Cottages by a sandy beach in Dorset

Dorset’s diverse coastline throws up some super spots for the holiday essentials: sun, sand and sea.

For a holiday cottage in a buzzing town next to golden sands look no further than Weymouth or Swanage. Both locales are famed for their crystal clear waters, perfect for paddling and swimming – as well as the quality of their beaches for sand-castle building!

For a day out from your cottage, try the four miles of fine sand at Studland Beach and nature reserve. Sandy beaches stretch continuously for 4 miles from South Haven Point to the chalk cliffs of Handfast Point and the iconic, must-see, Old Harry Rocks.

To the west, the jaw-dropping cliffs at West Bay line a lovely sandy / shingle beach and are a great destination for a beach day-trip. The traditional seaside town of Lyme Regis has family-friendly attractions as well as beach side amenities: ideal for a self-catering holiday by the sea. Keep your eyes peeled, as this pretty town’s beach holds hidden treasure in the form of fossils.

As well as the simple delights of playing and relaxing on the county’s beaches on your short break, a cottage near a sandy beach in Dorset affords you access to more vigorous pursuits on the water itself. Try your hand at kayaking around some of the county’s famed coastal formations like Durdle Door. Or, if you’d like someone else to do the lion’s share of the hard work, a boat trip from one of the county’s many harbours offers holiday-makers a unique perspective on this impressive coastline.