Surfing

Dorset's coastline is undeniably varied and beautiful, with numerous stunning sandy bays and rocky coves as well as a long stretch that has UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The county's sheltered south-facing aspect and protected waters, however, make it an unlikely surf hub. But surf hub it is. Dorset is home to the largest population of surfers in Great Britain and will soon be home to the first artificial surf reef in the Northern hemisphere.

There is an obvious downside to this explosion of surf culture in a place that is inconsistent, to say the least. There are many who complain of overcrowding and the problem of visiting non-surfing city dwellers with all the gear and no idea cluttering up these very long-awaited waves. Nor will the surf reef have any effect when the waves aren't there, although it will make them bigger and longer when they are.

South Dorset's coastline is largely composed of natural reef, so even though a lot of groundswell doesn't push through, the waves here can be surprisingly well-formed, although in the county as a whole you will not experience many glassy faces.

Half of the entire population of Dorset lives in the Bournemouth conurbation, and it is here that the surfing thing has really got a grip, so avoid Bournemouth Pier if you don't like crowds.

1. Lyme Bay
2. Ringstead Bay
3. Kimmeridge
4. Durlston Bay
5. Swanage
6. Bournemouth
7. Boscombe
8. Southbourne
9. Highcliffe Beach