Dorset

If you’re looking for staycation inspiration, this Dorset holiday park is packed with family-friendly facilities. Even in high season, there’s no need to fight for space on the beach as it has its own private stretch.

An independently owned holiday park could be the perfect spot for an Easter break or May half-term staycation thanks to its facilities that include a private beach.

Set on Dorset’s spectacular Jurassic Coast, Freshwater Beach Holiday Park has rolling green hills on one side and a vast, unspoilt beach on the other. It sits on a flat spot with direct access to its own private beach with fine shingle that gives it a golden hue. Follow the beach north, and you’ll reach West Bay Cliffs, while to the south, the River Bride crosses the beach as it flows out to sea.

Just steps from the sand are some of the park’s comfortable caravans, and you can pick from luxury mobile homes that have uninterrupted sea views, or simple, modern options in the heart of the park.

If you prefer to bring your own tent, motorhome, or campervan, then there are grass and hard-standing pitches available. Facilities include electricity, water, showers, and WiFi, so you have everything you need.

At the heart of the park is the Jurassic Fun Centre, where guests can enjoy heated indoor and outdoor pools with splash parks and lots of fun features. There’s also a 10-pin bowling alley, restaurant, and bar, so there’s plenty to enjoy right on-site.

A short walk away is the charming Dorset village of Burton Bradstock, where you’ll find a couple of traditional pubs and lots of pretty stone cottages. There’s also West Bay, just a few minutes’ drive away, a small harbour town on the mouth of the River Brit, which is especially popular in the summer months. It has a traditional seaside feel, with fish and chip shops, cosy cafés, and a beach cove that has fine shingle and seas calm enough for swimming in the right conditions.

The South West Coastal Path runs close to the park, meaning there’s lots of incredible coastal scenery right on Freshwater’s doorstep. The area is also full of interesting National Trust sites such as Coney’s Castle, ancient hillforts surrounded by green hills and unspoilt countryside, and Golden Cap, a hilly coastal walk that rewards walkers with views across Lyme Bay to Dartmoor on clear days.

Mapperton House, Gardens & Wildlands are a must-visit for history buffs and lovers of nature. This Jacobean manor opens its doors on selected dates, so you can tour its ornate rooms. Its formal gardens include an arboretum and orangery, while its wildlands cover over 1,000 acres, bursting with wildflowers, birds, and deer.

READ MORE: Expedia reveals key dates for Brits looking to book cheap UK holidaysREAD MORE: England’s ‘most beautiful place’ is packed with charming villages and scenic walks

Camping and touring pitches at Freshwater Beach Holiday Park start at £34 a night and hardstanding pitches from £40 a night. Holiday homes start from £210 for three nights based on two adults sharing. Find out more and book online via Freshwater Beach’s official website.

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

A charming UK beach has miles of golden sands and sheltered waters – but TikTok users have dubbed it a ‘playground for the rich’ as it has the highest seaside property prices in the whole of the UK

Discovering a peaceful, secluded beach in the UK that hasn’t been swamped by holidaymakers can be difficult, especially if you’re after golden sands, sparkling clear waters, and stunning coastal scenery.

Some of the most well-known beaches in the UK that provide these features are Porthcurno Beach in Cornwall, Bournemouth Beach in Dorset, Holkham Beach in Norfolk, and Barafundle Bay in Pembrokeshire.

Yet, one beach that remains something of a hidden gem is Studland Bay in Dorset. Unlike its busy counterparts, Bournemouth and Sandbanks, Studland Bay has succeeded in preserving its unspoilt character and is the perfect destination for a spring swim. This secret spot features an impressive four miles of immaculate sands with protected waters, all surrounded by dunes and gentle cliffs.

The bay is made up of four National Trust-managed beaches: Shell Bay, Knoll Beach, Middle Beach and South Beach. Every beach at Studland welcomes dogs, permitting them on the sands all year round, making it an excellent choice for dog owners wanting to enjoy a tranquil coastal stroll with their four-legged friends.

The beach provides views across the chalk formations of Old Harry Rocks, part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. These iconic chalk formations rise from the sea, marking the most eastern point of the Jurassic Coast.

For visitors staying in the neighbouring towns of Poole and Bournemouth, Studland Bay is under an hour away by car and provides a calm escape from the commotion of the crowded seaside resorts.

Many TikTok users have dubbed Studland Bay ‘Bournemouth’s playground for the rich’, and travel influencers are said to be completely smitten with the immaculate beaches and stunning views. Located near Sandbanks, the UK’s priciest seaside location, it’s hardly surprising that locals are venturing out to uncover hidden gems.

The average property price in Sandbanks for 2025 was a whopping £854,817, and current Rightmove listings for Sandbanks include a two-bedroom flat for £425,000, and a four-bedroom semi-detached house for over £1.5 million.

Matthew Fox, CEO of LateRooms.com, has championed the destination. “Here in the UK, many of us dream of coastal coves and hidden bays, but for years, we’ve overlooked some of our own spectacular coastal gems,” he explained.

“Studland Bay is one of those places. The beach feels almost untouched compared to more popular British beaches, and it’s a far cry from the crowded seafronts of more traditional seaside destinations. On a warm summer’s day, you could be in a tropical paradise-sweeping sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, and stunning views over Old Harry Rocks.”

READ MORE: Latest Foreign Office travel advice for Turkey, Cyprus and EgyptREAD MORE: UK government set to start flights back from Middle East as cancellations near 10,000

He added: “It’s an area of outstanding natural beauty that allows visitors to unwind and reconnect with nature as they escape the hustle and bustle. The best time to appreciate Studland Bay and its unspoilt charm is to visit outside of the school holidays, where you can enjoy coastal walks and wildlife spotting in peace and tranquillity.”

Have a story you want to share? Email us at webtravel@reachplc.com

ONE of the UK’s most popular beaches has been forced to close to the public indefinitely.

Access to Durdle Door beach, famous for its unique rock formation and fossil hunting, remains shut until further notice due to storm damage.

The beach on the Jurassic Coast has been closed after storms destroyed part of the steps.

The bottom section was swept away leaving a steep drop.

Lulworth Estate announced that the path to Durdle Door beach has been temporarily closed for “public safety”.

A spokesperson told the BBC: “Weather conditions may continue to affect the coastline and the Lulworth Estate team encourages everyone to exercise caution and respect temporary closures put in place for public safety.”

EGG-CELLENT CHOICE

The cheapest all-inclusive holidays this Easter break – from just £192pp

DREAMY DEALS

Our pick of the best long haul holidays for short haul prices

Visitor access to nearby Man O’ War beach remains open.

Lulworth Estate said storms had resulted in “significant disruption to coastal access” and the safety of visitors remained its “highest priority”.

There’s no timeline for the reopening of the path – but Lulworth Estate said it would provide updates.

The beach is a popular spot with approximately 500,000 visitors going to see the impressive coastline every year.

Last summer, Durdle Door was named by National Geographic in the list of must-see beaches, which includes some in Australia and the Seychelles.

National Geographic declared Durdle Door as a beach “worth travelling for” because of its “showstopper” shore and rock formations.

Some have even compared Durdle Door to beaches overseas.

One person wrote on Tripadvisor: “Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door: Reminded me of the Algarve in Portugal!”

Another added: “You don’t feel like you are in the UK. It seems more like Portugal or California.”

Assistant Travel Editor Sophie Swietochowski reveals what it’s actually like to visit Durdle Door – and why you should visit when it’s back open.

She said: “Despite the Jurassic Coast being one of the most well-known spots for rambling in the UK, it has managed to remain gloriously peaceful.

“I barely passed another soul during a Sunday hike along the rugged coastal path above Durdle Door a few years back – only a herd of cows munching on the unkempt grass at the top of the cliff.

“Admittedly, things grew a little busier as I approached Lulworth Cove. But that’s no surprise with a horseshoe-shaped pebble bay and turquoise waters that could rival those in the Caribbean.

“Make sure to wander over to Fossil Forest while you’re here too, where you can observe ripples of an ancient sea floor within the rocks and fossilised remains of old tree stumps that date back to the dinosaur era.”

For more beaches, here are our 26 must-visit ones for 2026 – including tropical-feel spots and family-friendly finds.

And here are five British beaches that are even better in winter – with warmer waters, most sunshine hours and no tourists.