Outdoor adventure company offering lots of activities, including paddleboarding, coasteering, mobile climbing wall and lots more.
Tel: 07870 659081
Address: Unit 10 Waterfront, Portland Marina, DT5 1DX
A vibrant complex in the middle of Dorchester, offering various shops and eateries, as well as lots of events and activities, particularly for children. In the summer the fountains are on, so that children can have hours of fun in the sunshine!
Tel: 01305 267777
Address: 3 Copper St, Dorchester, DT1 1GH
Hive Beach, in Burton Bradstock, is a shelving, shingle, beach, with stunning views around to Portland and the coast of East Devon. It’s not a very safe beach for swimming and there are no lifeguards, also, stay away from the cliffs to the west, due to rockfalls.
There are toilets and a cafe, as well as more amenities about half a mile away in the village of Burton Bradstock. There is a National Trust car park, adjacent to the beach.
Tel: 01297 489481
Address: Beach Rd, Burton Bradstock, Bridport, DT6 4RF
A stunning, hidden little cove on the Jurassic coast, brilliant for wild swimming, snorkelling and fossil hunting. Access to this beach is very steep, not suitable for buggies or unconfident walkers. There are no facilities available & please take your rubbish home with you.
Address: Nr. Renscombe Car Park, Worth Matravers
Charmouth beach is made of both pebbles and sand. It’s famous for fossils, especially during the winter months. If you plan to hunt for fossils, you MUST follow the code of practice at the beach.
The sea off Charmouth beach is often used for swimming, but look out for the red flag, indicating rougher conditions. Also, be aware that there are no lifeguards.
Toilets are available by the Heritage Coast Centre, as well as three car parks (charges apply).
Address: Riverway, Charmouth, Bridport, DT6 6LS
Chesil beach is 18-miles of shingle beach, from West Bay to Portland. It’s a really steeply shelved beach so swimming is not recommended, and there is no lifeguard cover.
Toilets are available at Chesil Visitor Centre, open 9am – 5pm. There is also a large car park, a 5-min walk from the sea.
Tel: 01305 206191
Address: Chesil Centre, Portland, DT4 9XE
Cogden beach is owned by the National Trust, and is a steep shelving shingle beach near Abbotsbury.
It is a dangerous beach to swim at, with strong currents and no lifeguards.
There are no toilet facilities. Car parking is free for National Trust members, with direct access via footpath to the beach.
Tel: 01297 489481
Address: Coast Road, Bridport, DT6 4RL
This wet & wild amusement park has a water park and mud trail, both suitable for children and adults. There are two beautiful lakes set in woodland with stunning views across the Purbeck countryside, just a stone’s throw from Corfe Castle.
Tel: 01929 505030
Address: Arfleet Mill Lakes, Studland Road, Corfe Castle, BH20 5JG
Durdle Door is a well-known landmark and a very popular spot!
There is a car park (charges apply), from which you follow a footpath and have to take some steps to the beach, so it is not accessible for buggies.
Swimming is okay in places, but the beaches are shelved and there are no lifeguards, so keep a close eye on your little ones!
Toilets are available 15-mins walk from the beach, at the nearby holiday park.
Note that there are no rubbish bins on the beach, you must take litter home with you.
Tel: 01929 400352
Address: Via Durdle Door Holiday Park, West Lulworth, BH20 5PU
Eype Beach is less well-known and therefore often a quieter beach, than Lyme Regis or West Bay. The shingle beach can have some shelving, so care should be taken if entering the water. Suitable only for strong swimmers.
Eype is good for fossil hunting too, and with nearby parking it is perfect for a family visit. Access to the beach is via steps.
There are no toilet facilities or lifeguards at Eype Beach.
Tel: 01308 424901
Address: Mount Lane, Eype, Bridport, DT6 6AL
This all-weather attraction is perfect for under 8s. There are animals, go-karts, ride on tractors, parks, dinosaurs and softplay, plus much more!
Visits need to be booked, which can be done online.
Tel: 01202 622022
Address: Farmer Palmers, Wareham Rd, Organford, BH16 6EU
Watersport and adventure company in the Purbecks – offering kayak tours, foraging & feasting, bushcraft, children’s adventures and loads more!
Tel: 01929 761515
Address: The Hutquarters, Middle Beach Car Park, Studland, BH19 3AP
Paddling pool within Greenhill Gardens, offering a great opportunity for little ones to cool down, as well as lots of other amenities, right on the beachfront.
Tel: 01305 782419
Address: Greenhill, Weymouth, DT4 7TH
Company offering guided walks and fossil hunting, along with outstanding local knowledge and stunning views! Book onto an existing walk, or enjoy an experience just for your family.
Tel: 07900 257944
Address: Various locations, tbc on booking.
Kimmeridge Bay is great for rockpooling and snorkelling, it also has a small, free, aquarium, next to the slipway. There are toilets and showers, as well as a car park, accessed via a toll road.
To best enjoy Kimmeridge, you need to check the tide times before visiting. You cannot use hammers to look for fossils.
There is no lifeguard patrol at Kimmeridge Bay, but it is popular with surfers and windsurfers.
Tel: 01929 480747
Address: Kimmeridge, Wareham, BH20 5PF
Outdoor company offering lots of activities, holiday clubs, short courses and more. Activities include coasteering, paddle boarding, bushcraft and more.
Tel: 01929 423031
Address: Prospect Business Pk, Victoria Ave, Swanage, BH19 1EJ
Lulworth Cove is great for exploring with kids, it’s a pebble beach, but has brilliant rockpools during low tide. There is a large car park, toilets and baby changing, however, during high season the car park can become full quite quickly, so try to take public transport, walk or cycle if you can!
The water is generally safe for swimming, depending on weather conditions, however the beach is not lifeguarded.
Tel: 01929 400352
Address: Main Road, West Lulworth, BH20 5RQ
An enthusiastic outdoor activity company, based within the Lulworth Estate, offering a variety of activities, including family-specific adventures. Look out for the extra events put on during school holidays too!
Tel: 01929 400155
Address: Main Rd, West Lulworth, Wareham, BH20 5RQ
Lyme Regis is an historic seaside town with four beaches; Front Beach (part sand/part shingle); Monmouth Beach (pebbles); Church Cliff Beach (sand/shingle); and East Cliff Beach (sand/pebble).
Fossil hunting is very popular in Lyme Regis, however, the code of practice must be followed to protect the environment.
These beaches can be dangerous, particularly Monmouth Beach, so it is best to head to Front Beach which has a lifeguard patrol, 10am – 6pm.
There are lots of public toilets and baby changing facilities along the seafront in Lyme Regis, as well as a number of public car parks within a short walk of the beaches.
Tel: 01297 445175
Address: Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JE
This is a sandy, and fine pebble, beach to the east of Durdle Door. It has a large car park, via Durdle Door Holiday Park, but the beach is a 15-min walk down a steep path and steps. Sturdy footwear is essential (not flip flops). The holiday park is also the nearest toilet to the beach.
Tel: 01929 400352
Address: Nr. Durdle Door Holiday Park, West Lulworth, BH20 5PU
The water at Ringstead is incredibly clear and safe for swimming. The beach is shingle with sand at low tide, as well as rockpools for exploring!
There are no lifeguards, but there are toilets in the car park, as well as a small shop. There is a free National Trust car park or a private car park at Ringstead.
Tel: 01297 489481
Address: Ringstead, Osmington, DT2 8NQ
This aquarium has 13 different zones with more than 1000 creatures, making it a full day out for the family. There’s also a great playground and splash zone for summer days!
Pre-booking is essential.
Tel: 01305 761070
Address: Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, DT4 7SX
This privately-owned beach is popular with fishermen, fossil hunters and dog walkers, as well as providing some incredible views. Seatown itself is very small, but the beach can entertain for the whole day!
It’s a shingle and pebble beach, which is quite steeply shelved, so can be dangerous for swimming. There is no lifeguard patrol.
There are toilets and car parking, run by the Anchor Inn pub, adjacent to the beach.
Address: Chideock, Bridport, DT6 6JU
A small, friendly sailing school, specialising in family-friendly education. Offering RYA courses, dinghy hire and sailing for pleasure. Suitable for ages 8+.
Tel: 01258 880512
Address: Ferry Rd, Studland, BH19 3BA
Lovely sandy beaches and heathland, with National Trust car parks and tearoom. Enjoy stunning views over Old Harry Rocks and the Isle of Wight, or go for an explore along one of the nature trails.
Toilets and baby changing facilities are available at Knoll Beach, Shell Bay Beach and Middle Beach.
None of the Studland beaches are lifeguarded.
Tel: 01929 450500
Address: Ferry Rd, Studland, BH19 3AQ
Swanage is a popular beach, with clean water and a nice family-feel. There are deck chairs, sunbeds, kayaks and pedalos available to hire, as well as easy access to the town centre and its facilities.
Toilets, baby changing and showers are available, there are several pay & display car parks a short walk from the beach.
The sandy beach is generally okay for swimming, within the designated area, which is lifeguarded. Jet skis and boats need to follow the water safety advice, with wardens patrolling during the summer months.
Tel: 01929 423636
Address: Shore Road, Swanage, BH19 1LB
This restored Victorian pier still provides entertainment in Swanage, including pier visits, history talks and a whole host of children’s activities during the holidays.
Tel: 01929 425806
Address: Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP
Angling and sightseeing trips along the lovely Jurassic coast, suitable for all ages & abilities! Prices start from just £10.
Tel: 07932 557376
Address: Pier Approach, Swanage, BH19 2AP
This free garden is perfect with or without kids. There is a lovely cafe, some farm animals and a small playpark.
Free entry and free parking.
Just down the road is also Moreton Ford, for a paddle in the sunshine!
Tel: 01929 462243
Address: The Walled Garden, Station Rd, Moreton, DT2 8RG
West Bay has two beaches, East Beach and West Beach, both of which are lifeguarded in the high season. West Bay also has a nice harbour, as well as plenty of ice cream and fish & chip shops.
West Beach is the safest for swimming and most popular with families. There are several public toilets, with baby changing. Car parks are available at the entrance to the village and behind East Beach.
Tel: 01308 424901
Address: West Bay, Bridport, DT6 4HQ
This charming little visitor centre run by a local charity showcases the history, wildlife and geology of West Bay, it includes interactive activities, perfect for children too. Look out for events and guided walks.
Entrance is free, but donations are greatly appreciated.
This is a shingle beach, but can be dangerous for swimming, especially as there are no lifeguards. However, it’s very popular for walking.
There is a car park, adjacent to the beach, along with toilets.
Address: Beach Rd, West Bexington, DT2 9DG
One of the country’s most popular beaches, Weymouth is quite sheltered and offers safer water for swimming, alongside a lifeguard patrol (10am – 6pm, in high season). It is a sandy beach, with adjacent sites at Greenhill and Preston which are shingle.
There are numerous toilets and baby changing facilities throughout the town and along the beachfront. There are several pay & display car parks nearby, making access very easy.
Tel: 01305 239839
Address: The Esplanade, Weymouth, DT4 7AN
During the summer season your little one can enjoy a donkey ride along Weymouth beach! Rides start from the little hut near to the pavilion, from 11am – 5pm.
Note: Riders must be under 16 and less than 45kg.
Tel: 07968 206745
Address: Weymouth Beach, The Esplanade, DT4 7AN
A brilliant way to travel along Weymouth seafront, enjoying the historic harbour. A round trip takes about 30 minutes, with regular trains from 10am during high season. Tickets to be purchased on boarding, £5pp, under 3s free!
Tel: 07716 641751
Address: Various – station info available on their website.
Worbarrow Bay is around a mile from Tyneham village, and is within the Ministry of Defence (MOD)’s ranges, so you have to check access before going, generally restricted to weekends and school holidays.
You have to walk to the bay, so it is often a quieter beach, however there is parking, and toilets, at Tyneham village.
Worbarrow Bay is a shingle beach that is often suitable for swimming, however, there is no lifeguard patrol.
Tel: 01929 400352
Address: MOD Ranges, Tyneham, East Lulworth, BH20 5QF
