Places to Paddleboard
Discover the best places to paddleboard in Swanage, Studland, Kimmeridge and along the Jurassic Coast. Explore safe spots and scenic routes across Purbeck.
IMPORTANT - If you are new to paddleboarding or kayaking, you are advised to stick to populated locations, please ensure you read our safety section.
https://swanagesurfandsup.com/safety
Shipstal Beach
Poole Harbour, Dorset
Shipstal Beach, tucked away on the Arne Peninsula within the RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, is a peaceful spot perfect for a slow paddle. Sheltered by the curve of Poole Harbour, it’s ideal for beginners or those wanting a tranquil session with birdlife all around. Keep an eye out for avocets, egrets, and maybe even a spoonbill if you're lucky. The beach is shingle and mud at low tide, with calm water most of the year. You’ll launch from near the walking paths that lead through woodland and heath, and parking is available at the RSPB car park (charges apply). There's a small café and toilet facilities at the reserve's welcome centre.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Studland Bay
Studland, Dorset
Studland is one of the best all-rounder spots for paddleboarding. With clear, shallow waters and golden sand, it’s ideal for families or those new to SUP. Look out for sika deer along the heathland or seabirds along the beach. After your paddle, the Bankes Arms Inn is just a stroll away and does a solid pint and pub lunch.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Old Harry’s Rocks
Swanage, Dorset
These towering chalk stacks mark the eastern gateway to the Jurassic Coast and make for a dramatic paddleboarding route. Best accessed from Studland or Swanage on a calm day with little wind or swell. You’ll glide past white cliffs, sea stacks, and sea birds nesting above. Confident paddlers can navigate right around the stacks, but it’s exposed — check the forecast. No facilities at the Rocks, but you’ll find cafés and pubs back in Studland or Swanage.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Swanage Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Swanage Bay is a favourite for paddleboarding, especially for beginners. The bay is sheltered with calm waters and a wide sandy beach, perfect for a gentle paddle. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins or grey seals near the pier. After your session, grab a coffee at Java or sit down for seafood at the Pier Bistro while watching the boats drift by.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Durlston Bay
Swanage, Dorset
Durlston is a bit more rugged, ideal for confident paddleboarders looking to explore the coastline. You might catch a small surf break here when conditions are right, especially on a southwesterly swell. Seabirds nest along the cliffs and it’s a good spot to spot peregrine falcons or even a dolphin if you’re lucky. Seventhwave Café at Durlston Castle serves great food with a view.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★★☆☆
Winspit
Worth Matravers, Dorset
Winspit is a remote and dramatic paddle from the cliffs near Worth Matravers. It’s ideal for confident paddleboarders seeking adventure — you’ll pass into sea caves and along jagged rock formations. Avoid choppy days as there’s no easy launch or recovery point. Seabirds nest in the cliffs and seals occasionally surface nearby. There are no facilities at Winspit itself, but Worth Matravers offers parking and an excellent post-paddle stop at the Square and Compass pub. Pack your gear and snacks before setting off.
Paddleboarding: ★★☆☆☆
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
River Frome
Wareham, Dorset
The River Frome is calm, scenic and ideal for a peaceful paddle through fields and reedbeds. You might catch sight of a kingfisher, heron, or even an otter if you’re lucky. It’s a slow, winding stretch and great for beginners or those wanting to drift along with the current.
Head east and you can paddle past the boats and marinas towards the Arne Nature Reserve and Poole Harbour. Afterward, you can enjoy riverside dining in Wareham.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★★
Surfing: ☆☆☆☆☆
Chapman’s Pool
Worth Matravers, Dorset
Chapman’s Pool is off the beaten track and not the easiest to access, but it’s peaceful and scenic. Paddleboarding here feels remote and wild, and there’s always a chance of seeing a seal pop up nearby. There's not much around for food, so plan ahead, or walk back up to Worth Matravers for a pint at the Square and Compass.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆
K-Bay
Kimmeridge, Dorset
Kimmeridge is one of the top surf spots on the coast when there’s a clean swell, and it’s also brilliant for paddleboarding thanks to crystal-clear waters and a reef you can glide over. Rockpools are full of marine life, so bring a mask. The area’s remote, but it’s worth bringing a packed lunch or heading into Corfe Castle after for food.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★★★★★
Broad Bench
Kimmeridge, Dorset
Set below dramatic cliffs within the Lulworth military firing range zone, Broad Bench is a renowned reef break for experienced surfers. It’s exposed and powerful, breaking over a rock shelf that produces long, clean right-handers when conditions align. You’ll need a solid swell and military range access to paddle out — check range opening times first. It’s not for beginners, but for seasoned surfers, it’s one of the few reliable reef breaks on the Dorset coast. Paddleboarding is possible in calm weather but only for confident paddlers familiar with the area.
Paddleboarding: ★☆☆☆☆
Surfing: ★★★★☆
Worbarrow Bay
Tyneham, Dorset
Tyneham itself is an abandoned village frozen in time and your gateway to Warbarrow Bay, a shingle beach just a 20-minute walk away. The bay is quiet, scenic, and best for those after a wild, no-facilities paddle with cliffs and clear water. If you're lucky, you may see peregrine falcons overhead or even dolphins offshore. Take everything with you, including food and water, and note that the area is part of the Lulworth Military Ranges — it’s only open on select weekends and holidays.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆
Arish Mell
East Lulworth, Dorset
Hidden between Lulworth and Worbarrow Bay, Arish Mell is one of the lesser-known spots along the Jurassic Coast. It’s only accessible on foot through Ministry of Defence land, so it's quiet and rugged, ideal for experienced paddleboarders looking to escape the crowds. The wide shingle beach opens to clear, often calm waters—though you’ll need to check MOD firing times before setting out. The cliffs around here are steep and dramatic, and if you’re lucky, you might spot kestrels overhead or even dolphins further out. There are no facilities, so pack everything you need. Nearest food and drink options are in Lulworth or Tyneham.
Paddleboarding: ★★★☆☆
Surfing: ★☆☆☆☆
Lulworth Cove
West Lulworth, Dorset
Lulworth is stunning. Its round shape and clear, sheltered waters are made for paddleboarding. Surf isn’t common here, but it does happen with easterly swells and the right tide. Wildlife includes seabirds and maybe the odd seal. There are cafés and pubs nearby, with the Castle Inn being a favourite.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆
Man O’ War
West Lulworth, Dorset
Possibly the most iconic paddleboarding location on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch is a must-see. Gliding through it by paddleboard is unforgettable, but the beach access is steep, so plan ahead. Launching from Lulworth Cove and paddling over is often easier. Expect crowds in summer, so aim for early mornings. After your paddle, head to The Boat Shed Café in Lulworth Cove for a coffee or something to eat, or enjoy a relaxed pub lunch at The Lulworth Cove Inn just up the road.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆
Durdle Door
West Lulworth, Dorset
Possibly the most iconic paddleboarding location on the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door’s natural limestone arch is a must-see. Gliding through it by paddleboard is unforgettable, but the beach access is steep, so plan ahead. Launching from Lulworth Cove and paddling over is often easier. Expect crowds in summer, so aim for early mornings. After your paddle, head to The Boat Shed Café in Lulworth Cove for a coffee or something to eat, or enjoy a relaxed pub lunch at The Lulworth Cove Inn just up the road.
Paddleboarding: ★★★★☆
Surfing: ★★☆☆☆