Why is dorset coastline so special

These coastal walks are ideal opportunities for bird watching, dolphin spotting, painting and enjoying the jaw-dropping marvel that is the Jurassic coast. Dont forget that paths can be slippery after rain and this also increases the chances of landslides, keep to marked tracks and keep dogs on leads. You can explore the Jurassic coast by bus if you hop on the X53, you can walk sections and then go back on the bus, a perfect day out.

The Dorset Coast has been used as as a location for major Hollywood block busters and on the small screen. This gripping thriller, written by Chris Chibnall features some of the dramatic cliffs that West Dorset is famous for. Looking at life by the sea, Ben Fogle explored the Jurassic coast, talking to those live and work by the sea. If you book today and the dates of your holiday fall into a Government lockdown, you will receive a full refund exc booking fee.

We have actioned hundreds of refunds during the Corona Virus lockdown and will continue to securely hold your funds until your holiday date. If you or your guests contract Covid before your stay and therefore are unable to go on holiday you will receive a full refund.

Cleaning — Our cottages will be cleaned in line with Government Guidelines. To enable us to do this as of July we will be temporarily changing our arrival time to 6pm. Join the 'We Love Dorset' community to receive interesting blogs, history bio, breathtaking images and holiday offers. Facebook Twitter Google instagram youtube pinterest. With almost 90 miles of pristine coast, much of which is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site a status shared with the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon , it should be no surprise that there are some beautiful beaches in Dorset.

All manner of coves, islands, sandbanks and spits await sunbathers, sandcastle builders and swimmers, with some boasting the most incredible rock formations sculpted by the sea which will simply take your breath away. The coastline in Dorset is naturally also a mecca for lovers of water sports, with a variety of ways to play in the surf. Blast along the coast in a high-speed boat, explore hidden cliffs and caves with a coasteering experience or enjoy a relaxing wildlife cruise amongst seals, dolphins and porpoises.

A white-pebbled, perfectly curved beach lapped by crystal clear turquoise waters, make Lulworth Cove one of the most famous Dorset Coast beaches. Enjoy a refreshing swim before taking a short hike over the cliffs and on to Durdle Door, regarded as one of the most iconic landforms in the country. Long, leisurely strolls along the soft golden sands of the award-winning spit of Sandbanks are a must on any Dorset holiday.

The small peninsula crosses the mouth of Poole Harbour and is lined by a promenade of ice cream kiosks, amusements and miniature golf. And on the water, you can learn to windsurf, sail, or hire a jet ski and speed across the sea. If you want to go fossil hunting in Dorset, Charmouth Beach should be your first stop. The cliffs here offer the best fossil hunting location on the south coast, whether you choose to go it alone or join a guided fossil walk from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Set up camp in a beach hut and spend the day exploring the rocky beach for ammonites and belemnites - the best time to go searching is just after a big storm as the cliffs are naturally eroded so fresh fossils are exposed. Spanning an impressive 18 miles from Portland to West Bay, the magnificent stretch of coastline known as Chesil Beach , or Chesil Bank, is an important conservation area and a unique place for spotting flora and fauna.

It is, in fact, a shingle barrier beach which has "rolled" landwards, joining the mainland with the Isle of Portland. Wild, rugged and windswept, this Dorset beach is a sight to behold, and one of the best places to admire it is from the summit of Abbotsbury Hill.

Found on the Jurassic Coast within the Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve, this is another great spot for fossil hunting — look carefully in the shoreline rocks and you can spot all manner of dino remains. Its 4 miles of sheltered shoreline is serene and unspoilt, backed by a rugged heathland nature reserve which is a haven for grebes and divers, and features all six British reptiles. From bucket and spade fun to water sports, the beaches of the Studland Peninsula offer gently shelving bathing waters and views of the chalky headlands of Old Harry Rocks where the Jurassic Coast begins, as well as over to the Isle of Wight.

And although it is very much a family-friendly stretch of sand, it also includes the most popular naturist beach in Britain! One of the best ways to experience the captivating beauty of the Dorset coastline is from walking along the towering clifftops and winding trails of the South West Coast Path.

Home to glorious golden sand, stunning scenery and safe bathing waters protected by the famous Cobb, Lyme Regis makes for a wonderful day at the seaside. Dorset has many beautiful beaches along our miles of coastline. You can build sandcastles, take a swim, walk the stunning coast path or just sit back and enjoy the views - we know you'll have a great day out. Every beach has its own unique charm and character to explore - from miles of sweeping golden sand to secluded private coves and everything in between.

The Dorset coast provides some of the very best in wonderful opportunities to explore. There are lots of walking routes to enjoy with plenty of welcoming coastal towns and villages for refreshments along the way.

A large section of the mile South West Coast Path is in Dorset - it is certainly a must for real walking fans to try. Each stop off along the Dorset coast will provide you with a wonderful insight into local life, with each location offering its own unique charm. Dorset harbours can be enjoyed in so many ways, whether you are sailing the coast, taking a boat trip or just enjoy visiting harbours to see the colourful fishing boats and their catches. Find out more about the harbours and ports of Dorset.

We have teamed up with the wonderful SafeWise charity and the Dorset Coast Forum who have created an animation to promote coastal safety in a fun way to children called CoastWise - check it out and remember to share these helpful tips with your family and friends. The hard part is deciding where to visit first!