Dorset secret beaches

You may have thought that secluded beaches with fine sand, crystal clear water and just the cry of the gulls for company were long gone, but they're not. Tucked away in the nooks and crannies of the Dorset coast are any number of unspoilt hidden gems where you can enjoy a little peace and quiet.

Here at the Beach Guide we have compiled a list of your favourite hidden beaches in Dorset that are just far enough off the beaten track to never get too busy.

Of course escaping the crowds may not be your only reason for visiting these little known spots. Not only are they a little tricky to find and get to, they are also some of the loveliest beaches in Dorset.

• © Jim Champion | BY-SA

  1. Chapman's Pool Beach

  Worth Matravers, Dorset

  Chapman's Pool sits in the lee of St Aldhelm's Head on Dorset's Isle of Purbeck (not an island at all!). Backed by high cliffs this quiet little cove does present something of a challenge to get to. The…

• © Philip Halling | BY-SA

  2. Mupe Bay

  West Lulworth, Dorset

  Just around the corner from Dorset's best-known cove (Lulworth) is the hidden gem that is Mupe Bay.  A crescent of beach with towering white chalk cliffs to one end and the distinctive string of…

• © Chris Downer | BY-SA

  3. Ringstead Bay

  Weymouth, Dorset

  The shingle beach at Ringstead Bay stretches for nearly half a mile (700m) revealing a wide expanse of sand at low tide. The western side of the beach has a number of rock pools and there is also a reef…

• © Roman Grac | BY-SA

  4. Worbarrow Bay

  Tyneham, Dorset

  Worbarrow Bay is situated in the middle of Dorset's Purbeck coast about a mile from the deserted village of Tyneham. This is the closest parking to the beach and you'll have to walk the rest of the way,…

• © Ivan Hall | BY-SA

  5. Church Ope Cove

  Weymouth, Dorset

  Church Ope Cove is located on the Isle of Portland near Weymouth. The beach consists of soft limestone pebbles and is surrounded by cliffs on three sideswhich provide shelter from the often strong breeze…

• © Nigel Mykura | BY-SA

  6. White Nothe Beach

  Wool, Dorset

  White Nothe is an imposing 450 feet (160 m) tall white chalk headland on the edge of Ringstead Bay. At the foot of the western side of the headland is a small, rarely visited beach. Access to the beach…

• © Phil Champion | BY-SA

  7. Shipstal Beach

  Wareham, Dorset

  Set in the lovely setting of the RSPB nature reserve of Arne is Shipstal beach. Despite being within the confines of the busy Poole harbour and a stone's throw from Dorset's most populous town, you may…

• © Janine Forbes | BY-SA

  8. Cogden Beach

  Burton Bradstock, Dorset

  This little-known sand and shingle beach is now owned by the National Trust and comes complete with a members car park. The beach at Cogden is an unusual mix in that it feels remote, is often described…

• © Rob Noble | BY-SA

  9. St Gabriel’s Mouth Beach

  Charmouth, Dorset

  This remote stretch of sand is deep in Jurassic Coast fossil country. St Gabriel’s Mouth can be found below beneath Golden Cap, the highest cliff on the south coast of England.The beach is accessed via…

• © Dinglefoot | BY-SA

  10. Eypemouth Beach

  Bridport, Dorset

  The beach at Eypemouth is a mix of gravel and shingle, although the odd patches of sand are occasionally exposed by the tidal movement. What makes the beach special, are the stunning views of the cliffs…

• © Nigel Mykura | BY-SA

  11. Charlton Undercliff Beach

  Lyme Regis, Dorset

  Set against a backdrop of coastal woodland this private beach has a very remote feel and is often deserted. The beach is owned by the Rousdon Estate which consists of 350 coastal acres of farm, parkland,…

Please note: we would have preferred it if these beaches could have remained secret forever and would like to make it clear that the Beach Guide would never be the first to publish the details of any hidden beach.