Best family friendly beaches in Dorset

At West Dorset Leisure Holidays our enviable position on the Jurassic Coast, means we have an abundance of family friendly beaches within a short drive of our holiday parks. Whether you are looking for a sandy beach for the children to build sandcastles and play or somewhere to go rock pooling and explore, there is something to keep everyone happy! Here we showcase our favourite Dorset Beaches. Let us know if we’ve missed your favourite off the list!

Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis’s ‘Town Beach’ is perfect for families looking to spend a day by the sea. The beach is split into two distinct sections, one that contains pebbles, and an adjoining stretch of sand that is perfect for building sandcastles and letting the children play. During the summer months a team of RNLI lifeguards man the beach, which provides added reassurance for those wanting to swim or paddle in the shallows. Rows of pretty, pastel beach huts adorn the length of the promenade, which can be rented throughout the year and a selection of catering huts serve tasty ice creams – a must during any visit to the seaside!

Weymouth

Weymouth boasts more than 3 miles of fine golden sand and is renowned for its shallow waters. It is flanked by impressive Georgian buildings and the esplanade, where you can hire a deck chair, sit, relax and watch the world go by. Children will love the traditional entertainment, including donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, swing boats and pedalo’s. Just a short walk from the beach is Weymouth’s town centre and historic harbour side, where you can grab a drink or bite to eat from one of the delicious restaurants as you watch the visiting yachts sail up the harbour.

Bournemouth

Bournemouth beach is more than 11 miles in length and stretches from Hengistbury Head to Sandbanks. It comprises of lots of little beaches and inlets, each with something different to offer. If you’re looking for an active visit, there is plenty to see and do at Central Beach, including the Pier to Shore zip wire, which is perfect for thrill seekers looking for an adrenaline rush! There is also the Oceanarium and RockReef activity centre to keep the little ones entertained.

Swanage

Situated on the Isle of Purbeck, Swanage beach is renowned for its clean and clear waters. It has been awarded Blue Flag status for more than 17 consecutive years and is perfect for families due to its fine white sand, ideal for making sandcastles. There are facilities such as cafes and toilets along the promenade and it is also possible to hire kayaks, pedelo’s and deckchairs along the beach

Charmouth

Charmouth beach on the Jurassic Coast is renowned for Fossil hunting and unearthing treasures from prehistoric times. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has some of the best examples on display and a team of expert volunteers are on site to offer advice and guidance to visitors hoping to find a fossil to take home. At low water, the beach is a hot spot for rock pooling and you may, if you’re lucky, find an array of crabs, fish and other marine life. Next to the car park, the Beach Café serves up a range of light bites to refuel after a busy day exploring.

West Bay

West Bay is the setting of the acclaimed ITV series, Broadchurch and you will recognise many of the programmes landmarks as you take a walk around this much loved fishing village. The shingle beach is lined with domineering cliffs, which makes for a striking backdrop and dramatic views. The small harbour is the ideal location for children to go crabbing whilst sat on the harbour wall, and you can see the fishing boats return after a long day at sea. Fish and chips can be purchased from one of the many kiosks lining the harbour side. Dorset beaches don’t get much better than West Bay!

West Dorset Leisure Holidays

West Dorset Leisure Holidays are a family run group of 5 holiday parks on or near the Jurassic Coast within easy reach of plenty of Dorset Beaches. The parks offer excellent accommodation and facilities and each of them is unique, so you are bound to find one to suit you. Accommodation includes lodges, caravans, glamping and pitches for touring & camping.

Facilities include Martin’s Bar & Restaurant, Highlands End Leisure Club, the Little Fire Station Soft Play and park nature trails. The parks are family friendly, dog friendly and are situated in beautiful coastal and countryside locations with a great range of places to visit and things to do nearby. We have caravan and lodge holiday homes for sale across all 5 parks. Find out more here, or check availability and make a booking.