the setting for our next secluded cove. Chapman’s Pool lies in the lee of St Aldhelm’s Head, the most southerly point on the Purbeck peninsula. This isolated shingle beach is accessed by a challenging rocky path, so don’t be surprised if you find yourselves gingerly shuffling and scrabbling during your descent. You’ll be treated to beautiful turquoise waters and sweeping channel views. The cove is a local fishermen’s haunt who use it to launch their boats from the small slipway. In fact, one of the fisherman’s shanties was a former lifeboat station during the 1800s. This charming cockle-shaped bay was forged by thousands of years of coastal erosion, and, as such, is considered a good place to unearth fossils, a hallmark of the Jurassic Coast. The South West Coast Path winds its way along the surrounding headland, passing the Royal Marines Commando Memorial on route to St Aldhelm’s Head and the cliffs of west Swanage. Parking can be found in the nearby village of Worth Matravers, a pretty coastal village that’s home to the Square and Compass pub, a popular staging post for weary coastal path walkers. There are no lifeguard services at Chapman’s Pool.
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Church Ope Cove, near Weymouth
This characterful cove has a fascinating history. Not only was it a secret smugglers’ landing site, it’s also believed to have once provided the beachhead for the British Isles’ first recorded Viking raids. These days, you’re more likely to bump into sunbathers, snorkellers and anglers rather than a party of rampaging Norsemen or a gang of cutthroat rum-runners. The beach is overlooked by the remains of Rufus Castle, a 15th century keep believed to be the oldest castle ruin in the Isle of Portland. The tumbled ramparts once provided a far-reaching lookout past the Shambles sandbank, which are still considered one of the surrounding coast’s most infamous perils; once claiming the lives of 263 mariners aboard the Earl of Abergavenny in 1805. These waters are also no stranger to swashbuckle and canon fire, having been the stage for the ‘Three Days’ Battle of Portland when the English Navy fought the Dutch over control of the channel. You can find out more about the cove’s colourful and troublesome past at the Portland Museum which is only a stone’s throw from Rufus Castle.
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This secluded, pebbled bay can be accessed by a steep flight of steps and is sheltered by the surrounding headland. The cove attracts hours of sunshine due to its south facing position, however, if you’re thinking of taking a cooling plunge beware of the stronger and deeper currents that run outside of the shelf which are considered dangerous – so please stay safe. Wildlife enthusiasts should bring along their binoculars as seabirds hunt and nest along these precious shores, and if you’re really fortunate, you might even catch sight of a pod of dolphins trimming through the channel swell in search of mullet and mackerel. Dogs are welcome on this beach.
Cogden Beach, near Burton Bradstock
This lesser-known sandy stretch is backed by farmers’ fields and wildflower meadows. The beach itself is owned by the National Trust and is part of a scenic circular trail boasting lovely views of Burton Mere. This beach is a particularly happy and convenient find for National Trust members who can take full advantage of the nearby car park. Sticklers might take umbrage at this coastal haunt being described as a ‘secret beach’ as it happens to lie plum on a bus stop route, however we say that just adds to its charm. The sands form part of the iconic eighteen-mile stretch known as Chesil Beach, and Cogden is cherished for its stunning ocean views towards Lyme Regis and the Isle of Portland. If you’re looking for a setting that’s far from the madding crowd, you’ll love this beachy Dorset hideaway. Dogs are allowed to run freely along sandy setting, which is not subject to any lifeguard patrols.
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Worbarrow Bay, near the ghost village of Tyneham
Another of Dorset’s hidden beaches found nestled into the stunning Purbeck coastline. This beautiful, clam-shaped bay stretches from the Worbarrow Tout promontory all the way to what is locally (and inexplicably) known as ‘Cow Corner’. Like so many of the beaches that span this unique coastal corridor, Worbarrow is encompassed by impressive sheer cliffs made up of striking chalk and sandstone strata. Overlooking the bay is Flower’s Barrow, an Iron Age hill fort which is slowly succumbing to the sea, having already lost its southern reaches (for this reason, access to the fort is limited). Also in the vicinity, is the ghost village of Tyneham, which saw its inhabitants evacuated during World War II, never to return.
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This tranquil beach is only accessible by a cross-country yomp across land held by the Ministry of Defence, so take heed of any cautionary signage and don’t stray from the paths and trails. The surrounding cliffs have revealed dinosaur footprints, while fossils are often discovered along the prehistoric shoreline. Swimming is allowed but be wary of strong currents and stick to your limits as there is no life-guarding patrol. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, head for this treasured bay in the midst of the Dorset coast.
Pondfield Cove, Isle of Purbeck
They say they best things come in small packages, and that logic certainly applies to the final of our secret Dorset beaches, which is certainly on the ‘smaller side’. Pondfield Cove is located to the east of the iconic Worbarrow Tout headland and can boast the towering backdrop of Gad Cliff, which at its highest point stands at a lofty one hundred and thirty four metres above sea level and has a geology comprised of 150-million-year-old Portland limestone and Purbeck Beds (big boasts for such a tiny cove). The Tyneham Gwyle path offers a route to the cove that’s just shy of a mile and covers easy going terrain; there’s a car park at the nearby ‘ghost village’ of Tyneham. Alternatively, you can discover the cove whilst traversing the South West Coast Path as it winds its way along this scintillating peninsula.
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Family getaways, couple’s retreats, a gathering of old friends, dog-friendly breaks, long weekends, or solo escapes…whatever your fancy, Toad Hall Cottages can help find your perfect holiday setting when you make a date with the delightful county of Dorset.