A safe, sandy beach with all the facilities nearby is beautiful to parents looking to relax as their children play. A windswept hilltop can be beautiful when you’re looking for drama or simply to clear out some cobwebs from your mind.
A cosy gently sloping meadow dotted with wildflowers, with a backdrop of sea views, can be a beautiful place for a picnic lunch.
Here is our pick of the most beautiful spots in Dorset. Do you agree, or is your favourite not on the list?
Durdle Door
A natural limestone arch on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is a gem in the crown of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This natural wonder on the Dorset coast is hugely popular, and justifiably so. The towering, dramatic rock arch juts out into the turquoise sea, to give a unique backdrop for a day on the beach.
It’s a place where you can swim, sunbathe, and explore. The rock arch is part of a wider landscape of dramatic natural scenery, making a visit to this section of Dorset coast a truly unforgettable experience.
Corfe Castle
The stones of the castle and the small village clustered nearby are rich with history and intrigue. A once-impregnable fortress, its crazily-angled walls and crumpled ramparts tell a story of devotion, bravery and treachery during the English Civil War.
The high castle viewpoints lay the charming village of Corfe out before you. The occasional chuffing of a passing steam train further evokes the sense of being somewhere that time didn’t quite forget, but may have overlooked for a while.
Corfe Castle captivates visitors from all over the world.
Lulworth Cove
Part of the same stretch of coast as Durdle Door, the picture-perfect Lulworth Cove delivers an idyllic beach day out. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the gently curving beach, go rockpooling, or simply soak up the sun.
Sit back and watch boats sail in and out of the cove, or take a guided tour to learn more about the area’s fascinating geology and history. Don’t miss the nearby Lulworth Crumple or the locally-produced ice creams
Studland Bay
With its long stretches of golden sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views, Studland Bay delivers an idyllic beach experience.
Swim, sunbathe, go kayaking or paddleboarding, or simply stroll along the unspoiled sands, taking in the scenery. The long beach is backed by grassy sand dunes and low cliffs. Views from the beach include the towering white stack of Old Harry Rocks, Poole Bay and the distant Isle of Wight.
The heathland at Studland is home to rare birds, plants and all six species of reptiles native to Britain.
Golden Cap
The highest point on the south coast of England, Gold Cap delivers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and the Jurassic Coast.
Coastal panoramas don’t come much better than this. The summit of Golden Cap offers exceptional views in all directions, along the coast and inland across Dorset.
Popular with walkers, it’s a landmark spot on the South West Coast Path, the 630-mile National Trail that begins not that far away, near Poole. If you love drinking in spectacular views, Golden Cap is not to be missed during your visit to Dorset.
Lyme Regis
You can’t miss the Cobb, the famously massive harbour wall that protects the boats in Lyme Regis. It’s just part of the historic architecture that sets Lyme apart from the other seaside towns on the south coast.
Part of the charm of Lyme Regis is the connection with author Jane Austen and the fossilist Mary Anning. Their connection with the town, along with its attractive Georgian houses, help to set the style for which this little town has become famous.
Poole Harbour
This sprawling natural harbour is home to vibrant communities of wildlife, both above and below the waterline. During your visit you may get to see dolphins, seals, a wide range of seabirds, and perhaps a few red squirrels, if you venture out to Brownsea Island.
The harbour has over one hundred miles of coastline, including many beaches, both on the mainland and on its various islands.
Poole Harbour is just one more of the stunning destinations that Dorset has to offer.