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All you need to know
Dorset is famous for its unspoilt picturesque countryside, pretty villages, bustling market towns, and over 95 miles of breathtakingly beautiful World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.
This wonderfully picturesque corner of England, is renowned for its unspoilt countryside, pretty villages, bustling market towns, and over 95 miles of breathtakingly beautiful World Heritage Jurassic Coastline.
The stretch of Jurassic coast that fringes Dorset, is the only World Heritage site in England, and tells the story of over 185 million years of history with its dramatic cliffs, secluded coves, and sweeping barrier beaches. Here you can uncover ancient relics on guided fossil hunts, explore characterful seaside towns, enjoy an invigorating cliff top walk along the glorious South West Coast Path, or simply soak up some famous Dorset sunshine on one of the many family-friendly beaches. Summers are longer, and winters are milder, in this part of the world!
The highest point on the South Coast, the Golden Cap National Trust Estate near Morcombelake, offers breath-taking views in all directions from its rocky peak. Brace yourself for an exhilarating uphill walk and you will be rewarded with spectacular views as far as Dartmoor on a clear day, and a real sense of achievement for reaching the top. There are 25 miles of meandering footpaths to explore within the Golden Cap Estate, perfect for exercising children or four legged friends!
Further inland, the scenic countryside, much of which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is scattered with ancient woods and hedgerows, and winding country lanes that lead to charming villages, complete with thatched cottages, tempting tea rooms and friendly traditional country pubs. An extensive network of peaceful footpaths and bridleways snake the idyllic countryside making it a haven for walkers, and anyone looking to unwind, relax and reconnect with nature.
Active outdoor pursuits are an excellent way to enjoy Dorset to the full. Walking allows you to take in Dorset’s rural and coastal charms at a slower pace. The county also boasts a superb selection of circular cycle routes suitable for all levels. Another lovely way to explore the unspoilt countryside and bridleways is on horseback. Meanwhile, for those seeking adventure on holiday, and a view of the Jurassic Coastline from the sea, a variety of water sports are on offer, including windsurfing, Stand Up Paddle-boarding or power boating.
With so much to see and do, Dorset is the perfect destination for a UK holiday cottage break.
The stylish seaside town of Lyme Regis is renowned for its historic 13th Century Cobb harbour wall, beautiful sea-front gardens, and family-friendly sandy beach. Lose yourself in its tangle of narrow lanes where you’ll find quirky galleries, shops, and tea rooms to explore, then head to the sea front to blow the cob webs away and take in the spectacular coastal views.
The bustling market town of Bridport is famous for its eclectic mix of shops, art galleries, and abundance of award-winning food producers and restaurants serving locally made culinary treats. Less than 2 miles away, Bridport’s harbour, West Bay, offers a choice of two unspoilt sandy beaches, a quaint fishing harbour, and two piers from which more stunning views of the Jurassic coast can be enjoyed.
The pretty seaside village of Charmouth is a gateway to the world famous Jurassic Coast, with its stunning ancient coastline and dramatic cliffs. It's also a hot spot for fossil hunting, and a great spot to uncover an ancient relic along the beach beneath the receding cliffs.
Surrounded by rolling countryside and picturesque woodland, Charmouth is perfectly located for coastal or rural walks, boat or beach fishing, family days at the beach. Or simply take a relaxing stroll through the village and make the most of its friendly shops and cosy pubs.
A small and friendly horse riding stables, Vineyard Stables in Wooton Fitzpane is beautifully set on the edge of a forest with sea views and wonderful riding opportunities on bridle paths and country lanes with no main roads for miles. There’s a sand school as well as a cross country course, which are available for private hire, as well as off-road hacking. Lessons start at £10 per hour depending on your requirements, and they also offer personalised classes in dressage and jumping, which can be discussed over the phone to cater to the individual.
(1)
Having run deep sea and mackerel fishing trips in Lyme Regis since 1970, Harry May is an experienced and passionate fisherman. So much so that he’s been a regular face on the TV programme Coast. His is a moving story of dedication to what he does, and these days his two boats, including Sunbeam, the one that started it all, can cater to small and large groups of people of all ages. Both the mackerel fishing trips and deep sea fishing are family friendly and good fun. You can even take your catch home for dinner!
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Enjoy 10% discount with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card
You just have to do a fishing trip with Harry May! It was the highlight of our week, he is absolutely fabulous and knows his stuff. Our whole family had a brilliant time and caught some fish too.
October 2020
Offering family-friendly deep sea fishing trips, sightseeing trips and affordable private charters, Nick’s Fishing Trips provides a coastal adventure for the whole family. Available throughout the holidays with all equipment provided, the trips are an informal friendly encounter where the local skipper can share their knowledge of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Bay and of course fishing and boating. Sightseeing and fishing trips run every day during the holidays, weather permitting.
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(2)
Lyme Regis Golf Club welcomes all visitors to experience the great scenic golf course which overlooks the Jurassic coast and the historic and beautiful seaside resort of Lyme Regis. The Club’s Greens Restaurant also offers great tasting snacks and meals throughout the day, 7 days a week, prepared by its award winning, local chef Steve Pielesz. Discounted food and drink as well as rounds of golf are available for Toad Hall guests. Lyme Regis is the friendly club where everyone is welcome!!
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Enjoy 10% off food excl. specials, 20% off all drinks and discounted green fees of £25 a round for groups of 4 or more with your Toad Hall Cottages Discount Card.
Took my son for lessons with the club pro Duncan while we were away. Absolutely excellent coaching and superb value.
April 2023
Stopped for tea and cake on return walk from Charmouth. Fabulous value for money.
July 2022
Bridport is the oldest golf club in Dorset, celebrating their 125th anniversary in 2016 but enjoying modern facilities catering to the 21st century golfer. Located on the Jurassic coastline, the views stretch across Lyme Bay and along Chesil Beach to Portland. The 6213 yard, cliff top links style golf course is a challenging but fair test for all abilities and can be played on all year round.
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(2)
Surrounded by beautiful West Dorset countryside, Redlands Yard (formerly Broadwindsor Craft Centre) is situated on the edge of Broadwindsor village, with ample free parking, and offers a unique shopping, browsing and eating experience in the relaxed restaurant and conservatory which serves delicious, fresh, home-cooked food.
Redlands Yard, Broadwindsor, Beaminster, Dorset DT8 3PX (T: 01308 868362)
Lovely place to visit and their scones are the best we have ever tasted...we even took some home with us.
September 2018
Interesting little place with some good shops and a pleasant restaurant. Unfortunately when we visited there was some ground works going on, but it did not stop us from having a good walk around the shops and studios. Nice greetings from owners. Worth a visit.
June 2018
(2)
Set in the heart of Beaminster's historic market square, this relaxed restaurant serves a daily changing menu of simple, high quality, delicious, local food.
Brassica Restaurant, 4 The Square, Beaminster DT8 3AS (T: 01308 538 100)
The restaurant was full the evening we went (Wednesday) - fortunately we had booked well in advance - but we didn't have to wait long for our food which was freshly prepared and delicious albeit on the smallish portion size. Lovely, very pretty interior design. We enjoyed our meal and would eat there again.
July 2021
Good, if a little pricey. Watch opening times.
June 2018
(3)
You'll find Café @ Cilla & Camilla hidden at the rear of the quirky Cilla & Camilla gift shop, on Beaminster's beautiful market square. A friendly, informal café with an attractive courtyard garden at the back, serving tea, coffee and delicious lunches, sandwiches, cakes and cream teas.
Cilla & Camilla, 22 The Square, Beaminster, Dorset, DT8 3AU (T: 01308 863477)
Enjoyed a delicious breakfast sitting in the sun in the pretty courtyard.
August 2022
Wonderful apple cake and lovely staff. Best thing Dog Friendly ????????
August 2019
Lovely shop and cafe very friendly and was great to be able to take the dog into the cafe
June 2017
(9)
A traditional Dorset thatched pub offering a selection of Palmers real ales, bottled lagers and great wines served alongside delicious, freshly prepared seasonal food and a relaxed friendly atmosphere.
The George Inn, Main St, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6JD (T: 01297 489419)
Good for Sunday lunches and Thursday "Pizza Night". Good range of Palmers beers.
June 2023
Lovely pub, staff friendly lovely beach and good food.
June 2023
We were the only customers, and not surprising as it was outrageously expensive to eat......for a very average rather scruffy pub. The food may have been good but we didnt try it.
April 2023
The George Inn is a very lovely place to eat and spend time. The food is excellent, and the staff were so friendly. It was a pleasure to be there.
August 2022
We had a fantastic meal one evening turning up without a booking with our dog. Pub staff really friendly and service was excellent. Costs were very reasonable.
May 2022
Lovely atmosphere staff very friendly, great for just a cosy drink or a meal. We ate here twice, due to covid it was a reduced menu which is fine but would have been good if it changed now & again.
October 2020
We visited the George twice for meals and thoroughly enjoyed them. The staff were polite and well organized under the present circumstances and the food and beer were both excellent. Will visit again in the future.
September 2020
Good pub good and local ales. Dog friendly
September 2019
Good food,beers and atmosphere. Dog friendly
October 2018
(12)
Cosy, family-friendly and dog-friendly 16th Century thatched village inn situated in the attractive village of Chideock. Newly refurbished in 2016, the restaurant serves classic homemade traditional pub food. There's also an outside seating area and games room with skittles alley, bar football, darts and table tennis for guests to enjoy.
The Clock Inn, Main St, Chideock, Bridport DT6 6JW (T: 01297 489423)
Friendly pub with good beer and reasonably priced food
June 2023
Lovely pub, lovely food & drink. Looked after so well by the staff impeccable manners nothing was too much for them and welcomed our cockerpoo Molly and gave her biscuits. Met some of the locals who had a darts match on and they were so friendly. Came here the year before and had a lovely time then too. You really must visit during your stay no matter how short
May 2023
This is a more basis pub, with what we would call good pub food. Friendly staff.
August 2022
Very pleasant lunch here. Pub very dog friendly and food was quick and good value. I had the lighter lunch option which was still very generous.
May 2022
The staff were very friendly and helpful. The pub was clean and COVID-19 safe. The food was delicious and good value.
July 2021
Friendly spacious pub with welcoming staff, serving good pub grub / home cooked food. Dogs welcome too.
October 2018
What a welcoming pub.Mike and his staff are so friendly and attentive,coupled with Mike's knowledge of the Ciders he has. The food is of a good standard and prices are reasonable.We would recommend this pub to anyone
July 2018
What a welcoming pub.Mike and his staff are so friendly and attentive,coupled with Mike's knowledge of the Ciders he has. The food is of a good standard and prices are reasonable.We would recommend this pub to anyone
May 2018
Fantastic food and service even cooked a special for us on request highly recommend this pub well worth a visit
November 2017
Good food and comfortable pub
October 2017
A very friendly pub with good value food
September 2017
Great choice of pub grub, Dog friendly and staff are helpful and pleasant . Do the pub quiz on Sunday it is good fun.
April 2017
(5)
In the picturesque harbour town of Lyme Regis, Town Beach is covered in pebbles at one end thanks to the coastal protection scheme that placed them there to provide essential care for the Marine Parade and the buildings along it. At the other end the beach has been built up with sand, no longer gets covered at high tide and provides an extensive beach area manned by RNLI lifeguards in the summer. There are kiosks, cafes, shops and restaurants bordering the beach, so it’s ideal for visiting with family and spending the whole day on the sand if the weather allows. The main sandy beach in the area, it’s a delight and easy to get to when on holiday in Dorset. There is paid parking nearby, so don’t forget your change, and remember that dogs are not permitted from 1st April to 31st October, while from 1st November to 31st March they must be on leads.
Nice beach but very busy and did not like the swooping seagulls!
August 2023
Wonderful location and so much to do, we didn't use our car once for a week, unheard of!! The parking in the town not good but for a town of that age, it was adequate and the other car parks further out were very good.
May 2022
Booked a beach hut from Town Council! Great fun and provided welcome shade on v hot day! Appreciated the two chairs provided but would have liked a small table for food / coffee
September 2021
Great beach on the sandy side was really busy and made use of the boat hire on the beach which was great fun, seagulls are a real issue when it comes to food and we ate ours in our tent after my daughter lost a sandwich to one right out of her mouth.
August 2021
We loved the seafront and that in October it was full of people. We liked the beach bit, seeing families enjoying the sand, and it was great to see open loos, nice ice-cream and lots of different places to eat and drink.
October 2020
(5)
This pretty harbour town dates back to the 14th century, and is sheltered by a curving harbour wall, The Cobb, as its known contains a small sandy beach made famous in the opening shot of the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman. You reach the beach between the RNLI station and the slipway, and there is lifeguard cover in the summer months. Activities nearby include fishing, sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, surfing and water skiing, while facilities close to the beach include cafes and restaurants and toilets. There are lots of walks in the area including guided tours of the famous fossil bearing cliffs. There is paid parking nearby, Axminster train station is five minutes away as the crow flies and buses are available to the town centre. Dogs are allowed on the beach from 1st November to 30th March as long as they’re on the lead, but they are not permitted in the summer months.
Love the stroll along the Cobb beach and area so clean plenty of places to eat and drink. The locals are so warm and welcoming, can’t beat Lyme regis
November 2021
Perfect sandy beach for everyone. Loved the Marine Parade with food and drink and ice creams.
October 2021
excellent, safe beach
September 2021
Always raked and cleaned. Pretty safe, excellent lifeguards. Restaurants and cafes need to be open later. Toilets very clean but not enough of them so long queues. Watch out for seagulls stealing food from your hands!
August 2021
Lovely harbour and great places to grab a bite to eat. But it is extremely busy. Every inch of the small patch of sand by the cobb was taken up but beach shelters, feet deck chairs etc. If your kids are not fussed about sand avoid the area if you want quite and relaxing. The other side of the cobb is quite and so are the toilets (which are clean)
August 2021
(3)
Famous for its picturesque Jurassic coastline, as well as its array of fossils, Church Cliff Beach is on the edge of Lyme Regis town. Sandy in places, at low tide there is an extensive rock ledge with hundreds of rock pools where you can catch shrimp. The River Lym flows into the bay, so paddling is a necessity if you want to stroll on the sand. The beach is flanked by rock armour which protects the promenade, and the sand is covered at high tide. There’s paid parking close by, so don’t forget your change. There are facilities, restaurants and cafes in the town. There’s no lifeguard cover on this beach, and dogs are permitted all year round, which is great news for walkers as it also makes up part of the West Dorset Heritage Coast and its accompanying footpaths.
Plenty of parking with a moderate walk down many steps to the beach. Worth the walk though with plenty of fossils around if your prepared to look.
September 2023
Lovely beach but spoilt by the amount of broken bits of glass and rusty metal components that have fallen from the cliff (believe there was some form of rubbish dump at the top of the cliff many years ago) - not a problem for most people but was worried about our dog getting injured.
May 2023
A lovely stretch of beach with rock pools and a chance to find fossils. Get there as the tide is going out and get there early. Take provisions as it is just a beach, of shingle and sand, there are some rocks to clamber over and rock pools to explore. One of our favourite beaches in the UK.
June 2022
(5)
Named after the Duke of Monmouth who landed here in 1685 in an attempt to take the crown from King James II, Monmouth Beach is a large pebble and sand beach that stretches over a kilometer southwest from the Cobb wall. There are beach huts, a bowling green, the Lyme Regis Power Boat Club and paid car parks close by. Meanwhile, for those wishing to have their own exploratory adventures, you can find a layer of limestone called the ammonite graveyard at Monmouth Beach, containing a large number of (you guessed it) ammonites. There are numerous walks close by and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. There is lifeguard cover in the summer, and all the town’s cafés, restaurants and amenities are within easy reach.
A very lovely beach if you like stones! But great when the tide is right out and you can fossil hunting.
October 2023
My dog Luna and I really enjoy walking and playing ball along the beach keeping eyes down to see if we can find a fossil!!! very clean and looked after Love it!!!
June 2022
Stunning, quiet and picture perfect ideal place to relax and paint ?
November 2021
Stayed here in The Little Sea House right on the beach. Amazing sunrises. Beautiful and peaceful but tricky to walk on in places.
October 2021
We had a lovely holiday staying in the little sea house. Perfect location on the beach. Was very warm & cosy inside. Was generally clean on arrival but think it could do a intensive deep clean occasionally to clean racks /hard to reach places ( plug holes) but this did not effect our stay ( I’m just bit OCD with cleaning) I would recommend this to anyone wanting a relaxing tranquil break. Also the out hours staff from toadhall cottages were very helpful. Would book again
May 2021
(2)
A fine shingle beach with sand at the water’s edge, East Cliff Beach is a beautiful place to spend the day with the family on summer holidays in Dorset. There’s lifeguard cover from July to September in the summer holidays on East Beach itself, but that doesn’t really cover East Cliff Beach, so just be careful when and where you swim and stay away from the cliff base to avoid falling stones. There’s a long stay car park behind East Beach and a smaller short stay car park just before entering the harbour area in front of the Bridport Arms Hotel. Toilets are located at the main West Bay Road car park and baby changing facilities are provided as well. Dogs are permitted on the beach all year round, but it is a clean zone that’s regularly patrolled by wardens imposing fines, so don’t forget to clean up after your pets!
We walked from Lyme Regis to Charmouth across this beach at low tide. MUST be low tide. It was a super walk, a bit challenging in places as we had climb over rocks. The dog absolutely loved it.
October 2018
I really enjoyed this side looking at interesting stone formations. The beach 'shelving' has to be looked out for if you are paddling and it is better to wait until very low tide so that you can see where bits rise and fall.
April 2018
(5)
Perfect for family days out, Charmouth Beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils (for which the area is famous), good swimming and good surf. It is divided into two distinct areas (East and West) by the mouth of the River Char, which often forms a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the ducks swim past. To get to the beach, simply find the centre of the village and follow Lower Sea Lane. There are ample car parks close to the beach as well as another one half way down Lower Sea Lane if those are full. Dogs are allowed on the West beach as long as they are on leads from 1st May and 30th September between the sea defenses and Lyme Regis but not on the area of beach in front of the beach huts and the Heritage Centre. From 1st July to 31st August dogs are not allowed on East Beach between 10:00am and 6:00pm, but are welcome outside these hours. At East Beach there is a beach café and picnic tables close by, and in the summer months there is a bouncy castle. There are also lots of beautiful walks close by to enjoy. West Beach meanwhile is about a mile and a half long and is a haven for fossil hunters and avid rock-poolers.
Walking this beach from Lyme Regis
October 2023
Great beach, Its busy by the shops but plenty of places to walk to find space away from others. The toilets are bad, so with a few wipes and wash you hands after. Get there early for parking. It is sand, shingle and rock pools, so great for a non commercialised beach day. Follow the tide out if you are fossil hunting but best to have a guided tour first from the museum so you know what you are looking for. One of our favourite sea sides in Britain.
June 2022
This is a beautiful area. Gets very busy and there are about four car parks and on street parking. The museum was very fascinating. Toilet queue was horrendous. This is a great area for inflatables as you can go down the stream if you want instead of the sea. There is also a large grass bank to picnic on instead of the beach cobbles.
August 2021
Great beach if but a bit stony where we went, good facilities for food and drinks and no where near as many seagulls as Lyme Regis.
August 2021
Lovely quaint beach.
May 2019
(2)
A small pebble beach close to the historic market town of Bridport, Eype Beach is a steep shelved beach (Eype means ‘steep place’) with beautiful views of the West Dorset coast. Dogs are permitted all year round and refreshments are available at Lower Eype. The beach is part of one of the most beautiful little villages in the area, where buildings can be traced back to the late 18th century. Consisting of Lower Eype and Higher Eype, it’s the lower part of the village that has access to the beach, which also boasts the magnificent Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast at 191-metres above sea level. The beach is favoured by swimmers and fishing fans as well as avid fossil hunters, and there is parking nearby for a few cars as well as toilets and a pub.
Narrow access. Park at the top for free and walk down to the church and carry on down via a path.
September 2023
Very narrow single track access road with limited passing places. Would not recommend purely due to access difficulties.
June 2017
(4)
Under the golden glow of the majestic sandstone cliffs and the Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast, West Bay Beach (made famous by the popular drama series Broadchurch) is in the south of the historic market town of Bridport. At the western end of Chesil Beach, the area forms part of the Dorset Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site within Lyme Bay and is a wonderful location for family holidays. Bridport Town is a short bus ride away or a very pleasant 20-minute walk. The beach itself is shingle, sand and pebbles with steep shelving, a slipway and a harbour. There’s an auxiliary coastguard and lifeguards at your service, toilets, disabled toilets and a beachside refreshment kiosk. Nearby activities include kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, sailing, swimming surfing and jet skiing. There are also car parks close by and while dogs are banned from May to September, they are allowed out of the summer season.
Lovely to stroll along the top of the dune which is compacted, easy to walk on and accessible from either the pier or the road beside the Visitor Centre. Wonderful views.
October 2023
Lovely walk, bit strenuous climbing up Golden Cap, buts it’s worth it ! However there is an easier route too.
September 2018
Lovely place to wonder around. Great relaxing beach to stroll along brilliant view of the cliffs. Easy parking. Fish and chips from the Seasider chippie went there twice in the week. really tasty.
August 2018
we loved West Bay very much did not eat at any of the restuarants there apart from the George Hotel (one night) as Gluten Free options were either poor choices or non existant.
July 2017
(3)
A National Trust beach in Burton Bradstock, Hive Beach is part of an estate that forms one of the main gateways to the Jurassic Coast and the South West Coast Path. Around it are beautiful cliff top walks, and surrounded by the sandstone cliffs, Hive Beach perfect for visiting families. Made of shingle, it forms part of the larger Chesil Beach and is on a World Heritage Site that has the largest shingle ridge in the world. The nearby Burton Cliff is an example of extraordinary geology in the area, which appears to glow bright gold in the sunlight. Perfect for picnics, the beach has a car park and toilets nearby, linked to the Hove Beach Café which specializes in serving fish. From 1st June to the end of September there are restrictions for dogs on the beach, but they are welcome on at least part of it all year round.
Absolutely stunning - it's a must do 30 minute walk along the beach.
August 2021
Beautiful beach, great for dog walking and connects with the South Coast Path.
September 2018
Beautiful, calm & perfect for dog walks
April 2018
(2)
A National Trust beach, Cogden is a little known, secluded sand and shingle beach that comes complete with a members’ car park. It has a wonderful sense of feeling remote but being surprisingly easy to access – the bus even stops there! There aren’t any facilities, but it’s a beautiful setting, and in truth, the lack of goings on is part of its charm. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round and it’s a haven for walkers looking to explore the area with the National Trust’s two mile/one-hour circular walk passing through it from flower-filled farmland, past ground nesting birds and along this striking section of the Jurassic Coast, known for having the largest shingle ridge in the world.
Fabulous quiet dog friendly beach
August 2023
There's a lovely 2 mile circular walk through the fields from the NT car park - through late spring and early summer orchids are to be found
May 2017
(4)
A shingle beach that shelves steeply, West Bexington Beach is in Bridport, and like many beaches in the area is popular with walkers with beautiful views in all directions. There’s parking close by so remember to bring cash, as well as toilets and facilities, shops, restaurants, a refreshment kiosks and a picnic area. Dogs are allowed on the beach but there are restrictions and seasonal bans, so keep that in mind before you visit. The village of West Bexington itself is a small coastal village surrounded by National Trust land, so as you can imagine, it’s all suitably scenic. The area is perfect for sea fishing off the beach, catching mackerel in the summer and bass in the autumn on a landscape that consists of the beach, a reed bed, wet meadow and scrub – it’s a birdwatchers paradise. The beach is also good for swimming, but only if you’re a strong swimmer, and the entire Jurassic coastline is ideal for budding adventurers to hunt for fossils.
My favourite place. Very hard to walk on so not great for those with mobility problems.
May 2021
Wonderful peaceful place to be.
December 2018
great beach, just be careful some of the fishermen are really inconsiderate and had left hooks with bate attached and line on the beach and my dog was nearly badly hurt. just managed to get it out of her mouth before she ate it!
February 2018
Always quiet, usually sunny and sometimes dramatic. Treat the pebbles like a beanbag and you can settle in for a sunbathe.
May 2017
A pebble beach that stretches 18 miles along the South West coast, Chesil Beach encompasses a number of smaller beaches between Portland and West Bay. Much of it is separated from the mainland by an area of water called the Fleet Lagoon, which varies in size according to the tide. Hamm Beach is the eastern side of he beach facing Portland Harbour and both beaches are important areas for wildlife with a number of designations to help protect resident species. It lies in the centre of the Jurassic coast and is a World Heritage Site. The beach is popular with visiting families, walkers and anyone visiting the area. Made of pebbles and shingle, it’s popular with local anglers and mackerel fishing families. Close to the village of Abbotsbury which is about a mile away, there are cafes, pubs and facilities within the vicinity, as well as surrounding attractions. Parking is also available and dogs are allowed on the beach
(3)
By the seaside town of the same name, Sidmouth Beach is a long stretch of pebbles that stretches from the River Sid at the east of the town, West to Chit Rocks and Jacobs Ladder Beach and beyond. From the town you go over a footbridge and a number of steps down to the beach, however there are also access points along the sea front esplanade. There are a number of car parks close by, most of which are a few minutes’ walk from the beach itself, and it benefits from nearby facilities, cafes, restaurants and shops. Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 1st May to the 30th September, however there is a small area at the East end of the beach where dogs are allowed all year round. It’s a delightful spot for swimming sailing and surfing if the weather permits it, but you do have to take your own equipment.
Very pleasant
July 2018
lovely beach
July 2018
Visited twice and both times had a pleasant walk along the prom in the sun. Sea very calm. Lovely cup of coffee served from little coffee "bar" on prom served by a charming and coffee knowledgeable American lady. Pleasant and busy shopping area behind the prom. Not much parking and just a little expensive.
June 2018
(5)
Nestled into a valley that reaches down to the sea, Branscombe Beach is tucked away on the Jurassic Coast, and is linked to a timeless, magical village of the same name. Surrounded by woodland and farmland, the area is peppered with thatched houses, a working forge and a restored windmill. It’s a National Trust location, with a number of charming walks and trails to follow, one of which leads to the Old Bakery tearooms. The beach itself was a long pebble beach until the winter of 2022 when storms rearranged the pebbles and is now a long sandy beach. It has a large car park close by where there are toilets available, as well as a picnic area. The beach is a haven for walking, relaxing and adventurous rock-poolers. If you want to catch your supper it’s a wonderful place to fish for mackerel and pollock, although the Beach Shanty Cafe on Branscombe Beach provides excellent local food.
Attractive beach, good energetic coast path walking.
October 2023
Beautiful Beach with stunning walks in both directions on coastal path. Sea shanty cafe modernised since our last visit. Lovely cream teas!
July 2023
The beach was within walking distance of where we were staying. Excellent for dogs and the sea shanty sells dog icecream
June 2023
Beach clean and has pebbles rather than a sandy beach. Fabulous food found at the Sea Shanty Cafe with sea view and stunning views of the Jurassic coast line.
August 2022
gorgeous beach - we canoed and swam a lot
September 2021
Hamworthy Beach is a family-friendly sand and shingle beach with a promenade, fringed with pretty beach huts and offering stunning views of Arne Nature Reserve, Brownsea Island and the Purbeck Hills in the distance.
The beach is popular among locals, boasting a jetty offering an excellent spot for fishing, large green gardens behind, a children's play area and a large seasonal paddling pool. There are also several opportunities to partake in watersports, including windsurfing, sailing and kitesurfing.
Dogs are welcome on the beach all year round, but not in the play parks or paddling pool.
Facilities include parking, toilets and cafe as well as nearby shops and public transport connections.
(1)
Shore Road is a golden sandy beach with a promenade that stretches for miles along the beautiful Sandbanks peninsula - perfect for a seaside stroll or cycle (except during peak times in July & August from 10am to 6pm when cycles are not permitted).
Famed for its Mediterranean-style cafes and outstanding views across the harbour to the Purbeck hills and Brownsea Island, this beach is very family-friendly thanks to its gentle slope into clean waters and seasonal lifeguard cover.
Dogs are not allowed on the main beach from 1st May - 30th September, however they are permitted on the promenade on a lead all year round.
This Blue Flag standard beach has several watersports hire shops and many other beach facilities, including plenty of parking, cafe/restaurant, beach shop, beach huts and deck chairs for hire, toilets and outdoor showers, and reusable water bottle drinking water refill points.
House very near to the clean, sandy beach….excellent
July 2023
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One of Dorset’s most iconic and photographed landmarks, Durdle Door is a magnificent natural limestone arch which was formed when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone about 10,000 years ago. There is also a pretty shingle beach with clear waters and safe swimming. Well worth a visit but can get very busy during summer months so best to arrive early to guarantee a parking space or use public transport. There is a 10 to 15 minute walk from the car park to the beach including steps and some uneven ground.
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We walked from Lulworth to Durdle Door, quite a climb up but great views. The beach at Durdle Door is sand and stones, with lots of steps down to it but interesting for its geography.
October 2023
The world famous Lulworth Cove welcomes many hundreds of visitors each year to enjoy the panoramic views and crystal clear waters of this picture perfect horseshoe shaped bay. The beach itself is a mix of large pebbles and shingle with safe swimming and rockpools exposed at low tide. There is ample parking, a café and interesting visitor centre and several scenic routes along the cliff tops towards Durdle Door. Dogs welcome all year round.
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Found on the east side of Durdle Door Beach and similarly popular and picturesque, Man O’War beach is made up of sand and fine pebbles with excellent swimming, snorkelling and fishing. There is a large car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park with a 15 minute walk down a steep path and steps to the beach.
A pretty little bay just off the road linking Weymouth with the Isle of Portland. Perfect for picnics and swimming or lying back in the sunshine and watching the colourful kite surfers criss crossing the horizon. Dog friendly.
A quiet beach, popular with the locals with lovely swimming from a gently sloping sandy shoreline.
One of the Jurassic Coast’s most popular beaches, the long golden sandy arc of Weymouth beach has plenty of room for everyone. This sheltered bay with is gently sloping shoreline and blue flag status waters offers excellent swimming and a safe environment for watersports. And if that’s not enough the beach hosts plenty of attractions to keep all ages occupied from festivals and sporting championships to punch and Judy shows, donkey rides and pedalos. Dog friendly all year and plenty of parking both in town and on the harbourside.
A beautifully quiet and tranquil stretch of golden sandy beach where you can enjoy a swim in crystal clear waters or relax in the sunshine on the soft sand with a picnic and a book. Apart from toilets on the promenade, there are no facilities at the beach itself but the shops, bars and restaurants of Canford Cliffs are within easy walking distance.