Beaches in Dorset
Durdle Door East Beach, West Lulworth, Dorset
Sand and shingle beach at the Durdle Door coastal arch.
Steep steps lead down to this un-commercial beach at one of Dorset’s most recognisable coastal features. Although the water is fairly sheltered near the arch swimmers should be careful as the beach does drop away quite quickly.
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.
Chesil Beach, Portland to Abbotsbury, Dorset
Chesil Beach is 18 miles (28 kilometres) long and, on average, 200 metres wide and rises to 14 metres height. It is a shingle tombolo connecting Portland to Abbotsbury and then continuing westwards to West Bay near Bridport. It is the largest tombolo in the UK.
Pebbles are graded in size from fist sized near Portland to pea sized at Bridport. The pebbles are a mix of flint and chert, with some quartzite pebbles from Buddleigh Salterton. The origin of the beach continues to be argued over with some proposing it is actually two beaches. The stretch from West Bay to Abbotsbury appears to have different characteristics to the stretch from Abbotsbury to Portland.
This is a popular family orientated beach that benefits from a safe swimzone and a lost children's patrol from May to September. Activities on the water include sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and jet skiing.
This beach is less commercial than the neighbouring ones and is reached by steps that run down the wooded cliff from the castle grounds. There are good views to the Isle of White and the sand and water are clean and safe.
