coast TRAVEL
Whether you want cliff-top camping or a stylish stay in a top hotel, Dorset has an incredible range of beaches to visit
1. BEST FOR: A TASTE OF THE HIGH LIFE SANDBANKS
Why here? Sandbanks has kept its Blue Flag for over 35 years – more than any other beach in the country. Soak up the sun on this well-heeled peninsula and make the most of your salubrious, sandy surrounds – think Dorset oysters with a cold glass of white at Rick Stein’s beachside restaurant or coffee and home-made scones from the Sandbanks Beach Café. If three miles of golden sands feels too indulgent, try your hand at canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding or power-boating from Poole Harbour or, for something a little more zen, book into The Saltwater Sauna boasting views to sea.
Facilities: Showers, kiosks and toilets with disabled access are all on site and the peninsula runs a well-oiled Park & Ride system using Morebus Service 60. The beach is patrolled by RNLI lifeguards until late September.
Where to stay: Boasting its own private path to the prom and sands, Beach Side is an airy contemporary, four-bedroomed beach house perched just above the sea. Prices for a week’s stay here start from £1,499, based on eight sharing (toadhallcottages.co.uk).
2. BEST FOR: SEASIDE LUNCHES EAST BEACH, WEST BAY
Why here? Right next to West Bay’s towering, caramel-coloured cliffs with views stretching out to Golden Cap, Watch House Café is becoming as embedded into the Jurassic landscape as the millennia-old fossils that surround it. Grab a seat on the outside deck and feast on Keralan fish curry, seafood linguine or a classic crab sandwich with a chilled glass of your favourite tipple. Bottomless brunch features pastas, wood-fired pizzas and a menu of freshlyshaken cocktails, and guests can retreat to the new heated patio when the temperatures drop. Sister venue to The Hive Beach Café in Burton Bradstock and The Club House at West Bexington, this restaurant prides itself on serving up delicious fare using fresh, sustainable and locally-sourced ingredients (watchhousecafe.co.uk). Facilities: Parking, toilets and RNLI patrol in high season.
Where to stay: Just a two-minute walk from the beach in West Bay, Tern Cottage is a cosy, twobedroomed hideaway that comes with its own private garden. Prices for a week’s stay start from £483 (sykescottages.co.uk).
3. BEST FOR: SEASONED SEA SWIMMERS DANCING LEDGE
Why here? If you’re up for a challenging walk followed by a scramble down sheer rock, an exhilarating sea swim awaits in one of Dorset’s best wild swimming spots – Dancing Ledge.
