Dorset’s coastline is one of the finest in England, offering everything from wide golden sands and gentle paddling waters to dramatic cliffs and fossil-rich shores. For families planning a summer holiday, the choice of beaches here is wonderful.
We’ve put together this list to help you find the perfect stretch of coast for your next trip, whether you’re after traditional seaside fun, rockpooling adventures, or a quieter cove away from the crowds.
Which Dorset Beaches Are Best for Young Families?
Some beaches are simply made for bucket-and-spade days with little ones. Shallow waters, soft sand, and plenty of nearby facilities make all the difference when you’ve got young children in tow.
Weymouth Beach
Weymouth Beach is a firm favourite among families, and it’s easy to see why. The shallow waters and soft sand make it perfect for little ones to paddle and build sandcastles, while the bustling promenade offers donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, mini golf, and the SEA LIFE Centre. A short stroll from the main beach takes you to the picturesque harbour, where you can enjoy fish and chips while watching the boats come in for the evening. This award-winning Blue Flag beach really does have it all for a classic seaside day out.
Swanage Beach
Swanage offers safe swimming conditions and a traditional seaside atmosphere that families love. Colourful beach huts, deck chairs, and ice cream vendors line the promenade, while the historic Swanage Pier is a fantastic spot for crabbing. The sheltered bay is ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. For something a little different, park at nearby Norden and ride the Swanage Railway steam train into town before hitting the beach.
Avon Beach, Christchurch
Avon Beach is a firm favourite with young families. This small, sandy beach is backed by pastel-coloured beach huts, available to hire, and offers beautiful views across to the Isle of Wight. There’s a dedicated watersports section by the car park, so bring along your kayak or paddleboard and work up an appetite before enjoying seafood at the beachside Noisy Lobster restaurant. The car park sits level with the beach, making access easy for pushchairs and anyone with mobility needs.
Sandbanks Beach
Considered one of the best beaches in Britain, Sandbanks has won the Blue Flag award more than 30 times. The soft golden sands and clean, calm waters make it a brilliant choice for families. Behind the beach, you’ll find a large and challenging crazy golf course, a mini golf course, and a children’s play area with climbing frames, swings, sand diggers, and a sensory play area. There’s no shortage of things to keep children entertained here.
Where Can Families Explore the Jurassic Coast?
Dorset’s dramatic Jurassic Coast stretches for miles and offers families the chance to combine beach days with a bit of adventure and discovery.
Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis boasts not one but four beaches, making it a brilliant destination for families. Children can enjoy building sandcastles, exploring rock pools, flying kites, and hunting for fossils on some of the most fossil-rich sands in the UK. The town itself offers boat trips, fossil hunting tours, mini golf, and the Lyme Regis Museum. The famous Cobb harbour wall is well worth a wander, with sweeping views along the coast.
Lulworth Cove
This sheltered cove is a must-visit for families exploring the Jurassic Coast. The calm, clear water provides safe swimming conditions, and children can explore rock pools teeming with marine life at low tide. If you’re feeling active, you can hike along the cliffs to Durdle Door and enjoy panoramic sea views. The dramatic white chalk cliffs surrounding the cove give the whole area a wonderfully rugged feel.
Charmouth Beach
Just down the road from Lyme Regis, Charmouth is another brilliant location for fossil hunting. The shingle beach is overlooked by striking Jurassic Coast cliffs, including the Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. The beach is split by the mouth of the River Char, and the calm seas make it a popular spot for families.
West Bay
The charming fishing village of West Bay is a wonderful spot for families all year round. Striking golden sandstone cliffs tower above the beach, famously featured in the TV series Broadchurch. Families can enjoy fishing, crabbing, or take a boat trip along the coast. There are plenty of cafes and seafood restaurants to satisfy appetites, and a brilliant play area by the car park that’s also wheelchair friendly.
Are There Quieter Beaches in Dorset for Families?
If you prefer somewhere a little less busy, Dorset has some beautifully peaceful stretches of coast that still offer plenty for families.
Studland Bay
Studland Bay is a stunning stretch of golden sand backed by rolling dunes, perfect for exploring and spotting sand lizards. The sheltered bay offers calm, clear waters for swimming and watersports, and there are views out to Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight. The National Trust runs fun activities for children during school holidays, and Knoll Beach Cafe serves hot and cold refreshments.
Kimmeridge Bay
Part of the Dorset National Landscape, Kimmeridge Bay is one of the most important geological sites in the world. Although there’s no sand, the rocky beach is a breath-taking setting for fossil hunting and rockpooling. The many rock pools that form along the bay are ideal for discovering marine life, making it an exciting spot for curious children.
Planning Your Dorset Beach Holiday
Dorset’s coastline has something for every family, from the classic seaside charm of Weymouth to the fossil-rich shores of Lyme Regis and the sheltered coves of Purbeck. With so many wonderful beaches to explore, a few days simply isn’t enough.
Christchurch makes a fantastic base for reaching beaches right across the county, and our Dorset properties are perfectly placed for family holidays. The Quays Christchurch is ideal for larger groups, offering spacious, historic accommodation with a harbour-side location. Also, our Quay House is a Visit England Gold-award property in the heart of Christchurch, full of comfort and charm.
Both properties welcome dogs, so your four-legged friends can join you on the beach. Booking directly with Short Stay Homes means no booking fees and our best rate guaranteed, along with thoughtful touches throughout your stay. If you’d like help planning your perfect Dorset beach holiday, please contact us.
