DORSET’S beaches are beautiful all year round.
Whether you’re enjoying a bracing walk and a hot cup of tea in winter or lounging on towel in the summer, there’s something lovely about having the beach on our doorstep.
Everyone has their favourite stretch of sand, and each beach offers something slightly different.
Earlier this year, lifestyle website Muddy Stilettos rounded up the best beaches in Dorset, Cornwall, Devon, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Here are the beaches recommended in Dorset.
Bournemouth
Sunny Bournemouth is a must-visit for everyone at least once in their lives.
Bournemouth is ranked as the best beach for a "bucket and spade family holiday".
Muddy Stilettos said: “Seven miles of golden sands with five Blue Flag beaches: Alum Chine (near the Tropical Gardens and pirate playground), Durley Chine (a trad pub and cafe on the prom), the quieter Fisherman’s Walk and Manor Steps (near Boscombe) and Southbourne (especially good for young families) – and its own micro climate.”
In terms of food, it recommended West Beach for seafood with Picnic Park Deli praised for its brunches, coffee, cocktails and live music.
For those looking for activities, it suggested the pier to shore zip wire, RockReef, the Big Wheel, Oceanarium and Russell-Cotes.
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Lyme Regis
Calling all dinosaur hunters.
For those wanting to follow in Mary Anning's footsteps, Muddy Stilletos says "you might find fool’s gold (iron pyrites), ammonites and bullet-shaped belemnites in the rook pools and the shingle at Lyme Regis, especially on Monmouth Beach".
It ranks the beach as the best for fossil hunting.
For hungry visitors, it recommends Mark Hix’s Oyster & Fish House or a pub lunch at The Pilot Boat. Or tuck into Asian street food at Red Panda and vegetarian Tierra Kitchen in the roads behind the seafront.
It adds: "Search for fossils, on your own or on a guided fossil walk with an expert from the Lyme Regis Museum. Walk along The Cobb, an old stone harbour made famous by Meryl Streep in The French Lieutenant’s Woman."
In the summer months, enjoy paddleboarding with Jurassic SUP & Fitness, zip round the bay on a RIB with Lyme Rib Rides or catch some mackerel on a boat trip with Harry May.
Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach is described as the "best for getting away from it all".
Speaking of the beach, Muddy Stilletos says: "No beach huts, sandcastles or kiss me quick hats at this iconic landmark, just a vast sweep of some 180 billion pebbles, running 18 miles from West Bay near Bridport (where the pebbles are pea-sized) all the way to Weymouth (where they’re the size of your fist). "
For meals, it suggests The Hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock for breakfast, lunch at The Club House at West Bexington on Chesil Beach, afternoon tea at the Moonfleet Manor Hotel and supper at the Crab House Cafe near Weymouth.
In terms of activities, the website says to walk, visit the swans at Abbotsbury Swannery, take your fishing gear to catch mackerel from the shore and read On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan.
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Studland Bay
Think of Studland and you'll probably think of the nudist beach.
Yes it's popular with naturists but it's also a a hit with those who like to keep their clothes on.
Deemed as "best for a totally all over tan", it is a beach for everbody offering "four miles of gorgeous, gently shelved, sandy beaches on the Studland peninsula stretching from chalk sea stacks Old Harry Rocks near Swanage to Shell Bay."
In the summer, it offers activities galore from kayaking to paddleboarding and more.
To eat and drink, Muddy Stilletos suggests coffee, snacks and ice cream at Knoll Beach, a pub lunch at The Bankes Arms, beer from Purbeck Brewery and cocktails at Pig on the Beach.
Mudeford Sandbank
Mudeford Sandbank is one of the most exclusive beaches in Dorset.
It is well known for its pricey beach huts which cost more than the average house these days.
Muddy Stilettos says: "A sand spit creating a natural barrier between Christchurch harbour and made up of beach after golden beach, separated by breakwaters."
It adds: "On the harbour side, all the usual water sports. On the beach side, building sandcastles and swimming in the sea. Explore the Hengistbury Head nature reserve."
It suggests Beach House Cafe for takeaway breakfasts, salads, paninis, burgers from the beachside Beach House Cafe and The Hiker Cafe at the other end at Hengistbury Head.
The Jetty comes recommended for drinks, seafood and stunning views.
See the full article on the Muddy Stilettos website at the link below https://muddystilettos.co.uk/travel/best-beach-restaurants-cornwall-devon-hampshire-isle-of-wight-dorset
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