The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Dorset

The Seaside Boarding House

Dorset, in south-west England, has a stunning coastline offering golden sands, the majestic ‘Jurassic Coast’ - a World Heritage Site of chalk cliffs and fossil-packed beaches - plus pretty bays, as well as seas for watersports. Choosing a Dorset coastal hotel ensures you’ll be next to this remarkable natural beauty. Some hotels give sweeping views, other Dorset hotels are close to the beach while others are tucked away from the crowds. Use our guide to the best beach hotels in Dorset and start to plan your visit.

Family Friendly beach hotels

  • Offering spectacular views over Lyme Bay and Cobb Harbour, the clifftop Alexandra Hotel is a family-friendly hotel in Lyme Regis. Rooms are stylish but relaxed and the garden leads down to the beach.
  • Equally spectacular is the setting of Moonfleet Manor which overlooks Chesil Beach. This former stately home has been cleverly modernised with a mix of traditional and contemporary styling, and has both a spa and children’s activities.

For a stunning view

Seaside Boarding House

  • Between Lyme Bay and Chesil Beach, the Seaside Boarding House is a chic, white clapboard affair with a touch of Cape Cod to its styling. There are just nine rooms with a mix of vintage and upcycled marine salvage, all with full or partial sea views. The South West Coast Path is on the doorstep.

Town centre beach hotels

Dorset House

  • Equally smart and chic is Dorset House in Lyme Regis. This B&B offers just five rooms in cool shades and with stripped floorboards; some with sea-views. There’s also an honesty bar.
  • As the name suggest, Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa sits right on the harbour and has recreated the seaside hotel in sophisticated style with chic bedrooms, a glamorous bar plus spa with sauna and crystal steam room.

Beach hotels for a quiet getaway

The Castle Inn

  • For perfect peace, it would be hard to beat Lulworth House in postcard-pretty West Lulworth. With just two rooms, and tucked in sub-tropical gardens, it’s both charming and relaxing – as are the hosts. Rooms are light and airy; opt for the suite with French doors to the garden.
  • Two other places worth checking in West Lulworth - a village just a 10-minute stroll from the coast and the stunning Lulworth Cove - are Limestone Hotel and the Castle Inn. The former feels peaceful and private (just 10 rooms) and has a fresh, chic but understated styling, plus a well-regarded restaurant.
  • If you prefer more pub-style accommodation, the 16th-century Castle Inn has idyllic looks, with its thatched roof, white-washed walls and picket fence. Rooms are cosy with exposed stone walls, beams and a light contemporary style plus there’s a small beer garden with lovely views.

Still not sure which to book?

The 10 Best Beach Hotels in Dorset

Alexandra Hotel
Alexandra Hotel

Dorset (Dorset)

Panoramic views over the ocean and the harbour from this cliff top boutique hotel. Luxurious bedrooms, gourmet restaurant and sea-facing terrace, and an excellent spa too. Great for a weekend away, think lobster and sea breeze.

  • Views - Fabulous views over Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast
  • Seaside
  • Restaurant
  • Great walks
from $228 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa
Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa

Christchurch

Style and exceptional service on the Dorset coast. The newly refurbished Christchurch Harbour Hotel offers smart bedrooms, excellent food, pampering spa and wonderful views. Perfect for an indulgent break by the sea.

  • Kayaking - Complimentary single and double kayaks available for the guests to use.
  • Restaurant - Two restaurants both making the most of the freshly landed seafood
  • Great walks - Plenty of coastal walks for all abilities
  • Views - Superb views over Christchurch harbour
from $203 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Moonfleet Manor
Moonfleet Manor

Weymouth (Dorset)

Boasting a peaceful setting overlooking Chesil Beach on Dorset’s Jurrasic Coast, Moonfleet Manor is a stylish escape for all of the family. Kids can join in a plethora of fun-filled activities – from fossil hunting to playing in the enormous games room. And for adults spa treatments and childcare

  • Families - Pleasing both parents and children alike. There's plenty of activities for kids.
  • Tennis - Play a game on one of the two courts. Coaching is also available.
  • Spa - Treatments for children also available
  • Great walks - Take long walks along the beach.
from $152 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
The Seaside Boarding House
The Seaside Boarding House

Dorset (Dorset)

A stunning addition to Dorset's Jurassic Coast. Nine stylish and comfortable bedrooms, most with views over Lyme Bay, excellent restaurant championing local seafood and mainland produce, plus a bar specialising in classic cocktails. A recipe for a laid back break in fossil hunting country.

  • Restaurant - Delicious food championing the local seafood and country produce in a dining with beautiful views
  • Sights nearby - Visit Roman Camps, beautiful gardens, Lyme Regis and historic stately homes
  • Local markets - The Saturday market in Bridport rivals that of London's Portobello Road
  • House party feel - With only nine rooms, this is property has a great vibe.
from $247 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Dorset House
Dorset House

Lyme Regis

Dorset House is a charming boutique B&B in the coastal town of Lyme Regis. In a town that famous for it's fossils, this spot is distinctly contemporary with sharp, elegant rooms and plush ensuites. A great spot for those looking to explore the Dorset coast.

  • Value chic - Seriously smart accommodation with prices that won't break the bank
  • Local exploring - A great base for exploring the charming Dorset town of Lyme Regis.
  • Great walks - Go walking at the lovely nearby Golden Cap. Or borrow one of Dorset House's maps and head further afield
  • Views - Some of the rooms have lovely views over the Jurassic Coast.
from $146 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Limestone Hotel
Limestone Hotel

Dorset (Dorset )

A small rural hotel set in the picturesque village of West Lulworth. Chic rooms mix traditional and contemporary styles with boldly patterned wallpaper, chandeliers and sash windows. The fabulous restaurant is a celebration of all things Dorset. The perfect spot for a relaxing country escape.

  • Local exploring - Lulworth is surrounded by numerous cultural and natural attractions.
  • Great walks - Explore the beautiful coast and countryside on walks starting straight from the property.
  • Restaurant - Featuring dishes championing locally sourced produce
  • Kayaking - Discover the coast by kayak.
from $140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
The Castle Inn
The Castle Inn

Dorset (West Lulworth)

This historic Dorset inn is nestled on the beautiful Jurassic coast. Under the thatched roof, individually designed rooms invite you in with warm and cosy soft furnishings. The 16th-century pub has been lovingly restored and offers a separate dining area and garden. A charming and traditional inn.

  • Country Escape - The location of this quiet country inn is perfect for exploring the beautiful countryside of the Isle of Purbeck
  • Families - With lots to explore on the coastline, and family rooms available at the inn, this pub is a family favourite
  • Local exploring - With Lulworth Cove a stone's throw from the hotel this is a great base for local Dorset exploring
  • Great walks - There are endless great walks to explore the Dorset countryside and coastline; tuck into a warm meal in the pub afterwards
from $151 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Check availability on Expedia
Lulworth House
Lulworth House

Dorset (Wareham)

An intimate B&B nestled in sub-tropical gardens in the beautiful village of West Lulworth. The two ground-floor guestrooms are bright and airy and look onto the garden; book the suite for extra living space and French doors with direct outside access. Superb breakfast and excellent friendly hosts.

  • Country Escape - Set in a quaint Dorset village, close to many rugged coastal walks, this hotel makes an idyllic country escape
  • Local exploring - The hotel is well-located for local exploring set within walking distance of pubs and many hiking trails
  • Romantic Break - With just two guestrooms, this B&B makes an intimate stay, perfect for a discreet romantic getaway
  • Sights nearby - Visit the St Nicholas Church, a parish church known for its thirteen windows, engraved by the artist Sir Laurence Whistler
from $140 for 1 room, 1 night including taxes & fees
Back to articles

Written by Helen Pickles

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

No spam. Only sweet updates about the latest hotel openings and the best places to stay.