Beautiful dog-friendly beaches in Dorset and where to stay

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You and your dog will love the beaches in Dorset. The Jurassic Coast – England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site – spans much of the coastline and is home to a limestone sea arch, Durdle Door, the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks and a four mile stretch of golden coastline at Studland Bay. Not forgetting the quintessentially British beach huts in Bournemouth and its neighbouring bays. Natalie French shares some of the best beaches and where to stay the night…

HENGISTBURY HEAD

Why go? Just 7km from bustling Bournemouth, those in-the-know head to the quieter beach at Hengistbury Head; this unspoilt headland is a doggy haven and welcomes over a million visitors (and their hounds) each year.

Park up in the sizeable sea-facing car park and wander to Hengistbury Head pebble beach, backed by imposing cliffs. Wander along the beach or take the adjacent coastal path to Mudeford Sandspit beach where you’ll be greeted by soft sands and clear waters, lined with pretty beach huts – some of which you can hire for the day or even overnight.

Those with mobility issues can hop on the land train that poodles between the Hiker Café (close to the car park) and Mudeford Beach.

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome all year round and you’ll find regular waste bins and water bowl stations. The Beach House Café even sells doggy donuts from their beach bar. Leads are required in the nature reserve – home to 300 types of birds, adders, skylarks, sand-lizards and natterjack toads (one of Britain’s rarest creatures) - to protect the wildlife.

Peach Hut (NO. 160), Mudeford Sandbank

Where to sleep: Peach Hut (NO. 160), Mudeford Sandbank

Yes, you can stay overnight in a beach hut! Comfortably sleeping 5 people – and a well-behaved pet – The Peach Hut enjoys a double aspect view overlooking both the harbour and the sea. Take to the veranda to soak in the sunset over Christchurch Harbour with your four-legged friend.

Captains Club Hotel, Christchurch

Prefer a hotel? Book one of the 12 rooms at The Captain’s Club Hotel in Christchurch.

This contemporary 4-star hotel is all floor-to-ceiling windows to make the most of those river views. The hotel has its own resident dog, Willow, so naturally your four-legged friends are welcome too (for a small fee). Along with the usual dog bed and water bowls, there’s even a dog menu featuring everything from bar snacks to full blown doggy roast dinners!

DURDLE DOOR

Why go? It may have a funny-sounding name, but Durdle Door features on many a bucket list and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Dorset. Located on the Lulworth Estate, the iconic limestone arch forms part of the Jurassic coastline which was designated England’s first Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 – holding its own alongside Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and America’s Grand Canyon - due to its international geological importance.

Park in Lulworth Cove car park and follow the path over the hill; you’ll find the pebble and shingle Durdle Beach on your right. To the left, you’ll find Man O’ War beach - a sweeping stretch of sand protected by dramatic cliffs - accessible by a steep footpath, it’s certainly worth the schlep.

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome all year round and there are also plenty of wonderful walks on the South West Coast Path. You’ll find plenty of dog-friendly cafes and pubs close by too.

Kiddles House, Piddletrenthide

Where to sleep: Rest your head at this delightful self-catering holiday home in the village of Piddletrenthide – complete with two pubs and a village shop. Big enough for the whole family, the house sleeps eight in four bedrooms; two well-behaved dogs can stay, too, for a small additional charge. The large kitchen, family TV and games room, open-plan living room with wood burning stove and a pretty garden should keep everyone happy.

HIGHCLIFFE BEACH

Why go? Located between Christchurch and Highcliffe-on-Sea, Highcliffe is the most easterly beach in Dorset - rubbing shoulders with neighbouring Hampshire. Park in the cliff-top car park, grab a coffee (or ice cream) at Cliffhanger Restaurant’s kiosk, affectionately known as Little Hanger, and stroll down to the shingle and sand Blue Flag beach set against tree-lined cliffs.

The views out to the Isle of Wight and the Needles make it popular with both tourists and dog walkers, while a series of breakwaters means you’re likely to see swimmers, surfers and body boarders living their best life.

Dog friendly: Highcliffe is dog-friendly all year round but do keep your woofer on a lead on the zigzag slope, gravel promenade and cliff paths; avoid groynes H8 & H11 from 1st May – 30th September.

The Cliff House Hotel, Barton-on-Sea

Where to sleep: The Cliff House Hotel, Barton-On-Sea

Rest your heads at this independent restaurant/bar with rooms, set on a cliff top in Barton on Sea. Panoramic Solent views come as standard here and the six rooms – named Dover, Wight, Portland, Plymouth, Thames and Biscay - give a nod to its seaside location. The latter, conveniently located on the ground floor, is dog friendly.

KNOLL BEACH – STUDLAND

Why go? Why wouldn’t you? Studland Bay in an unspoilt beauty. You’ll find Knoll Beach wedged between Shell Bay and Middle Beach; this four-mile stretch of golden sands, backed by dunes and with views out over the English Channel takes some beating. Park in the National Trust car park and stroll a short distance and you’ll have you’ll have sand between your toes. If you fancy more of a blow-away-the-cobwebs trek, take the coastal stroll to Old Harry Rocks.

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome at Studland Bay all year round, just make sure you keep your furry friend on a lead (of less than 2 metres) between 1 May – 30th September. You’ll find fresh water bowls, dog bins and outside dining options at Knoll Beach Cafe.

The Antelope Inn, Poole

Where to sleep: A quick jaunt on chain ferry from Studland to Sandbanks and you’ll find The Antelope on Poole Harbour quay. This dog friendly hotel has a 500-year history and still retains some of the original 15th century features; rooms are comfy and come with complimentary Wi-Fi. Dogs are allowed in the pub too, so you can feast on a fish & chip supper with your best friend at your feet.

CHESIL BEACH

Why go? This 18-mile-long shingle ridge stretches from West Bay to Portland often tops the charts of Dorset’s iconic landmarks. Forget stripy deckchairs and beach huts; Chesil Beach is wild and rugged with pounding waves and potato-sized pebbles in parts.

It’s also home to Fleet Lagoon, a long shallow stretch of water and England’s largest lagoon at 480 hectares, home to the mute swan colony at Abbotsbury. The beach is also a mecca for fishing, with anglers lining the banks during the summer months in the hope of catching a mackerel supper.

Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome all year with miles to explore; do keep dogs away from nesting birds and mudflats.

Feather Down East Shilvinghampton Farm, Weymouth

Where to sleep: Feather Down East Shilvinghampton Farm

When you’re all suitable exhausted from all that sea air, retreat to this dog-friendly working farm, which has been a part of the Bartlett family for over 80 years. Stay in one of the nine canvas hideaways where your only neighbours are cows, goats and hens. Children can explore and roam free; don’t miss walking the resident alpacas (for a small fee).