Dog-Friendly Dorset Coast

The Dorset coast delivers some of England's most dramatic scenery - from the Jurassic Coast's fossil cliffs to the iconic arch of Durdle Door. This varied coastline offers everything from busy resort beaches to quiet coves, with excellent dog-friendly walking throughout. Proper beach planning makes this stunning coast accessible year-round.

This guide provides detailed Dorset coverage, complementing our Jurassic Coast guide which covers the wider UNESCO World Heritage coastline.

Dorset Coast Overview

The Coastline

Geography:

• Part of Jurassic Coast (UNESCO)
• Dramatic cliff formations
• Varied beaches
• Iconic landmarks
• Excellent coastal path

Character:

• Dramatic geology
• Tourist hotspots and quiet coves
• Fossil heritage
• Traditional and trendy areas
• Outstanding walking

Why Dogs Love It

• Varied beaches
• Excellent coastal walking
• Year-round options
• Space on quieter beaches
• Swimming opportunities

Beach Guide

Year-Round Dog Beaches

Beaches with Good Dog Access:

Charmouth: Fossil hunting beach. Dogs welcome year-round on most sections. Heritage Centre. Excellent.

Seatown: Quiet beach with pub on beach. Dogs welcome. Good walking.

Eype: Quiet beach accessed by walk. Dogs welcome. Dramatic cliffs.

Ringstead Bay: Quieter beach. Dogs welcome. Less visited.

Kimmeridge Bay: Rock pools. Interesting geology. Dogs welcome. Wild swimming.

Studland (Shell Bay): Northern section. Dogs welcome year-round.

Beaches with Seasonal Restrictions

Check Before Visiting:

Lyme Regis: Main beach and Cobb area have restrictions. Check locally.

West Bay: Some seasonal restrictions on main beach.

Weymouth: Main beach has summer restrictions. Other sections available.

Swanage: Main beach restrictions in summer.

Studland (Middle/South Beach): Summer restrictions on popular sections.

Lulworth Cove: Very small beach. Check restrictions and crowding.

Strategy

Year-Round Freedom: Focus on year-round beaches (Charmouth, Seatown, Eype, Ringstead, Kimmeridge) for unrestricted access.

Restricted Beaches: Visit early morning or evening during restrictions. Or off-season.

See our Beach Holidays guide.

Iconic Landmarks

Durdle Door

Natural Limestone Arch: Possibly England's most photographed coastal feature.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome on cliff path. Beach access via steep steps. Dogs can visit.

Tips:

• Steep descent
• Very popular (arrive early)
• Not suitable for dogs with mobility issues
• Outstanding photography

Lulworth Cove

Perfect Circular Bay: Geology textbook example. Pretty but busy.

Dog Access: Beach may have restrictions - check locally. Cliff path walking good.

Reality: Small beach. Very crowded in summer. Worth seeing but manage expectations with dogs.

Old Harry Rocks

Chalk Stacks: Eastern end of Jurassic Coast. Dramatic white chalk.

Dog Access: Cliff path walk from Studland. Dogs welcome on path.

Golden Cap

Highest Point: Highest sea cliff on south coast (191m). National Trust.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome. Various walking routes. Outstanding views.

Coastal Walking

South West Coast Path

Through Dorset: Excellent sections of this famous long-distance path.

Dog-Friendly: Outstanding throughout (lead near livestock and cliffs).

Best Walking Sections

Recommended Day Walks:

Lyme Regis to Charmouth Undercliff: Atmospheric wooded undercliff. About 3 miles.

Seatown to Golden Cap: Climb to highest point. About 4 miles circuit. Outstanding.

Lulworth to Durdle Door: Iconic. Short but stunning. About 1 mile each way.

Kimmeridge to Chapman's Pool: Quieter section. Beautiful. About 4 miles.

Old Harry Rocks from Studland: Cliff walk. Dramatic chalk. About 4 miles return.

For more walking options, see our Long Distance Trails guide.

Key Areas

West Dorset

Lyme Regis: Fossil capital. The Cobb. Attractive town. Beach restrictions apply.

Charmouth: Fossil hunting beach. Less touristy. Dog-friendly.

West Bay: Broadchurch cliffs. Dramatic. Harbour.

Seatown: Quiet beach. Anchor Inn on beach. Golden Cap access.

Purbeck

Lulworth Area: Iconic landmarks. Very popular. Durdle Door and Cove.

Kimmeridge: Quieter. Rock pools. Wild character.

Swanage: Victorian resort. Sandy beach (restrictions). Steam railway.

Studland: National Trust. Various beaches. Ferry to Sandbanks.

Worth Matravers: Inland village. Coastal access. Quieter base.

Weymouth and Portland

Weymouth: Traditional resort. Main beach restricted. Other areas available.

Portland: Island peninsula. Different character. Dramatic.

Chesil Beach: Unique shingle bank. 18 miles. Different walking experience.

Accommodation

Where to Stay

West Dorset (Lyme Regis area): Fossil coast access. Character towns.

Purbeck: Iconic landmarks. Varied beaches.

Quieter Bases: Worth Matravers, Kimmeridge area, inland villages.

For cottage options and booking advice.

Accommodation Types

Cottages: Good selection throughout. Self-catering flexibility.

Camping: Various sites along coast. See our Camping guide.

Pubs with Rooms: Character options. See our Pubs with Rooms guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Highlights:

• Beach weather
• Full facilities
• Long days

Challenges:

• Busy
• Beach restrictions
• Book ahead
• Popular spots crowded

See our Summer guide.

Winter

Highlights:

• Fewer restrictions
• Quiet beaches
• Dramatic weather
• Fossil hunting (storms reveal)

Challenges:

• Some facilities closed
• Weather exposure
• Shorter days

See our Winter guide.

Spring/Autumn

Often ideal. Good weather possible. Fewer restrictions. Quieter.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Coastal Pubs

Notable Options:

The Anchor, Seatown: Literally on beach. Classic. Very dog-friendly.

Various Lyme Regis: Town options with character.

Purbeck Pubs: Square and Compass (Worth Matravers) - famous, characterful.

Character: Traditional coastal pubs. Dog-welcoming. Fresh seafood often.

See our Pub Walks guide and Pub Etiquette guide.

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car:

• A35 from east or west
• A352 to Purbeck
• Various routes

By Train: Weymouth, Dorchester, Poole (nearby).

Fossil Hunting

Dog-Friendly Activity: Charmouth beach excellent. Collect from beach, not cliffs.

Safety: Don't approach cliffs. Check tides. Watch dog near rocks.

Combining with Other Areas

Nearby Options

Devon: Continue west to Devon coast and Jurassic Coast.

New Forest: Northeast for forest walking.

Somerset: North for different character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dorset coast dog-friendly?

Yes - excellent walking, many year-round beaches. Some popular beaches have summer restrictions.

Best beach for dogs in Dorset?

Charmouth for year-round access and fossil hunting. Seatown for quiet character. Kimmeridge for rock pools.

Can dogs go to Durdle Door?

Yes, on cliff path and beach (steep steps down).

What about summer restrictions?

Affect some popular beaches. Many year-round options available. Plan around restrictions.

Best time to visit?

Spring/autumn for fewer restrictions and good weather. Summer for beach weather but restrictions. Winter for drama and freedom.

Is the coastal path dog-friendly?

Excellent for dogs throughout.

Dramatic Dorset Awaits

The Dorset coast delivers drama, variety, and excellent dog-friendly walking. From fossil beaches to iconic arches, this coastline rewards exploration. Plan around restrictions and discover why this coast is so loved.

Luke explores the Dorset coast with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that Charmouth's fossils, Golden Cap's views, and Seatown's pub create memorable adventures.