Dorset is lucky enough to enjoy a long coastline – 88 miles in fact! So, there are lots of brilliant spots to explore and even try your hand at rockpooling or fossil hunting.
Obviously, there are lots of beaches on the Dorset coast, some lovely ones to check out include Studland, with easy access and National Trust carpark. Bowleaze in Weymouth, which is quite sheltered so the sea is often calmer; and Lulworth Cove – which does get busy, so might be better to visit on a weekday or off-season, but is stunning (note that is does have a bit of a steep walk).
Perfect for cooling off little (and big!) ones in the summer, there are separate areas marked out for people and dogs, as well as loads of easy, free parking within the village. Fully accessible for buggies too, so great for a family day out!
Sealife Centre WeymouthNot only does the Sealife Centre offer lots of indoor exhibits, but it has a brilliant splash park – so definitely pack a towel for sunny days! Pre-booking is essential.
Farmer Palmer’s has a small splash park, absolutely brilliant for toddlers, fenced in too, so you can rest assured that your little one can’t wander too far! You can enjoy the rest of the farm as well, as part of your entry, so definitely pack some spare clothes.
A brilliant day out for bigger ones, have a go at an inflatable assault course on a lake at the foot of the beautiful Corfe Castle. Best to book in advance and allow some extra travel time for this one, especially in the summer holidays!
If you’ve got a kid that loves dinosaurs and fossils, Kimmeridge Bay is the place to go – there are lots of fossils to be found, as well as a little fossil museum. Carparking is available, just a short walk from the beach. This is also the best beach in the area for rockpooling, so take a bucket and net!
A stunning beach, only accessible by walking the coastpath – I have done it with an off-road buggy… it’s definitely doable, but requires some fitness! Note that there are no facilities at this beach, but that’s part of its appeal. Another great spot for fossils.
If you’re going to enjoy Dorset’s coastline, please ensure you do so safely – there’s lots of information available from the RNLI and Dorset Council about safe places to swim and how to look for fossils without putting yourself in dangerous places.
For more info on beaches and paddling, have a look at our full list here.
