Family Beaches in Dorset
Things to Do: Beaches
A shingle beach set in a bay beneath the highest point on the south coast, the imposing Golden Cap. The beach is great for collecting fossils and is also very popular with fishermen.
Shell Bay is a beautiful sandy beach with easy access by road or ferry. The fine sand is ideal for building sand castles and there are dunes to explore too. There is also a woodland nature trail behind the beach.
A family friendly beach that benefits from a safe swimming zone and is close to crazy golf and children’s amusements. There are also several windsurfing and sailing schools on the beach for those who want to join the fun on the water.
The beach is consists mainly of fine pebbles with shingle and sand near to the water's edge. West Beach is ideal for younger children due to a protective cove being formed between the harbour’s new west pier (Jurassic Pier) and the esplanade’s rock armour groynes.
The beach is formed by a large expanse of limestone pebbles and is backed by cliffs on three sides which shelter bathers from the prevailing winds. Rufus Castle overlooks the beach which is south facing and safe for swimming. Bathing within the cove is clean and safe, but bathing outside the cove limits is for experienced swimmers only.
