Dorset's best place to spot dolphins is Old Harry Rocks

The Herald Scotland

4 days ago

There's no exact time of year the aquatic mammals can be seen off the coast of Dorset, with advice ranging from late spring to early autumn.
However, a few spots have been recommended by enthusiasts and experts as being someone's best options to go to.
Two of these are Durlston Head and Old Harry Rocks, which are high above sea level and give visitors a greater visibility range to potentially see dolphins.
Dolphins are occasionally spotted off Dorset's coast (Image: Don Williams/Camera Club)
Why are Durlston Head and Old Harry Rocks Dorset's best places to see dolphins?
Durlston Head is situated within Durlston Country Park and is about 30 metres above sea level, according to its website.
Dolphins can be spotted up to one mile offshore from here, and the organisation encourages visitors to report sightings.
It adds: "Shoals of fish, that have attracted a group of diving sea birds, may draw in dolphins.
"Look out for the dorsal fin of dolphins as they briefly come to the surface to breathe [sic]."
Meanwhile, on the southern end of Studland Bay, you can find Old Harry Rocks, which is a chalk formation of cliffs.
Pods of bottlenose dolphins have been seen close to Old Harry Rocks and Durlston Head (Image: Rebecca Cooke/Camera Club)
Visit Dorset adds: "The chalk formations are popularly known as Old Harry Rocks, but the name Old Harry actually refers to the single stack of chalk standing furthest out to sea."
The route leading to the area is popular with both walkers and cyclists and is part of the South West Coast Path.
According to the Swanage tourism website, pods of bottlenose dolphins can occasionally be spotted in the sea around the formations.
What do visitors think of Old Harry Rocks and Durlston Head?
Old Harry Rocks has earned a 4.7/5 score on Tripadvisor from 917 reviews, with many visitors highlighting the views.
One person wrote: "Spectacular views close up from cruise ferry. Lovely trip. Unique views which cannot be seen in any other way."
Dolphins can be seen off Dorset's coast between late spring and early autumn (Image: Sue Wingett/Camera Club)
Another said: "Quite a walk from the car park but definitely worth it for the stunning view. Probably be nice to take a picnic on a nice day to soak it all up."
A third shared: "Amazing views. Definitely worth visiting. It is quite a walk from the car park, but worth it. Lots of grassy areas to have a picnic or sit down and relax."
Meanwhile, Durlston Country Park has earned a 4.6/5 score on Tripadvisor from 1,240 reviews.
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One person wrote: "A hill walker's choice, the sights over Swanage and the English Channel are spectacular, a visit to Durlston Park & the Castle was very educational.
"The icing on the cake was the display from the passing Dolphins sighted from Durlston Head."
Another shared: "A nice easy walk along the coast path from Swanage, stunning sea views along the route and great places to take pictures from Durlston Head."