Beaches in Dorset

Dorset truly is a rambler’s dream. After all, it makes up part of the South West Coast Path, a perennial favourite with the hiking boot crowd, having been voted 'Britain's Best Walking route' twice in a row by readers of The Ramblers' Walk magazine. And the Dorset section of this epic 630-mile trail has so much to offer. You’ll meet dramatic seascapes at every turn. You’ll navigate a varied landscape of cliff tops, lagoons, and hamlets, all with gorgeous views over the sea. It’s quite a storied route too. 

Being on the Jurassic Coast, you’ll be walking on rock formations that date all the way back to the Triassic period. You’ll also be treated to an array of historic forts, castles, and old fishing villages. If nature is your thing, then Dorset is home to a whole host of different species of fauna, some of which are so rare that they can't be found anywhere else. So, get your boots on - you’re in for a treat! 

The town of Weymouth’s history as a popular seaside resort dates back a long way and holidaymakers have been flocking to this corner of Dorset since before the reign of Queen Victoria. The sheltered, shallow waters of its golden sandy beach are ideal for a leisurely swim. These qualities have been recognised by the travel titan TripAdvisor, naming Weymouth Beach in the top 25 beaches in Europe in its 2022 Traveller's Choice Awards. 

Dorset is a history nut’s dream. Strategically located as it is, the county has some of the finest castles and forts in the country, many of which sit right on the coast. In fact, there are three castles within walking distance of our Littlesea holiday park alone. While Sandsfoot and Rufus castles have since fallen into ruin, the remains are still rather striking, and it’s easy to imagine the majesty they once exuded. Portland Castle, on the other hand, has been well maintained. Built in the early 1540s to protect against French and Spanish invasion, it’s one of Henry VIII's finest coastal forts. Visit to enjoy sea views, explore the Tudor kitchen and heritage garden, and get refreshed at the tea rooms. 

If dinosaurs are your things, then you’ll want to explore the Jurassic Coast. Erosion on the coastal cliffs has exposed rock formation from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods - that’s up to 252 million years ago! The area has changed a lot over the last couple of million years. You’ll never guess by looking at it, but this area was once a desert, and then a shallow tropical sea and then a marsh. Quite a set of transformations. And because of all this change, it’s been home to quite a variety of prehistoric creatures. Why not go on a fossil hunt and see if you can find the ultimate souvenir for your Haven holiday. 

Not content with just lazing on the beaches in Dorset? Well, there are activities ahoy to keep you occupied on the Dorset coast too. Why not try your hand at sailing a classic gaff rigged cutter, the Tallship Moonfleet. Setting out from Portland, you’ll have the chance to learn how to catch the wind and take a tall-ship to sea. If you’re up for it, the crew will train you in a whole host of nautical activities, from weighing anchor to hoisting the mainsail. Or you can just sit back and enjoy the ride - it’s up to you. 

If you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, why not learn to kitesurf? Or, if you want something a little more grounded, ride the waves on a jet ski. For a more relaxed activity you could always rent yourself a paddle board or join a kayaking group and enjoy the beautiful landscape of Dorset from the sea.