Dorset is the ideal holiday destination for visitors with dogs. Spend your days exploring miles upon miles of unspoilt coastline and countryside with your four-legged friend in tow. We’re extremely fortunate to have a number of dog-friendly beaches within easy reach of our caravan and camping park in Swanage. Many are dog-friendly all year round.
Here we share just some of our favourite dog friendly beaches in Dorset. Take your dog for a paddle or game of fetch on the sand before returning to our dog-friendly caravan park for a well-deserved snooze!
Swanage Beach
Swanage Beach is our closest beach and just 20 minutes’ walk from the park. It has won multiple awards for its water clarity and has plenty of family friendly facilities to keep little ones entertained. Dogs are welcome on central Swanage beach between 1st October – 30th April each year. Outside of this time, visitors with dogs should use nearby ‘Monkey Beach’, which is situated by the Stone Quay next to the pier.
Dog restrictions: Restrictions in place 1st October – 30th April. Monkey Beach dog friendly year round
Facilities: Food kiosks, toilets, beach huts, ice cream, fish and chips
Parking: Pay and display car parks close-by
Durdle Door & Man O’War
Durdle Door is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Dorset. Each year thousands of visitors’ flock to this section of the Jurassic Coast to photograph the world-renowned limestone arch. The beach is incredibly picturesque with turquoise water and idyllic views towards the Isle of Portland in the distance.
Both the beaches here are restriction free and welcome dogs year-round. The walk down to the beach from the carpark is steep and has plenty of steps to descend, so it may not be suitable for older dogs. Dogs should be kept on a lead as the path runs parallel to a steep cliff. In the summer this beach gets incredibly busy, which is worth bearing in mind if your dog gets easily overwhelmed.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions – dogs welcome all year
Facilities: No facilities on the beach. There is often a small kiosk at the top of the hill serving drinks
Parking: Pay and display car park at Lulworth Holiday Park or Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is around half an hour walk from Durdle Door. This horseshoe shaped beach is geologically interesting and popular with families thanks to the wealth of facilities on offer. Like neighbouring beaches, dogs are welcome year-round. The sheltered waters are great for swimming and splashing in the waves.
For the most part, Lulworth is a shingle beach. There are a number of rockpools at the western end that are exposed at low tide.Behind the beach there are plenty of scenic dog walks to enjoy. You can follow the public footpath to Fossil Forest and onto Mupe Bay, or continue along the South West Coast Path.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions – dogs welcome all year
Facilities: Toilets, cafes, pubs & restaurants, visitor centre, gift shops, ice cream shop
Parking: Pay and display car park a short walk from the beach
Ringstead Bay
Ringstead Bay is a shingle beach, that is popular with local families. It’s relatively secluded and accessed via a scenic single-track road which leads to a small car park with a shop and snack hut. From the beach there are spectacular views over Weymouth Bay and along the Jurassic Coastline. It’s a favourite among kayakers, stand up paddleboarders and snorkelers thanks to the crystal-clear waters and gentle waves.
This quiet beach is dog friendly year-round and there are wonderful walks that can be incorporated into your trip. One of our favourites takes you to Osmington Mills where you can stop for a bite to eat and well-earned drink at the Smugglers Inn.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions – dogs welcome all year
Facilities: Toilets, cafe
Parking: Pay and display car park. Free parking for National Trust members in a separate car park, 20 minutes’ walk from the beach
Studland Bay
Studland is within walking distance of Ulwell Holiday Park, making it a popular choice among our guests. It is dog friendly year-round, however dogs must be kept on a 2m lead between 1st May and 30th September each year. Outside of this time frame dogs can play off lead.
The beach features a wide expanse of golden sand, which is backed by sand dunes and heathland. There are water bowls available at Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach and dogs are welcome in the outdoor seating area at the National Trusts Knoll Beach Café. From the beach you can walk to Old Harry Rocks.
Dog restrictions: Dogs on lead 1st May – 30th September
Facilities: Toilets, café, watersports hire and lessons
Parking: Pay and display car park. Free parking for National Trust members
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge is slightly different to the other dog-friendly beaches on this list. It features shelves of rocks and hundreds of rockpools jutting out from the sea. There are toilets and a really interesting visitor centre, which is also dog friendly. Dogs are welcome all year and can be let off the lead.
We think Kimmeridge is one of the best places to go Fossil Hunting along the Jurassic Coast – although please familiarise yourself with best practice before you visit. The water clarity makes it great for snorkelling and there is marked trail to follow. In recent years it has earned a reputation as a good surfing spot.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions – dogs welcome all year
Facilities: Toilets, visitor centre
Parking: Pay to access toll road to the beach
Worbarrow Bay
Worbarrow Bay is one of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in the Isle of Purbeck. It is situated at the bottom of a 1-mile track, which cuts through ministry of defence training ground. At the start of the walk you will pass through Tyneham Village. This village was abandoned during the Second World War and remains largely untouched and open for visitors to wander round.
The shingle beach is dog friendly year-round. It’s far less busy than other beaches along the Jurassic Coast but equally as beautiful. There are no facilities, so we recommend bringing a picnic and activities to keep everyone entertained.
Dog restrictions: No restrictions – dogs welcome all year
Facilities: Toilets
Parking: Pay and display carpark – donations only
When visiting beaches across Dorset we respectfully remind you to pick up after your dog. It’s really important that we work together to protect the natural landscape and ensure it is clean and tidy for everyone to enjoy.
Ulwell Holiday Park is a dog friendly camping and caravan park on the outskirts of Swanage. There are a range of dog friendly accommodation options to choose from, including dog friendly holiday homes and camping and touring pitches.
Our onsite restaurant, the Village Inn has a dog-friendly area so you can dine with your canine companion. We also stock a range of doggy essentials in our shop.
