Thankfully there are a few options for those with this criteria in mind, with beaches that combine smaller numbers of people with picturesque views. If you're planning your next trip to the beach in Dorset here are five of the best secluded ones to visit. Worbarrow Bay is definitely one to keep in mind if you want a quieter beach experience, thanks to the unusual way it is accessed.
The only way to get to it is a short walk from the village of Tyneham which takes about 20 minutes. Worbarrow Bay, Tyneham village and the Lulworth Ranges are managed by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which uses it as an Army training ground. For operational and safety reasons, access to the area is restricted to specific times, however, they are open most weekends and school holidays, states.
Exact times can be found on the , which ensures when the beach is open it doesn't tend to attract too many visitors. Due to these restrictions, it doesn't have any toilet facilities or lifeguards on hand but it is an ideal spot for a dip in the sea and some sunbathing. Located not too far away from West Bay, Eype Beach is "less well-known" than most other spots on the South West Coast Path, states.
The shingle beach sits beneath the Golden Cap and is described as "a haven for dog walkers" as they are allowed on all year round. Due to it being a shelving beach, it can be quite steep for people entering the water, so caution is advised and only strong swimmers are recommended to go out there. Overall, it is said to be a "fantastic picnic location" as well as providing "wonderful conditions for fossil hunting".
Chapman's Pool Beach can be found close to the village of Worth Matravers and is definitely one of the more isolated beaches in Dorset. It lies in the lee of St Aldhelm’s Head which is the most southerly point on the peninsula. People who want to make their way onto the shingle beach need to navigate a rocky path which is somewhat challenging.
Once you're actually on the beach you can enjoy its calm and crystal clear waters for a relaxing day out. Mupe Bay is another place that requires a bit of a scramble down a cliff path to reach but is definitely worth it if you want a quieter beach day. At high tide the beach is mainly rocks and shingle but once it drops away a good expanse of sand is revealed.
adds: "To get to Mupe Bay involves some degree of walking and a bit of a climb/scrabble down the cliff path. "Perhaps the most direct route is to park up by the church in Lulworth village, but you can walk around the coast from Lulworth Cove (around 2 miles)." Like with Worbarrow Bay you'll be crossing Ministry of Defence land to access it so remember to check its opening times.
Found near Burton Bradstock, Cogden Beach is a fairly secluded beach which is certainly a lot easier to get to than some on this list. The sand and shingle beach is now owned by the National Trust and comes complete with a member's car park, . They add: "What you won’t find at Cogden are facilities, but this seems a fair trade for a bit of peace in this beautiful rural setting.
" Like with Eype Beach, this is a steep shelving beach so people will need to be careful when entering the water as there is a strong under-tow. Car parking is free for National Trust members with direct access to the beach via a footpath across a field..
