Dorset has long been on the radar of British holidaymakers, and for good reason. From its rolling countryside, and golden sand beaches to scenic towns like Lyme Regis and Bournemouth, Dorset boasts an array of breathtaking sights. But what makes it particularly intriguing to a certain type of adventurer is its prime kayaking locations. Unquestionably, Dorset is a kayaker’s dream destination, offering a perfect blend of tranquil rides and pulse-racing paddling exploits, framed by England's most inspirational landscape.
The best place for most kayakers to start their Dorset exploration is the Jurassic Coast. Spanning 96 miles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site extends from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. It’s a geological wonder where 185 million years of Earth's history is beautifully layered in cliffs. When paddling in a kayak, you not only get newer perspectives of these wonders, but also explore numerous inaccessible-from-land coves and beaches, and marvel at the spectacular wildlife.
Durdle Door, an iconic limestone arch near Lulworth, is a must-visit spot for sea kayaking. There’s an unforgettable thrill that comes with paddling through the turquoise waters beneath the arch, with the sun illuminating the rock’s natural ochre hues and the arch appearing as the doorway to the vast ocean beyond. Close by, the Lulworth Cove offers a more relaxed experience, with its sheltered bay providing ideal conditions for beginners to find their sea legs.
Kayakers exploring the western part of the Jurassic Coast won’t want to miss the incredibly scenic Lyme Bay either. Not only does it offer some of the most stunning and varied sea kayaking experiences in Dorset, but its clear sea and reefs teem with marine life, including dolphins, seals and hundreds of bird species, making it a favourite location for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
To the east, the vast Poole Harbour with its many tributaries and islands presents another nature-packed kayaking opportunity. Whether exploring its myriad of channels and reed beds, or paddling with the tide on its open water areas, you’ll be in for some excellent birdwatching, as the area is a haven for numerous species, including herons, kingfishers, and ospreys.
For a unique coastal experience, Old Harry Rocks on the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast is hard to beat. The magical chalk formations, shaped over thousands of years by sea and wind, provide a mesmerising backdrop for kayaking while adding an exhilarating touch of challenge when the tides and reflections cause optical illusions.
When you're not braving the sea waves, the River Stour offers picturesque kayaking trips through quaint villages, lush meadows and ancient woodland. It’s a gentler way of experiencing Dorset’s landscape and wildlife and provides opportunities for peaceful days out with friends and family.
After all these paddle-powered adventures, the way to end a perfect day in Dorset is by relaxing in a local kayaking in dorset pub serving hearty meals, or indulging in the region’s famous cream tea while watching a stunning coastal sunset.
Indeed, Dorset isn’t just about picturesque countryside and beautiful beaches. In its calm bays and wild open sea, through its serpentine rivers and expansive estuaries, and against a backdrop of historical cliffs and astounding wildlife, Dorset is offering a kaleidoscope of unforgettable kayaking experiences. For adventurers and lovers of Mother Nature’s work, making Dorset their next kayaking destination is a surely irresistible prospect. So, pack your paddle, life jacket, and enthusiasm, and set the GPS for Dorset - the kayaker’s dream.
The best place for most kayakers to start their Dorset exploration is the Jurassic Coast. Spanning 96 miles, the UNESCO World Heritage Site extends from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. It’s a geological wonder where 185 million years of Earth's history is beautifully layered in cliffs. When paddling in a kayak, you not only get newer perspectives of these wonders, but also explore numerous inaccessible-from-land coves and beaches, and marvel at the spectacular wildlife.
Durdle Door, an iconic limestone arch near Lulworth, is a must-visit spot for sea kayaking. There’s an unforgettable thrill that comes with paddling through the turquoise waters beneath the arch, with the sun illuminating the rock’s natural ochre hues and the arch appearing as the doorway to the vast ocean beyond. Close by, the Lulworth Cove offers a more relaxed experience, with its sheltered bay providing ideal conditions for beginners to find their sea legs.
Kayakers exploring the western part of the Jurassic Coast won’t want to miss the incredibly scenic Lyme Bay either. Not only does it offer some of the most stunning and varied sea kayaking experiences in Dorset, but its clear sea and reefs teem with marine life, including dolphins, seals and hundreds of bird species, making it a favourite location for wildlife enthusiasts and nature photographers.
To the east, the vast Poole Harbour with its many tributaries and islands presents another nature-packed kayaking opportunity. Whether exploring its myriad of channels and reed beds, or paddling with the tide on its open water areas, you’ll be in for some excellent birdwatching, as the area is a haven for numerous species, including herons, kingfishers, and ospreys.
For a unique coastal experience, Old Harry Rocks on the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast is hard to beat. The magical chalk formations, shaped over thousands of years by sea and wind, provide a mesmerising backdrop for kayaking while adding an exhilarating touch of challenge when the tides and reflections cause optical illusions.
When you're not braving the sea waves, the River Stour offers picturesque kayaking trips through quaint villages, lush meadows and ancient woodland. It’s a gentler way of experiencing Dorset’s landscape and wildlife and provides opportunities for peaceful days out with friends and family.
After all these paddle-powered adventures, the way to end a perfect day in Dorset is by relaxing in a local kayaking in dorset pub serving hearty meals, or indulging in the region’s famous cream tea while watching a stunning coastal sunset.
Indeed, Dorset isn’t just about picturesque countryside and beautiful beaches. In its calm bays and wild open sea, through its serpentine rivers and expansive estuaries, and against a backdrop of historical cliffs and astounding wildlife, Dorset is offering a kaleidoscope of unforgettable kayaking experiences. For adventurers and lovers of Mother Nature’s work, making Dorset their next kayaking destination is a surely irresistible prospect. So, pack your paddle, life jacket, and enthusiasm, and set the GPS for Dorset - the kayaker’s dream.