MANY tourists are expected to flock to Dorset’s biggest and most popular beaches over the next few months as we head into summer.
In a bid to beat the crowds, we have come up with a list of lesser known and likely lesser dense beaches that are worth visiting this year.
Here are some secret beaches you can visit in Dorset.
Ringstead Bay
Located in Ringstead near Osmington Mills, this beach offers not only scenic views across Weymouth Bay to Portland but also a quieter day at the beach.
Tourists park at Ringstead National Trust Car Park and can either take a cliff-top walk above the bay or follow one of the tracks down to the beach.
The beach is overlooked by unspoilt farmland and cliffs and there are also rock pools at the western end and an offshore reef that is uncovered by the tide.
Mupe Bay
Lulworth is home to the scenic Durdle Door, but is also home to a number of beautiful beaches, including Mupe Bay.
Accessible when the Lulworth Range Walks are open, you can walk from West Lulworth church and take the little lane opposite the road down from the church past the shop. A gate to the right leads up onto the down.
Follow the tracks which will bring you to the top of the down, just at the gateway through onto the ranges path and climb down the steps to the beautiful beach.
It might seem like a trek, but the views and scenery at Mupe Bay are worth it.
Worbarrow Bay
This beach near Tyneham is another beach you will have to walk some distance to reach, but it is worth every step when you finally reach it.
Tourists must walk down a near mile track alongside Tyneham Gwyle, from the car park alongside the ghost village of Tyneham.
Sturdy footwear is needed to access the beach and also walk on the beach.
Because the Bay is not that easy to get to, the stunning cove on the Jurassic Coast can be lovely and quiet and a wonderful place to have a picnic or just enjoy being at one with nature.
Worbarrow Bay is only accessible when the Lulworth Ranges are open to the public.
Cogden Beach
Based near Burton Bradstock, this shingle beach occupies the lesser known stretch of the 18-mile Chesil Beach.
Cogden Beach offers dazzling views east towards Portland and west towards the Golden Cap and Lyme Regis on a clear day.
Eype
While people in the West Dorset area are more likely to head to West Bay, the somewhat nearby Eype beach doesn’t get much attention or recognition despite its lovely views.
Pitch up at the Eype House car park or Eype’s Mouth car park and you can walk down to the beach for a quiet day out or to walk your dog.
You can enjoy views of Lyme Regis to the west and West Bay to the east.
Chapman’s Pool
Chapman's Pool can be accessed from the village of Worth Matravers and is a tranquil location for nature lovers who seek a soothing destination with very few other visitors around.
Park in the village car park at Worth Matravers and walk a mile through farmlands and descend down hills for spectacular views.
The cove is formed of rocks that are the upper parts of Kimmeridge clay. The beach is rocky but is perfect for a picnic.
Shipstal Beach
The site is one of a handful of very remote but beautiful sandy beaches within Poole Harbour.
Set in RSPB nature reserve of Arne, it can be accessed via paths and wooden walkways through heathland and ancient woodlands.
The beach is a mixture of sand and shingle and is perfect for a peaceful stroll.
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