how to visit jurassic coast without car

The ultimate guide to England’s Jurassic Coast

Aug 1, 2022 • 10 min read

The gorgeous cliffs and rock formations of the Jurassic Coast were formed hundreds of millions of years ago © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Take a step back in time – some 185 million years back in time – along the wild and rugged Jurassic Coast in Southwest England .

England ’s only natural World Heritage Site, this 95-mile portion of the coast has a name that indicates its geological significance. Running from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset , its unique rock formations and fossil-rich cliffs amaze visitors from all over the world. And if rocks aren’t your thing, the pristine beaches, charming seaside towns and wide-ranging adventure experiences appeal to just about every kind of traveler.

Here’s all you need to know about visiting the Jurassic Coast, and the best things to do on this beautiful stretch of sand and sea.

What is the Jurassic Coast?

To understand what makes the Jurassic Coast so special, we need to rewind a bit. Well, more than a bit: think 252 million years.

The rocks along this stretch offer an almost complete record of the Mesozoic Era (roughly 250 to 65 million years ago). They’re visible traces of the enormous environmental changes that played out over the millennia, starting with the Triassic Period (252 to 201 million years ago), when this part of Great Britain was a baking desert and the shifting of the earth’s crust deposited layers of sediment on top of each other. Moving west along the coast, you’ll find rocks formed during the Jurassic Period (201 to 145 million years ago), when the water rose to form a tropical sea.

When the sea levels fell and then rose again during the Cretaceous Period (145 to 66 million years ago), the older rocks were buried beneath newer sandstone and chalk, preserving them until millennia of erosion carved this geological layer cake into the remarkable landscapes we can see today. Fossils of creatures long extinct have also been preserved among the cliffs’ many strata, with more continually being revealed as erosion from wind and waves continues to do its thing.

The extraordinary geology is the main attraction of the Jurassic Coast

All along the coast, this incredible history takes shape – literally – in the form of unusual rock formations and beautiful bays. The best-known attraction is Durdle Door , a 200ft-tall limestone arch over the sea linking two remote beaches, and one of Devon’s most popular spots . It’s best viewed from the coast path as you walk over the cliffs from Lulworth Cove, a perfect semi-circle of sea enclosed within bright-white chalk cliffs.

Other geological highlights of the coastline include Old Harry Rocks, chalk stacks that line up with the Needles on the Isle of Wight ; the unusual rock layers of Kimmeridge Bay; and Chesil Beach, an 18-mile barrier beach linking the Isle of Portland with the mainland and forming a wildlife-rich brackish-water lagoon at the Fleet.

The towering golden cliffs at West Bay were used as a backdrop for the popular ITV series Broadchurch , while the picturesque harbor and quaint seaside town at Lyme Regis are the heart of Dorset’s fossil-hunting history.

In East Devon , don’t miss Orcombe Point Geoneedle in Exmouth, which marks the beginning of the World Heritage Site, or the distinctive red sandstone sea stacks in Ladram Bay.

Take a walk along the South West Coast Path

Running uninterrupted for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail , taking in the full 95 miles of the Jurassic Coast along the way.

Depending on your speed, you can walk the whole route in about 10 days, or choose one or two sections for a shorter coast walk. Try the Golden Cap circular walk to climb the highest point on the south coast of England; hit the wild and rugged cliff paths around Portland Bill; or wander the coastal paths around the Isle of Purbeck, where you can explore disused quarries and unique wild-swimming spots.

Look for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth

Lyme Regis became a world-famous fossil hunting destination when Mary Anning discovered a near-complete ichthyosaur, a large marine reptile, here around 1836. Today, it’s still a popular spot for fossil collectors, with new finds being discovered all the time. Look out for the “Ammonite Pavement” on Monmouth Beach, when low tide exposes a rock shelf containing hundreds of fossils.

Walk along the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth to spot fossils lying among the shingle. Be careful, though: the beach can sometimes be cut off at high tide, and the cliffs are dangerous in places, especially after rain. Amateurs are advised to book a guided fossil-hunting tour rather than go it alone; these can be booked through the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre .

Make a splash at Kimmeridge Bay’s rock pools

The sweeping curve at Kimmeridge Bay is part of a Marine Special Area of Conservation, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving. But you can also explore this rich marine life on the beach itself.

The bay’s distinctive geometric rock shelves and ledges are littered with rock pools at low tide. Don’t miss the Wild Seas Centre, a small, free museum on the slipway, to learn a little more about the local marine life.

Cool off with a spot of wild swimming

Along the Jurassic Coast, experienced wild swimmers will find a wealth of exciting pools and hidden coves to plunge into. Chapman’s Pool and Worbarrow Bay offer remote beaches that can only be reached by walking. For something a little different, head to the tidal pool at Dancing Ledge, a man-made swimming pool that was blasted into a natural rock shelf in the 19th century for the enjoyment of local schoolchildren.

Snorkel with seahorses in Studland Bay

Studland Bay, just beyond the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, is one of the only known breeding sites for both the spiny and short-snouted seahorse, making it one of the UK’s best snorkel sites. Since the tiny creatures are masters of disguise, patience is key and is often rewarded with sightings, particularly during summer. Approach slowly and take care not to disturb the seahorses or their habitat.

Hop aboard the historic Seaton Tramway

Take a ride back in time on board the Seaton Tramway, a network of narrow-gauge heritage trams running through the Axe Valley in East Devon. As well as a taste of history, these colorful open-top trams offer brilliant views of the River Axe estuary and Seaton Wetlands nature reserve. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, foxes and little egrets.

Get the adrenaline pumping with a water-sports adventure

Boasting a mix of sheltered bays and more exposed beaches with great surf, the Jurassic Coast is the perfect destination for adventure. Thrill-seekers should try coasteering at Lulworth Cove for an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the cliffs and rocks. Or hop on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) at Lyme Bay or Weymouth for a fast-paced tour of the seafront.

Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are impressive backdrops for a spot of sea kayaking – though amateurs would be advised to book a guided tour as currents can be challenging. For a gentler ride, Weymouth Bay, Studland Bay and Portland Harbour are more sheltered spots – and ideal for paddleboarding.

You can also try your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing or sailing lessons at locations along the coast (try Portland or Poole), or take a boat tour from any of the larger harbors for something less hands-on.

The best times to visit the Jurassic Coast

Summer offers the best chance of nice weather for beach days and water sports on the Jurassic Coast, as well as a busy program of festivals and events to entice tourists of all interests. Note that since this is the busy season, popular spots like Bournemouth Beach and Durdle Door can be very crowded, especially during the summer school holidays.

While summer can sometimes be too hot for hiking, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are ideal for coastal walks. Spring is especially lovely, with an array of wildflowers scattered across the grassy headlands and in woodlands. These are also the best times of year to spot both wildlife and fossils.

Numerous food and seafood festivals run along the coast throughout spring and summer. One of the biggest is SEAFEAST, the Dorset Seafood Festival , held on Weymouth’s colorful harborside in September.

Winter is overlooked by most tourists, but if you brave the unpredictable British weather you’ll find there’s still plenty to do. Seals come ashore to breed during the autumn and early-winter months, so keep an eye out when walking (briskly) along the coastal paths.

How to get to the Jurassic Coast

The closest international airports are at Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton, although most visitors from overseas will likely fly into one of the larger London airports.

If you’re renting a car on arrival, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Bournemouth or Poole. From either of these towns, it’s easy to start a road trip along the coast, calling at whichever villages and attractions take your fancy.

Taking public transport from London to the Jurassic Coast is easy

South Western Railway runs a service from London Waterloo to Weymouth that takes just under 3 hours. From Weymouth, you can use the X53 and X54 Jurassic Coaster buses from First Bus to travel to most towns between Poole and Axminster.

The train from London also stops at Bournemouth and Poole, which place you closer to the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. From here, you can use the Purbeck Breezer services to reach Studland and the Isle of Purbeck.

The best way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car

The easiest way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car, but bear in mind that some of the more remote destinations are accessed by narrow country lanes and may have limited parking.

Many of the busier towns, such as Weymouth and Bournemouth, operate park-and-ride services during summer. Use these to avoid getting caught in seaside traffic in the town centers.

The Jurassic Coast also has an extensive public transport network for those who want to explore without a car. Bus services are fairly frequent and call at most of the major destinations. The Jurassic Coaster buses (First Bus X52, X53 and X54) run between Axminster and Poole, while the Purbeck Breezer (More Bus) services connect Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage, Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck.

There are many accommodation options on the Jurassic Coast

With 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay on the Jurassic Coast.

The largest town around, Weymouth is well connected to the delights of the coast in both directions, making it a good base for exploring the area. Numerous beachfront hotels are close to all the bars and restaurants of the lively town center, while families might want to consider the popular Waterside Holiday Park and Spa on the town outskirts. For those on a budget, the clifftop campsite at nearby Eweleaze Farm boasts some excellent views.

The quaint seaside town of Swanage is ideally poised for exploring Studland Bay and the entire Isle of Purbeck, with accommodation options ranging from a YHA hostel to cosy B&Bs. In nearby Studland, luxury boutique hotel The Pig on the Beach is known for its top-quality restaurant and dazzling sea views.

Towards the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is another popular seaside town with a range of hotels and accommodation options, while Sidmouth offers up the grandeur of a Victorian seaside resort.

For something a little different, try glamping at Durdle Door or in a Lyme Regis beach hut . Fans of quirky history will likely enjoy the Smuggler’s Inn at Studland, a cosy boutique inn and pub which was once a hangout for an infamous local smuggling gang.

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Road Trip Dorset’s Jurassic Coast for Fossils, Pubs and Gorgeous Beaches

Home » Destinations » Europe » UK » Road Trip Dorset’s Jurassic Coast for Fossils, Pubs and Gorgeous Beaches

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Updated: 14th February 2024

I might be biased, but the Dorset coast is one of the best places you can visit in England , and indeed the UK. Being my childhood home, I’m ashamed to say it took me nearly thirty years to take a road trip along the entire 95-mile-long Jurassic Coast, but it was absolutely worth the wait. From pre-historic fossils to beaches so beautiful you wouldn’t believe they are in Britain, this is one of the best coastal getaways (or multi-day hikes ) in the country.

The Jurassic Coast gets its name thanks to the 185 million years of history imprinted into the towering cliffs along the coastline. Long before towels and parasols dotted this coastline, Dinasaours were leaving their lasting impressions. Even now, you can occasionally still find fossils from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods while taking a stroll along the beach. Recently, fossils from  mammals dating back 145 million years  were discovered.

Beyond the mind-boggling discoveries in museums, you’ll be spoiled with shimmering shorelines, proper coastal pubs, fish and chips, and ample ambling coastal trails. All in, this is a top-notch three day road trip in Dorset. Or you can bundle it together with more of the best places in South West England for a longer seaside holiday.

How to get to the Jurassic Coast

From London (or other parts of the UK) you can arrive by train to Poole, Bournemouth or Weymouth. All three are good starting points to explore the coastline. Some European airlines fly into Bournemouth and Southampton, or it’s just a few hours by coach from the main London Airports.

How to explore the Jurassic Coast

While you can see a fair bit of the Jurassic Coast using a mixture of trains and busses, not only does this quickly get costly, but it will also be harder to visit some of the most scenic spots and limit your options for times. I’d recommend hiring a car to maximise time and have a true Jurassic Coast road trip. Keep in mind that this isn’t a fully coastal-hugging road trip. You will be mainly using country roads, taking detours down lanes to reach the coastal spots.

Be warned: parking is usually not free in Dorset, so you’ll need to carry about £20 of change with you for this road trip or use the parking apps where required. For this, an eSIM might be handy if you’re travelling from abroad.

Where to stay on the Jurassic Coast

Good starting points are in Poole or Bournemouth, where you can pick a car rental to begin your road trip. There is a whole host of accommodations across the Dorset and Devon coasts, ranging from small BnBs to larger chain hotels. If you are travelling as a family or group, consider booking a  cottage along the Jurassic Coast . Expect prices to rocket and availability to be low during the summer months.

For a more affordable option, check out Travel Lodges (a chain in the UK), which has some hotels at the start and end of the route. You can usually save even more money by getting a Travel Lodge voucher code , as they don’t usually have rooms bookable on the major OTAs.

Jurassic Coast Road Trip Itinerary: Stops En Route

After driving from either Bournemouth (my hometown) or Poole, take the Sandbanks ferry across to Studland Bay, where the Jurassic Coast official begins in Studland Bay. Your first after Studland will be Swanage. This is one of the larger towns along the coast, and the sweeping arc of shoreline is the perfect place to get your first ice cream or fish and chips lunch on the beach. Think deck chairs and quintessentially British seaside escapes, and you’ll be spot on with expectations.

Nearby, Chapman’s Pool Beach is one of the wilder and more secluded swimming spots along Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. This means no lifeguards and a step narrow access path, but if you don’t mind, you’ll be rewarded once you reach the waters.

Durlston Country Park and Museum

This vast 320-acre nature reserve stretches all along the Isle of Purbeck just beyond Swanage and is included in the Jurassic Coast’s UNESCO Heritage Site . There is a small museum inside the castle, but enjoying a hike along the coastal cliffs towards the lighthouses beats being inside.

Corfe Castle

Take a little detour inland to visit  Corfe Castle . The ruins of this fortification stand above the village of the same name, which has a handful of pubs and small tea houses, perfect for an afternoon tea with scones, cream and jam. The old defensive castle, which dates from Roman times, is one of the most popular National Trust sites in the country.

Kimmeridge Bay

This tiny fishing village is actually on private land. This means you must pay an entrance/parking fee to drive down here. The rocks stretch out into the water, and it’s one of the most popular spots to look for fossils on the beach, thanks to the continual erosion of the cliffs here. While many people do skip Kimmeridge because of the cost and it being a little bit of a detour, it is one of my favourite beautiful places to spend a few hours along the Jurrasic Coast.

The Etches Collection museum nearby houses some of the more significant and more impressive fossil findings from the bay. While it’s certainly interesting, you’ll want to factor in the £9 entrance fee and consider if you’d prefer to go to the more extensive and slightly lower-priced museum in Lyme Regis instead.

Lulworth Cove

One of the Jurrasic Coast’s most famous locations and photo spots, Lulworth Cove is the perfect place to park up and enjoy a swim on the pebble beach, followed by lunch in a traditional stone-built pub. Afterwards, take the short one-mile walk along the cliffs to Durdle Door – without a doubt, the ‘poster child’ of this region.

Man O’War Beach & Durdle Door

The water at Man O’War looks more like the Med than England on a decent day, making it one of the best beach destinations in the country. This means the beaches can be crowded in summer when everyone descends to Dorset to visit one of the most famed spots on the Jurassic Coast.

Durdle Door itself, an impressive limestone arch that reaches into the sea, attracts droves of photographers. It’s not just because of its dramatic location but also because of the pretty bay backed by white cliffs. Expect to spend a good few hours here, although the crowds can be intense in Summer as it’s a popular UK staycation destination .

Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland gained some international fame as Great Britain hosted part of the Olympics here in 2012. This was the location where many of the UK’s water adventure activities competed.

The limestone island juts out from the mainland with a spectacular arc of sand. From the top of the hill, the views are even more impressive. This is technically the most southern point of Dorset, and on a clear day, you can see for miles. There’s not much to visit in the town, so this is more of a beach and views stop.

Abbotsbury Swannery

Did you know that the King owns all the swans in England?

Take a little detour to the Abbotsbury Swannery, and you can see hundreds of these beautiful white animals relaxing atop little lakes as you walk the shaded path. You’ll need to pay to get in, but it’s also a good place to spot various other bird life which thrives along the Jurrasic Coast.

One of the biggest towns in the region, Weymouth, has spruced itself up in the last few years. It’s a pretty decent place to overnight. There’s the pretty side of the town, with cute canals and colourful houses, and then a slightly more grim centre that still needs a bit more TLC. In July, with the Weymouth Festival in full swing, the town is a cracking place to be for some sunny pints.

By far the best location for fossil hunting, often people will just be walking along the beach when they spot and pick up pre-historic fossils for themselves. A little museum and gift shop will fill you in on more details about the region’s fossil history. The beach itself isn’t the best for relaxing and sunbathing. However, the impressive cliffs and chance to find your own Ammonites or Belemnites make Charmouth a must-visit.

In the far reaches of West Dorset, not far from the Devon border, Lyme Regis is about as dreamy as the British seaside gets. With plenty of quirky and cosy pubs, seaside cafes, relatively still swimming conditions in the bay and a host of pastel-shaded houses, it is a popular spot for UK families to have a summer getaway. Often nicknamed ‘The Pearl of Dorset’, you’ll quickly see why this is regarded as one of the stars along the Jurrasic Coast.

The famous fossil collector Mary Anning hails from Lyme Regis. Visit the geology-focused Lyme Regis Museum and the impressive fossil collection at Dinosaurland for further insight. Spend a night here before speeding back to your starting point in Dorset or continuing on to Devon’s section of the Jurassic Coast.

Seaton and on to Devon or Cornwall…

Seaton is another seaside town with a fair few amenities and your gateway to continue to Devon or even as far as Cornwall .

If you want to cover the whole of the Jurassic Coast, it stretches from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon. If you keep driving, you’ll find some other beautiful spots along this 100-mile of coastline in the park.

Whichever part of the Jurassic Coast you explore, you won’t be disappointed; just make sure not to miss my fantastic home county when planning your visit to England, as it’s truly one of the best – if slightly chillier – beach destinations in Europe .

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Hi Dan, Bit of a long shot here. I’m an artist with a bit of a disability which prevents me from getting to some of the landscapes I would like to paint. I live in Dorset and would very much like permission to paint some of the scenes in the photos on your website. Would it be possible to put me in touch with the photographers or whoever owns the copyright please? Many thanks Rosie

Hi Rosie! Hope you’re well, thanks for your message. I’m from Dorset too and all of the photos are mine (as are 99% on this site).My email is [email protected] incase you require it, but I’m more than happy for your to paint them, it’s quite the compliment. Thanks! Dan

Hey Dan thinking of taking 3 kids with us on a road trip for 3 days – want a bit of scenery and beach where do you recommend stopping to get best of both worlds ?

Along the J. Coast? Around Seaton you’re pretty close to the Blackdown Hills AONB which gives you a bit of both, or combining the New Forest with the Dorset part of the coastal route.

says 145-years, when its meant to say 14- million years

Thanks for the spot, updated!

Looking for an anchor spot to spend 3 nights to explore the Jurassic Coast (you convinced me!) Your thoughts?

Location wise Lyme Regis might be a good spot, and quite central, although I don’t know any accommodation there personally – otherwise Weymouth if you want to be closer to the Durdle Door side. Have an amazing time!

Hi, Thanks for that will be visiting all these places on our next trip soon it’s such a beautiful place & having visited Bournemouth,Poole,Sandbanks & Christchurch these places are a must! Thankyou!

Great insight and imformation. I am visiting the area

Pretty Lit Brother

Hey Dan – Great blog post! In the 3 days, in what towns did you stop to stay overnight?

Hey Ana, Weymouth and Seaton, although Weymouth has a lot more going on I’d plan accommodation based on how much driving you want to do a day and if you plan on going all the way on through the Devon section :)

Hey Dan, your blog is great. I’m heading to the UK this year so its been super useful. Durdle door looks amazing. Definitely adding that to my list! Thank you!

Thank you, have an amazing time in the UK!

Amazing Place, Amazing clicks!

Thanks for a very well written and detailed blog.

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Your Jurassic Coast Travel Guide (Everything You Need to Know)

Devon, Dorset, and dinosaurs. The Jurassic Coast spans 95 miles of rocky cliffs, sweeping sands and crashing waves.

It is a natural UNESCO World Heritage site, putting it in the same illustrious bracket as the Galápagos Islands and Yellowstone National Park.

Find out what makes the Jurassic Coast so spectacular in this comprehensive travel guide, with the inside track to its best places to visit and things to do, and plenty of essential travel information. 

Disclaimer: Hi! this post may contain affiliate links which will take you to online retailers that sell products and services. If you click on one and buy something, I may earn a commission, see my  Affiliate Disclosure  for more details.

What, Where and Why: The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast sounds as if it should be in some incredibly exotic, far-flung destination, but it is actually a protected portion of land on England’s genteel southern coastline. 

You will find most of the coast’s iconic landmarks in Dorset, but the UNESCO World Heritage Site is long enough that it stretches into Devon, which borders Cornwall in the southwest. The Jurassic Coast officially runs from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks, near Swanage in Dorset.

It is the only natural UNESCO World Heritage site in England – the distinctive rock formations, unusual landforms and rich fossil deposits make the Jurassic Coast a geological treasure. Besides its UNESCO status, much of the coastline is – quite unsurprisingly – a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Crumbling white chalk cliffs characteristic of England’s southern shore make a striking contrast against the tumultuous blue of the English Channel. Add in golden sands, picturesque villages and lush greenery and you quickly start to see the appeal.

So why is it called the Jurassic Coast? It’s more than just the astonishing collection of fossils found in the area. The formation of the very rocks beneath your feet takes you on a journey through 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Constant coastal erosion has revealed a sequence of rock formations covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

The Jurassic Coast gives us invaluable insight into the history of Earth. It’s importance can’t be constrained to any one country – as the heritage of the planet itself, it belongs to people the world over.

Best Places to Visit

The Jurassic Coach is overflowing with spectacular natural phenomenon, fantastic places to visit and stunning views. These are some of the best.

Durdle Door

Starting with the Jurassic Coast’s most recognisable landmark, the curving arch of Durdle Door has been a feature here for approximately 10,000 years. 

Durdle Door is the result of countless years of coastal erosion – the sea pierced through the limestone cliffs all those millennia ago to form an archway; possibly the most famous naturally-formed arch in the world. 

Only adding to its beauty is the fact that it is a relatively short-lived geological feature. The arch will eventually fall into the sea, leaving behind only a stack of rock. We are lucky to exist in the same time frame to enjoy it as it is today.

Though a popular spot, Durdle Door is undeniably beautiful. Every top destination has a few unmissable places – and this is one of them. Whether you approach by traversing the steep wooden steps down to the beach or by boat, Durdle Door is a sight sure to steal your breath away.

Lulworth Cove

A few miles away from Durdle Door sits Lulworth Cove, Dorset’s premier beach destination.

Dorset and the southwest of England, in general, is blessed with fantastic beaches . But Lulworth Cove is one of the most impressive. 

The cove is almost perfectly circular and largely sheltered from the sea – only a small opening carved out 10,000 years ago connects the two. From a purely scenic standpoint, this is one of the finest beaches in England; the golden shingle beach backs up on to towering green hills that follow the arc of the cove until they drop to the sea.

The geology of Lulworth Cove is also extraordinary. You would be hard-pressed to find clearer displays of rock folds, cove formation and coastal erosion anywhere in the world. 

Unique geological formations like the folded stone, known as Lulworth crumple can be seen all around this area. The small cove of Stair Hole is a particularly good example. Walk further along from the beach and you will find the fossilised tree stumps of Fossil Forrest, which were alive a mind-blowing 145 million years ago.

Chesil Beach

Yet another unique geological formation – the Jurassic Coast really earned its UNESCO status – is Chesil Beach, an 18 mile long shingle barrier beach. 

The pebble beach stretches all the way from Portland to West Bay. Behind Chesil Beach is the Fleet Lagoon, which separates it from the mainland – the distance between them is decreasing every year by 15cm, as the sea slowly pushes Chesil Beach further into the lagoon. 

The sheer size of this thin strip of land is impressive; it is rare to see a land formation like this, and there are only two others in England. While the beach is being pushed back, it still acts as a buffer for the mainland, reducing the power of waves

If you’re visiting Chesil Beach, you should stop at the Isle of Portland. The beach is the only thing connecting the island to the mainland. Portland is a beautifully rugged island, home to a famously picturesque lighthouse and a great variety of birdlife.

Old Harry Rocks

Nervously peeping over the cliff edge to get a glimpse of Old Harry Rocks is one of the Jurassic Coast’s unmissable experiences. 

Once connected to the mainland, the stack and stump of Old Harry and his wife were ripped away by coastal erosion. The distinctive chalk formations jut out into the English Channel, which continues to chip away at the soft chalk underbelly of the rock.

If you’re curious about the unusual names, there are a few theories. One legend states that the name Old Harry comes from the devil (Old Harry is age-old slang for the devil) sleeping on the rocks, while another suggests they were named for an infamous smuggler, Harry Paye, who once hid his boat among the rocks. Whatever the truth behind the name, the rocks have continued to stir the imagination for centuries.

With blue sea, white cliffs and the green grass atop them creating a stark contrast of colour, the weaving cliff edge and Old Harry Rocks make for a striking picture. 

You can see the rocks well enough from the roughly hour long walk up the cliffs, but I would really recommend catching a boat trip out to see Old Harry Rocks if you can. They’re beautiful when seen from the land, but the wider perspective from the sea is truly spectacular.

Boasting a picturesque harbour of bobbing sailboats, a seafront of pastel-coloured houses and a lovely beach, Lyme Regis is the quintessential upmarket seaside resort. With a classically pretty look and a bit of bustle, the town is one of the most popular on the Jurassic Coast.

It makes a lovely base for your holiday, but is worth visiting regardless. The colourful architecture is mostly from the Georgian and Regency era, giving the town a sophisticated look. Winding streets and independent boutiques add a layer of charm, while museums and art galleries give it a bit more depth as a place to visit. The Lyme Regis Museum is built on the site of Mary Anning’s former home. 

The pioneering paleontologist and fossil collector was born in Lyme Regis on 21st May 1799 and lived there until she died in 1847. Her work was groundbreaking at a time where geology had yet to truly exist as an official discipline, and teachings of the Bible were rarely challenged. Anning’s discoveries and documentation of dinosaur skeletons changed the scientific world; her work is honoured in the museum.

Small, pretty and charming are all words I would use to describe Lyme Regis – quiet is not. It helps add to the joyful atmosphere pervading the town, but if the weather is nice, there are always crowds of people that follow.

West Bay has always been a favourite with visitors, but it is hard to deny that its popularity has skyrocketed since featuring prominently in the ITV crime drama Broadchurch. 

The tiny settlement has two gorgeous sand beaches, rather unimaginatively named West Beach and East Beach. The backdrop of towering sandstone cliffs on East Beach is the one you’ll recognise: David Tennant and Olivia Colman filmed on location here for series one of Broadchurch. 

Even people that have never seen the show will still love West Bay. You can’t go wrong with soft sands, gentle waves and the open sky. A small but quaint fishing village like West Bay is the perfect place to try fish & chips as they are intended: fresh from the sea, bought from an unassuming chip shop, and eaten overlooking the water.

If you want to be somewhere a little more developed, nearby Bridport is a lovely little market town. 

Corfe Castle

If you asked for a list of prettiest villages in Dorset, Corfe Castle would be somewhere near the top. Dominated by the ruins of an ancient castle standing high over the village and filled with quaint cottages, this is a community ripped straight out of the pages of a storybook.

It’s the kind of place that just breathes history. The precariously balanced castle has stood for a thousand years. It has been a Norman fortress, Royal castle and Saxon stronghold in that time, but the most famous event is the one that left it to ruin: the English Civil War. The Bankes family supported King Charles I against the Parliamentarians – Lady Bankes was left to defend the castle under siege in 1643 and 1645. They were eventually overcome, and the castle was destroyed.

An hour of a time – and strong legs – are required to climb the hill and explore the castle. Panoramas over the Purbeck peninsula await you at the top.

The village itself – named for Corfe Castle – has that typical quaint, rustic feel often found in rural England. Old stone cottages with brightly coloured doors, pretty gardens, tearooms, independent shops and country pubs are all found in Corfe Castle. It won’t take long to explore but is a lovely & relaxing way to while away an afternoon.

Of all these places to visit, which should you absolutely not miss? 

If you’re strapped for time, Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove are a two-in-one package, being so close together, and Old Harry Rocks and Lyme Regis are my other two must-visit locations on the Jurassic Coast.

Things to Do

Fossil hunting.

If you’re staying in a place called the Jurassic Coast, it is only right that you should dedicate a little time to fossil hunting.

You can technically find fossils practically anywhere along the Jurassic Coast, but true fossil hunters know that Charmouth is the best for it. 

Foraging for fossils at Charmouth is safe and perfect for beginners; you usually have a good chance of finding something hidden on the beach. Especially on quiet days as the tide is going out! Not all fossils should be kept, but a few smaller ones (often ammonites, belemnites and crinoids) , are fine to add to a collection.

You can learn more about fossils – and how to find them – at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Walk (part of) the South West Coast Path

England’s longest waymarked footpath covers an incredible 630 miles, running from Minehead in Sommerset along the coast until it reaches Poole Harbour in Dorset.

I’m not advocating the whole trail here – but if you’re up to the challenge, I’m sure it is worth it – just the stretch across Dorset. The trail runs along cliff tops, past lagoons and along the beach as it weaves its way across the coastline.

Many of the Jurassic Coast’s best places to visit are highlights of the walk. Chesil Beach, Lulworth Beach and Durdle Door all feature on the South West Coast Path. Distance aside, much of the walk is fairly easy-going. The trickier parts are mostly in the Purbeck area, where some of the ascents and descents can get very steep.

You don’t have to follow the trail for endless miles, but it is worth hiking at least some of it if you are able. The views are simply sublime, and the path is well-trodden for good reason.

Follow the acorn symbol – you’ll know you’re on the right track whenever you see them.

Explore Tyneham Ghost Village

Wander through an eerie abandoned village positioned on the Purbeck peninsula, close to Lulworth Cove and Kimmeridge Bay.

Tyneham has been frozen in time since 1943, when an evacuation of the entire village was ordered during WWII. The space was used for military training, but even after the end of the war, the villagers were barred from returning.

Today, you can see this time capsule of a village as a tourist attraction. A few buildings in the once idyllic Tyneham are in ruins, but many are preserved exactly as they were in the 1940s. We are so used to ruins being centuries removed from our time, that it feels a little unsettling to see more familiar buildings in such a state.

You can see inside the school, church and farm – which have been kept in near-pristine condition, learn about the families that once lived in Tyneham and pose for a photo by the classic cream phone box. It’s an entertaining and unusual way to spend a few hours.

The ‘lost’ village is open to the public most weekends and during the school holidays.

See the Wildlife at Kimmeridge Bay

Kimmeridge Bay offers an easily accessible glimpse of marine wildlife; the sheltered positioning of the bay makes it one of the safer spots to explore.

As is ridiculously common on the Jurassic Coast, the geology of Kimmeridge Bay is both fascinating and important. You can see fossils entrenched in the ground and bedrock formed in the Jurassic age.

The natural limestone ledges take you further out into the water without having to dip in the sea. Many anglers cast lines off from here, while others choose to search the rock pools for crabs and sea snails. 

For those who prefer to get up close and personal with the creatures of the sea, snorkelling is popular in Kimmeridge Bay. Schools of fish are often spotted moving among the colourful seaweed on the sea floor. On occasion, seals and dolphins also make an appearance in the bay.

To learn more about the marine wildlife of the area, head to the Wild Seas Visitor Centre.

Where Should You Stay?

Depending on your vacation style, you can stay in a hotel, cottage or a tent – as for location, I think anywhere on the Purbeck peninsula or in pretty Lyme Regis is hard to beat. 

There isn’t an endless supply of hotels and B&Bs on the Jurassic Coast, but enough to get by; most range from mid-level to luxury budget-wise and get booked up quickly in the summer. If you prefer camping, there are dozens of sites up and down the coast. Most villages have at least a few cottages let out to holidaymakers and Airbnbs, but like the hotels, these tend to get booked up fast.

How Long Will You Need to Explore the Jurassic Coast?

Focusing on the Dorset stretch of coastline alone, a week should be enough time to explore the Jurassic Coast.

If you want to extend your trip into Devon, you might want a little longer – 10 days would be plenty of time. Most of the Jurassic Coast’s biggest attractions and highlights are in Dorset.

A week gives you time to see everything the coast has to offer without rushing too much. If you only have a long weekend, you can still have a great holiday. You just have to narrow down the places you want to see to a select few.

Will I Need a Car? 

Much of the Jurassic Coast is very rural, which is always easier to explore by car. Remote areas tend to have very little in the way of public transport, and what they do have is usually infrequent.

You will find that the Jurassic Coast has a little more than most since it is a popular holiday destination with higher demand. Trains into Bournemouth and Weymouth are the quickest option, and you can catch a bus or taxi from there. 

As is often the case, many of the most remote parts of the coast will be off limits to you without a car. You can still visit places like Corfe Castle and Old Harry Rocks, but the buses only run hourly from Poole.

A car isn’t essential, but it makes exploring the coast much easier. Without a car, your best option really is to…

Go on a Tour

Joining a tour can be one of the best and most convenient ways to see the coastline. They’re particularly worthwhile for people travelling without a car. 

Even people with cars would still benefit from joining one of the boat trips.

• Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise – a 70 minute boat trip travelling around islands just off the Dorset coast. You will see the historic castle built by Henry VIII on Brownsea Island during your cruise, as well as the luxurious houses of the Sandbanks peninsula.
• Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip – see the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic sights, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, on this 3 hour excursion. Travelling with a knowledgable tour guide gives you the chance to find out more about the prehistoric history of the area.
• From Poole to Swanage: 2-Hour Jurassic Coastal Cruise – go on a leisurely cruise along the coastline, and see breathtaking views of white cliffs and golden beaches. It’s worth it for the view of Old Harry Rocks from the sea alone.
• From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour – spend a day exploring the Purbeck peninsula with a small group and guide. On top of the unmissable Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, you get the chance to see Corfe Castle, Studland and Durlston Castle.

Is the Jurassic Coast Worth Visiting?

Everyone has different expectations on holiday, but if you love rugged coastlines, beautiful scenery and the prehistoric age, the Jurassic Coast is absolutely worth visiting.

How often do you get the chance to see millions of years of Earth’s history right under your feet? Classic white chalk cliffs, golden sands and sweeping views await you in this scenic coastal holiday. Take a break from the busy life and take it easy on the epic Jurassic Coast.

Kat Hi, I'm Kat, an Australian that moved to London in 2013 to start a  new adventure.  What a roller-coaster that was! I love helping others move to the UK  and people  explore the world ! I’d be honoured if you’d say, “Thanks!” with a £3 coffee on Ko-fi.

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Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful part of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DORSET & JURASSIC COAST

Located in the South West of England the Jurassic Coast stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 the Jurassic Coast is a popular destination for both UK residents and visitors from around the world.

The coast is composed of rock containing the fossilised remains of flora and fauna from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Rock falls over the years have exposed the fossils. Areas of particular interest include Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach amongst others.

Much of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Other attractions include the South West Coast path a popular long distance footpath and National Trail which stretches for 630 miles and passes through the Dorset and East Devon Coast (Jurassic Coast).

Main towns in Dorset (there are no cities in the county) include Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Poole, and Bournemouth (only the former are located along the Jurassic Coast though)

If you are considering a visit to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this practical guide.

• What you will find in this complete Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide

Map of the Jurassic Coast

Things to do on the jurassic coast & in dorset, accommodation in dorset, how to get to dorset jurassic coast from london, experiences, tickets and tours in dorset.

• FAQ's & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Books to read about the Jurassic Coast

• Planning your visit to England's South West

Best Places to visit in Dorset

Jurassic Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Places to visit in Dorset and along the Jurassic Coast include

Chesil Beach

Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach

Corfe Castle

Cerne Abbas

Read more – 10 things to do in South West England

Best places to stay in Dorset

From holiday cottages to 5-star luxury hotels our guide to the best places to stay in Dorset contains a curated selection of the best accommodation.

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

The Jurassic Coast is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the coast.

Option 1 – By car

The Jurassic Coast is located 130 miles to the south west of London.

Plan at least 2 hours 45 minutes to drive down to the coast from London.

Roads can be busy in summer especially on hot sunny days when the entire population will head down to the beaches along the coast.

Directions can be found here.

Option 2: By train

Travel by train from London Waterloo to Bournemouth or London Waterloo or Paddington to Weymouth.

Journey time is 3 – 4 hours depending on the train route you choose but the coast is perfectly manageable for a day trip in the summer months when daylight hours are longer.

Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Weymouth. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to the Jurassic Coast from London – if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

With so many things to do and places to visit in Dorset, I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, especially during the busy summer months.

• Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise – See for yourself Europe’s largest natural harbour. Take on stunning views and learn more about the area as you relax on board, passing interesting locations along the shores.
• From Poole to Swanage: 2-Hour Jurassic Coastal Cruise – Cruise from Poole Harbour to Swanage on a 2-hour round-trip cruise and see some of Dorset’s greatest landmarks. Pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, and the Old Harry Rocks, as you head towards the historical British seaside resort of Swanage.
• Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip – Departs Bournemouth. Get back to prehistoric nature and visit some of the most scenic locations of the Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Cove and the Durdle Door rock arch for 3 hours at your own pace.
• From Weymouth: 10+ Stops on Jurassic Coast Day Tour – A full day guided tour exploring the Jurassic Coast. Visit 95 miles of coastline on the south of England, from Old Harry Rocks to WestBay. Sights include Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Portland, Abbotsbury and Westbay.

FAQ’s & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

When is the best time to visit dorset.

Dorset is a wonderful destination during the summer months with many outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking and cycling, beaches to explore and festivals to attend.

However, Dorset is a pretty good destination all year round just make sure you check the weather forecast and pack accordingly !

What is the best way to get around Dorset?

The Jurassic Coast is perfect for a road trip. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, quaint villages and towns, beaches and natural wonders at your own pace. Read more in our road trip itinerary for the Jurassic Coast.

Park and Ride schemes are available in Poole and Weymouth.

Tip – if you plan to drive the route don’t forget to take cash for parking meters!

• Walking or cycling

Alternatively, there are many walking and cycling routes across the county. While the famous South West Coastal Path includes the Dorset and Jurassic coast there are also many short walks to enjoy too.

For cyclists, the national cycle network has a number of routes that run through Dorset including Route 2 from Christchurch to Lyme Regis and Route 26 from Sherborne to Weymouth.

• Public transport

Bus services connect all the major towns. Check Traveline South West for timetables and fares.

There are 23 train stations on the national rail network in Dorset including 9 on the Great Western Railway network and 14 on South Western Railway routes. Find out more on the trainline.com

There are day tours available along the Jurassic Coast leaving from either Bournemouth , Poole or Weymouth.

Planning your visit to England’s South West

If you are visiting the South West of England take a look at these travel guides which also cover relevant destinations:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Cotswold Travel Guide
• Devon Travel Guide
• Peak District Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

The 12 Best Things to Do Along England's Jurassic Coast

England’s Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile-long stretch of coastline that dates back hundreds of millions of years. It has some of theoldest rock features on Earth, including wave-beaten sea arches, fossilized forests, even dinosaur footprints. Beautiful as well as ancient, colossal cliffs rise from the sea, waves crash against vast columns of rock, and the water is an otherworldly turquoise blue. A magnet for walkers, adventurers, and nature lovers, the coastline can be explored on foot, by bus, car, boat or even kayak, while staying in thatch-roofed pubs and bed and breakfasts owned by welcoming locals.

Hunt for Fossils

Millions of years ago, the Jurassic Coast was a huge tropical sea teeming with marine life, and plenty of it remains today in the form of fossils, which can be found all over the beaches between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Spend even a short time looking and you might come across a perfectly spiraling ammonite, or a rock full of pretty, star-shaped sea-lilies.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Center organizes guided fossil walks year-round and has exhibitions and staff who can point out what to look for. The Lyme Regis Museum also runs fossil walks, as does local geologistChris Pamplin. If you’d rather venture out on your own, make sure to follow the Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct , and don’t stand or sit under cliffs as erosion can cause landslides.

Visit Lulworth Cove

Sheltered and picturesque, Lulworth Cove has been a tourist destination since Victorian times. It’s one of the best, and busiest places on the Jurassic Coast for a family day out. There’s plenty to do, whether you want to relax on the pretty beach, enjoy a pint in one of the old pubs or take the steep path from the car park for a bird’s eye view of the Durdle Door sea arch, half a mile west of the cove. The Lulworth Rangers run activities throughout the year, from coasteering to rock pooling and even bat safaris.

The visitor center has some informative displays about the cove’s geology, a shop selling gifts and foodie products, and a cafe. It’s also where to find out about the tide times, hiking trails, and wildlife that has been spotted recently in the area. For a less crowded experience, avoid weekends.

Have a Coastal Adventure

The Jurassic Coast is a superb destination for coastal activities. The rock-strewn coastline is full of ledges, caves and tunnels, making it one vast adventure playground. Many unique features can only be seen from the water—fossilized trees between the rocks at Stair Hole , ammonites half a meter wide at Lulworth.

Several companies organize outdoor activities in the area. One of the best is Jurassic Coast Activities , whose guides have plenty of local knowledge. As well as kayaking and coasteering trips (which require a minimum of two people), they offer windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboard lessons, and have an equipment hire center at Bowleaze Cove.

Take a Look at the Cerne Giant

The Cerne Giant is a 60-meter-high chalk figure carved into the hillside above the Dorset village of Cerne Abbas. Naked (and with some very conspicuous anatomy), the famous landmark is thought by some to be a 2,000-year-old fertility symbol, while others believe it was created just a few hundred years ago. The mystery is set to be solved in 2020 when the giant is due to be carbon dated. For the best view, head to the viewing point and car park. There are lovely walks in the area, and the village of Cerne Abbas has several old pubs.

Look Around Lyme Regis

The most vibrant town on the Jurassic Coast is Lyme Regis . Charming and arty, it has indie shops and artisan cafes plus an excellent museum, where you can learn the story of Mary Anning , the intrepid fossil hunter who made astonishing finds in the area. The town beach is a sheltered spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. Walk along the Cobb, the 450-year-old harbor wall built to protect the town from raging winter storms, which is a great spot for taking photos.

Behind the seafront, the Town Mill is also worth a visit. Restored by residents, the 700-year-old watermill is now a working flour mill, offering tours, baking courses, and selling its own flour. Old buildings have been turned into shops, studios for a silversmith and potter, and there’s also a cafe and friendly micro-brewery .

Tour an Historic Brewery

Beer lovers visiting the Jurassic Coast have plenty to get excited about. The area boasts not one but two historic breweries, both of which open their doors to the public, offering tours, tastings, and more.

Founded in 1777, Hall and Woodhouse has been making their Dorset-inspired beers, which you can find in pubs all over the Jurassic Coast, for centuries. They run two-hour tours of their brewery in the village of Blandford St. Mary. Visitors get to see all aspects of the brewing process, and a complimentary beer at the end.

Palmers Brewery in Bridport has been operating from the same thatch-roofed building since 1794. If you're interested in the history of brewing, then their tour is a must—much of the original equipment is on display, and some of it, like the copper brew kettle, is still in use today. Tours run from April to October, and you'll need to book in advance.

Try the Local Seafood

Nearly 50 different types of fish and shellfish can be found in the waters off the Jurassic Coast, so it's no surprise that the area boasts some fabulous seafood restaurants.

The Crab House Café , a restaurant in an unassuming looking cabin that looks out on Chesil beach, has fans all over the world and has won a multitude of awards. The seafood is as fresh as it gets; the menu changes daily depending on what is brought in from local boats, and oysters are grown in the restaurant's own oyster farm.

One of a small chain of restaurants on the South coast, Rockfish , in Weymouth, is the brainchild of restaurateur and chef Mitch Tonks. Inspired by the local fish restaurants in Portugal and Italy, the affordable menu includes fish grilled on a Mediterranean plancha or cooked in their signature batter (of which there is a rare gluten-free version). 

High on a hill above Lyme Regis, the Hix Oyster and Fish House is blessed with stunning views of the harbor and the sea. According to chef and owner Mark Hix, the restaurant is all about fresh seafood caught locally and served simply. Choose from as many as ten different types of fish and shellfish on the menu, as you enjoy the view from the beautiful outdoor terrace.

Learn to Sail

Portland Harbor and Weymouth Bay are known as two of the best places in the U.K. for sailing and were the locations of the 2012 London Olympics sailing events. Weymouth Sailing offers lessons to everyone from beginners to experienced yachtspeople, as well as charter trips to Lulworth Cove, Portland Bill, and Chesil Beach. For a sailing trip with a difference, spend a few hours aboard the Moonfleet , a classic tall ship, owned by the inspiring Jeremy Hallett, who sails it every day—weather permitting—often anchoring in one of the bays east of Lulworth, so passengers can lunch and even have a swim. Those that want to can have a go at sailing and steering the ship themselves.

Wander Through Hardy Country

Thomas Hardy’s novels teem with references to places along the Jurassic Coast, from the bleak expanse of the ‘Great Heath’ to the town of Casterbridge (otherwise known as Dorchester). The writer lived and died in the area, in properties only a few miles apart. You can visit the humble thatched cottage where he was born near the village of Higher Bockhampton, which has been restored to how it would have looked during his lifetime. You can also visit Max Gate , the Victorian house where he enjoyed the fruits of his success as a novelist and poet—and where he died in 1928.

Explore Kimmeridge Bay

Around a 20-minute drive east of Lulworth Cove is Kimmeridge Bay, where flat rocky ledges which were part of the seabed 155 million years ago create the best rock pooling and snorkeling conditions on the Jurassic Coast. By the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay, the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Center is a small visitor center that runs events like beachcombing walks and a few years back, created a snorkeling trail, which guides you through forests of seaweed, as you spot unusual species of fish like Montagu’s Blennies. In the village of Kimmeridge, the Etches Collection is a fascinating small museum run by life-long fossil hunter Steve Etches, housing many of his rare finds from the area, including dinosaur skulls and ammonite eggs.

Discover Hidden Beaches

The Jurassic Coast is blessed with miles of sand, from the picturesque Lulworth Cove to the bare, windswept expanse of Chesil beach. But the real joy comes from finding secluded beauty spots—of which there are plenty. Here are three worth seeking out:

• Church Ope Cove: On the east coast of the Isle of Portland, Church Ope Cove is a genuine hidden cove that was once a landing place for Vikings, smugglers, and even Russian spies. To reach it, take the path alongside Pennsylvania Castle, clamber through the ruined 12th-century churchyard, and then descend the hundred or so steps to the beach.
• Mupe Bay: Walk east from Lulworth Cove through the Lulworth Ranges for two miles, and you’ll reach Mupe Bay, one of the most beautiful places on the entire Jurassic Coast. Yachts frequently anchor in the horseshoe-shaped bay, which has dramatic grey and white mottled cliffs and clear, blue-green water.
• Ringstead Bay: Take the coast path from Osmington Mills to Ringstead Bay, a rocky beach where tiny fishing boats bob up and down, and locals take early-morning dips. This is a lovely place for a swim, but you’ll need water shoes as the pebbles are hard to walk on.

Walk the South West Coast Path

As long as you observe any warning signs and stay away from cliff edges, the South West Coast path is an absolute joy for walkers and runs the whole length of the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to the Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck. Here are three highlights:

• Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove: This strenuous but rewarding 11-mile hike takes you up and down steep hills with bird’s eye views of the chalk-white cliffs and crashing waves below. As you approach Lulworth, you’ll also get an Instagram-worthy shot of the famous Durdle Door sea arch.
• Golden Cap: At 4.5 miles, this walk takes you from Seatown car park to the summit of Golden Cap, which has some of the best views anywhere along the Jurassic Coast, as well as through ancient woodland and a medieval hamlet.
• Isle of Portland: There isn’t much to do on the Isle of Portland unless you’re a nature lover—in which case, it’s a fantastic walking destination. You can circumnavigate the ‘island’ (a 13-mile trip) in around four hours, looking for skuas, hoopoes, and puffins on the cliffs as well as bottlenose dolphins and seals in the sea.

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• Overall Guide to Dorset
• Dorset Coast
• Bournemouth
• Things to Do
• Food and Drink
• Festivals and Events
• Inspiration

Dorset Jurassic Coast Highlights: 19 Must-Visit Coastal Spots

• Last Updated 14 December, 2023

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One of the most stunning parts of the UK’s coastline, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon is justifiably famous.

With 185 million years of history – not to mention some jaw-dropping landscapes and rock formations, caused by aeons of relentless erosion – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the prettiest areas of England. And I promise I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.

This post is a bit of a walk down memory lane for me; these spots were the backdrop to my childhood summers and feature in a lot of my happiest memories! I grew up in Weymouth and spent most of my summers being dragged all along the Dorset coast by my parents.

Those days out in Dorset instilled a lot of random knowledge about geology in my head, but more importantly, a deep-seated love of my home area.

Hopefully, I can share a bit of that love now by encouraging you to visit at least a few of these incredible Jurassic Coast highlights in Dorset…

Where is the Dorset Jurassic Coast?

1. durdle door, 2. lulworth cove, 3. fossil forest, 4. lyme regis, 5. west bay (aka broadchurch), 6. golden cap, 7. chesil beach and fleet lagoon, 8. old harry rocks, 9. durlston head, 10. kimmeridge bay, 11. dancing ledge, 12. portland bill, 13. winspit, 14. charmouth, 15. seacombe cliff, 16. undercliff national reserve, 17. gad cliff and worbarrow bay, 18. mupe rocks, 19. chapman’s pool, map of the dorset jurassic coast highlights.

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide to Dorset England

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Most of this stretch of coastline belongs to Dorset, including some of the best-known spots like Durdle Door.

This is a hugely diverse landscape of massive geological importance. Basically, the coastline is made up of rocks spanning some 185 million years of geological history, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Most geographic areas only cover one period, so three is a big deal if you’re a geologist. It essentially means the area tells scientists a lot about the environmental changes that have taken place over the ages – literally across hundreds of millions of years.

That’s all interesting enough, but what’s in it for the average tourist who doesn’t have a degree in geology? How about a stunning coastline filled with dramatic rock formations, an abundance of fossils, and lots of lovely beaches tucked into quiet bays and coves? This is a seriously beautiful part of the world, and there are so many incredible places to discover…

Highlights of the Dorset Jurassic Coast

Dorset’s star attraction, and the “poster-child” for the Jurassic Coast, is Durdle Door. The “door” is a natural limestone arch over the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion.

If you want to stay nearby, there’s a caravan site – or a few Dorset glamping spots are nearby for a holiday with a difference.

READ MORE: How to Get to Durdle Door

Just next door from Durdle Door is another popular site on the Dorset Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove . It’s easy to visit both: you can park in Lulworth and walk over the cliffs to Durdle Door in around an hour. Be warned – it’s a steep climb!

Backed by white chalk cliffs, the bay at Lulworth is almost circular. The area is considered one of the best examples in Europe of the interaction of marine erosion on an alternating sequence of hard and soft rocks. You can see all the different layers in the rocks where they’ve slid up over the ages. Visual proof of the earth’s constant motion!

RELATED POST: 15 of the Best Short Dorset Coast Walks

To the east of Lulworth Cove is the Fossil Forest: a cluster of fossilised tree stumps, as well as trunks and roots, all dating from the Jurassic period. It was formed around 150 million years ago, when a temporary drop in sea levels allowed plants and trees to grow in an area that had previously been underwater.

When the climate changed, the water levels rose again and the forest died. But their remains were preserved by layers of calcareous sediment. So at the “forest”, you can walk amongst trees that are older than much of the surrounding rock. It’s pretty cool!

FYI – you can only visit the Fossil Forest when the surrounding army ranges are open. You can check the Range access times here .

Lyme Regis lies on the Dorset-Devon border, so it’s one of our first coastal landmarks. It’s a pretty seaside town with a small harbour and a lovely beach. But what makes Lyme Regis such an important spot on the Jurassic Coast is the abundance of fossils found in this area, thanks to the local blue lias clay.

The famous Georgian fossil hunter Mary Anning came from Lyme Regis. She discovered the first ichthyosaur skeleton when she was 12 – right here on the beach! There’s a brilliant museum where you can see loads of fossils, and learn more about the history of the area.

WATCH : Attenborough and the Sea Dragon (a BBC Documentary about the Lyme Regis ichthyosaur). And don’t miss my list of the best holiday cottages in Lyme Regis . 

BBC viewers might recognise the towering golden cliffs of West Bay, which starred as the fictional town of Broadchurch in the series of the same name. The crumbling, orangey-coloured cliffs at East Cliff tower above the shingle beach. Their visible layers are significant geographically because they tell the story of falling sea levels from some 175 million years ago.

Insider Tip: East Cliff provides a perfect spot for a cliff walk. Follow the cliff path to neighbouring Burton Bradstock, pop into the Hive Beach Cafe for lunch, and walk back – enjoying the spectacular views of Chesil Beach as you go.

Just west of West Bay is the Golden Cap . This towering, rust-yellow cliff is the highest point on the South Coast of England. At 191 metres (627 ft), it’s a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are well worth it!

Starting on the Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach stretches 18 miles along the coast to West Bay. This is a barrier beach, disconnected from the land, so on its way it forms the Fleet Lagoon, a brackish-water lagoon tucked between the beach and the mainland.

Geographically, the feature is pretty important – I can remember spotting it in my high school geography textbooks – but there’s also a lot of exciting local folklore and history in the area, too.

At the Portland end, the pebbles of Chesil Beach are almost fist size, but they get smaller as you move westward. By the time the beach reaches West Bay, the pebbles are tiny. Legend has it that smugglers of old used to land on the beach in the dead of night, and judge where they were by the size of the shingle.

Old Harry Rocks mark the easternmost point of the Dorset Jurassic Coast. These are three chalk rock formations stretching out into the sea from the Isle of Purbeck . Local legend holds that the rocks are named after Harry Payne, a pirate from nearby Poole .

Interestingly, these are part of the same chalk band as The Needles on the Isle of Wight. Once upon a time, it was all connected, but the band eroded over time and now all that remains are a few stacks at either end. On clear days you can glimpse The Needles in the distance.

READ MORE: Try my 4-Mile Circular Old Harry Rocks Walk

Topped by a castle and a rich nature reserve, Durlston Head is a headland in the southeast corner of the Isle of Purbeck. The dramatic cliffs offer amazing sea views, but the area is better known for its wildlife. The 320-acre country park is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers, as well as butterflies, birds, and invertebrates.

Another spot well-known for wildlife is Kimmeridge Bay . This sweeping bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation. Not only is this one of the safest and best locations for snorkelling, but it’s also the best place for rock pooling in Dorset. The rocky layers of the beach from dozens of pools and puddles, so you can easily get an up-close glimpse of the underwater world.

Dancing Ledge is a flat rock ledge that lies at the base of a small cliff near Langton Matravers. It’s named, apparently, because the bobbing waves at certain tides make the ledge look like it’s dancing. It’s also pretty tricky to reach as you have to scramble a bit to get there!

A manmade swimming pool was blasted into the rock here in the late 19th century. It was made for pupils of local prep schools.

Although most of the nearby schools have now closed, the swimming pool remains a popular feature of Dancing Ledge. Every high tide, the pool’s water is refreshed, and on summer days it slowly warms in the sunshine at low tide.

READ MORE: 5.5 Mile Circular Dancing Ledge Walk or try my 3.4 Mile Scratch Arse Ware and Dancing Ledge Walk

Joined to the mainland by the shingle arc of Chesil Beach, the Isle of Portland stretches out into the English Channel. Its southern tip, Portland Bill, features a dangerous and dramatic coastline.

Even if you’ve never heard of Portland, chances are you’ve seen its stone. Portland Limestone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as countless other important buildings.

At Portland Bill, the artificial stack Pulpit Rock stands as a testament to the quarry that once worked there. There are several others on the island, some still working. One, Tout Quarry , has now been made into a lovely sculpture park and nature reserve.

Speaking of quarries, over in Worth Matravers lies Winspit. This is a disused quarry just along the coast from Dancing Ledge. Although many of the caverns are closed for safety reasons, you can still enter some of them. It’s quite a bizarre feeling to wander into the caves with the whole weight of the cliffs above you!

A quaint little seaside village, Charmouth makes for a charming day out. (Excuse the terrible pun!). Think thatched-roofed cottages and pastel blue beach huts on the shingle beach.

But, like nearby Lyme Regis, Charmouth is another hotspot for fossil hunting. Last time I visited I found a small ammonite! The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has loads more history and info. They also offer guided fossil hunting walks along the beach.

READ MORE: My Lyme Regis to Charmouth Walk is perfect for fossil hunting!

Seacombe is another disused stone quarry. It lies between Dancing Ledge and Winspit, and the wild beauty of the area is ideal for walking.

At Seacombe , the quarries left behind a low-level platform from which they used to lower rocks to the waiting barges in the sea. Today, that platform has become a popular swimming spot. If you can brave the chilly waters of the English Channel, that is!

Starting at Seaton in Devon, a challenging section of the South West Coast Path crosses the border and leads all the way to Lyme Regis. On the way, it passes through one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve.

The reserve is one of the largest active coastal landslide systems in Western Europe, so you need to be careful walking here. Pay attention to signs and check for weather warnings before starting out.

Worbarrow Bay is a wide, sweeping bay on the Isle of Purbeck. At its eastern end, the slumping figure of Gad Cliff juts into the sea. It’s a short, but steep, climb to the top, and the resulting views along the coastline are well worth it. It’s also is one of the quieter beaches in the area , perfect if you’re looking for a bit of seclusion!

The nearest parking is a mile away, at the village of Tyneham , which is also worth exploring. This small village was abandoned during WWII as the army needed the area for practice. Their ranges are still found all over the area. Today, several of the buildings have been lovingly restored in order to show what rural life was like in the 1940s.

Just around the corner from the more famous Lulworth Cove, Mupe Bay is something of a hidden gem. At one end of the bay, a string of tooth-like pointed rocks juts up from the sea. Low tide also uncovers Mupe Ledge, a flat expanse of rock that is often covered with rockpools.

Last, but no means least, we have Chapman’s Pool. This small cove near Worth Matravers is another highlight of the Purbeck section of the Jurassic Coast. It’s backed by high cliffs, which provide shelter to the cove, but also make it a bit of a challenge to reach. Around the area are limestone cliffs and dramatic caves.

Like other local limestone areas, the rocks around the cove are full of fossils. The beach itself is wonderfully wild, broken by a small stream which plunges through a ravine in the cliffs to reach the sea.

Are there any other Dorset Jurassic Coast highlights that I’ve missed? Scroll down and leave a comment! 

11 thoughts on “Dorset Jurassic Coast Highlights: 19 Must-Visit Coastal Spots”

Well presented and full of information . Also this is a good place for family outing.

Thanks so much Patrick!

We are planning to go to the Jurassic Coast on Easter as my daughter is obsessed with fossils at the moment. I found this article the best among all the ones that are shown when you start the search online. Hopefully, we can make it this year. Now looking for places to stay there.

Thanks so much for commenting Patricia, this is lovely 🙂 If your daughter is into fossils I highly recommend Lyme Regis and Charmouth. I’ve never walked on that beach without seeing a fossil or two! And there’s the Ammonite Pavement there at low tide which has thousands embedded in it. Plus the museum there is excellent. Hope you have a brilliant trip!

Thanks for the tips!

We will be on a cruise to the British Isles, and have found our day in Dublin has been cancelled. Instead, we will be visiting Portland, and this area. Can you recommend the best way for us to see this area as a port stop on a cruise? Thank you very much!

Hi Connie! Sorry to hear your Dublin day got cancelled, I hope you’ll enjoy Portland and Weymouth just as much. I have an article I wrote for my other website about how to see Weymouth in one day if you’re visiting on a cruise, you might find this helpful: https://www.emilyluxton.co.uk/uk/top-weymouth-attractions/

Do you have any ideas in mind for what you’d like to do? You could arrange for a taxi from the harbour on Portland to explore the island, or head into Weymouth.

Hi We are from Australia and wanted on our next trip to visit some of the Jurassic coast ( & inland ) then go up along the Welsh boarders . We are coffee shop people and due to our luck of living in a great land of natural beauty, we don’t want to spend all our time on walks or exploring beaches but want to see the main sights of what looks like a magnificent area. we would appreciate any feed back ( aged in 50’s/ 30’s, able to walk etc )

cheers Gillian [email protected]

Hi Gillian! Thanks for commenting. If you want to see the main sights without spending much time walking you’re in luck, as you can drive to a lot of good viewpoints on the Jurassic Coast. I’d say the “main” sight would be: Durdle Door (you can park at the car park and view it from above, or walk down to the beach if you like), Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, West Bay, Weymouth Harbour, and maybe Lyme Regis for fossil hunting. You could in fact visit all of them on one day as a road trip if you wanted, although it would be a bit rushed. Inland there’s also Corfe Castle, which I’d say is a must, and maybe Blue Pool, Dorchester is a nice historic town, and there are lots of pretty villages like Shatesbury. Hope that helps!

I was solving the last remaining clue in a quiz based on Dorset. However, try as I may, I cannot find any mention anywhere of the Geo Needle in Dorset, except the one at Exmouth. The quiz setters were from Dorset too which was a bit confusing. Otherwise, your post is really helpful. I’m glad I found you.

Hi Penny. I don’t believe that there is a Geoneedle in Dorset – the only one I know of is at Orcombe Point, which is in Exmouth, Devon and marks the start of the Jurassic Coast. Perhaps the quiz setters got confused?

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A Four Day Trip Exploring Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Table of Contents

Follow our Jurassic Coast Itinerary

With over 95 miles of coastline, the Jurassic Coast Dorset stretches from Exmouth in Devon all the way to Studland Bay in Dorset and spans a staggering 185 million years of geological history. Through the rocks and fossils that have been found after coastal erosion has laid them bare, Earth’s ancient past has been uncovered and with it, fascinating tales from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

And, while this UNESCO World Heritage Site draws in a number of visitors who are eager to learn more about the wonders of this natural phenomenon, there are many other reasons that attract the crowds.

Why visit the Jurassic Coast Dorset?

For us, it was the promise of stunning coastal views, historic landmarks, first-class beaches, a huge choice of family-friendly attractions, outdoor adventures and top-notch seafood that drew us to Dorset. Having been to Swanage and Bournemouth as a child, this was the first time I had ventured back to the region for many years – and we were all excited to explore such an awe-inspiring part of the UK.

We decided on a Jurassic coast road trip…

The other bonus of our Jurassic Coast road trip was being able to do it in style by driving a hi-tech, fully equipped  Hyundai Tucson –  a four-wheel-drive SUV, loaned to us for the duration of our Easter break. Navigating a number of different terrains from motorways to narrow country lanes, A-roads, B-roads, and coastal routes, as well a being behind the wheel for hours at a time meant that we needed a comfortable car to do it in. Not to mention being able to fit all our luggage including a pram, travel cot and highchair into the boot.

So after setting off from a rainy Surrey, we made good time – just over two-and-a-half hours – to our first stop in Dorset. Follow our Jurassic Coast itinerary below and discover a leisurely way to explore the Jurassic Coast Dorset.

Best Things To Do In Dorset

Sandbanks, poole.

Driving through Poole, we were taken aback by the difference in the affluence of not only the properties but the whole ambience of two towns which sit side by side. Sandbanks is a small peninsula at the mouth of Poole Harbour and has the fourth highest land value in the world – due to its desirable sea frontage views.

We arrived just in time for lunch, and came across the Sandbanks Beach Cafe . We ordered fish and chips, which were not cheap, and afterwards, made our way onto the beach. Due to the abysmal weather, it was empty! Hurrah for Monkey, who got stuck into making sandcastles, while Peanut walked up and down the promenade.

After trying to spot the boats bob up and down in the harbour, we clambered back into the car and went for a drive around marvelling at all the upmarket restaurants and bars, as well as the million-pound houses.

Leaving Sandbanks, we carried on further along the coast for another hour to our Jurassic Coast accommodation at Seatown in Bridport, where we settled in for the evening.

Jurassic Coast For Kids

When we heard that Dippy the dinosaur – The Natural History Museum’s famous Diplodocus – was being hosted in the Dorset County Museum , Monkey was super excited but our hopes were soon dashed when we realised the tickets were all sold out. No matter, we promised him dinosaurs, and as it was a wet and miserable day, we still headed to the historic market town of Dorchester, where Dippy currently resides – but instead of going to see him, we went around the corner to The Dinosaur Museum . Even though it’s small and rather tired-looking – there are plenty of interactive exhibits and displays. Monkey enjoyed going on a  dinosaur egg hunt, while the baby enjoyed excavating in the sand.

We spent just over an hour there before heading for a wander around the town and finding a quaint teashop to enjoy a big slice of cake. It was a great way of easing ourselves into our adventure to what was going to be a hectic fews days.

Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting in Charmouth

The sun finally made an appearance! So we knew it would be the best day to go fossil hunting. And while there are some great beaches to find them along the Jurassic Coast Dorset, we were told that Charmouth tops them all. After heading to the Charmouth Heritage Centre , we were astounded to see so many on display including a monster ammonite and an ichthyosaur which featured in the BBC documentary Attenborough and the Sea Dragon .   This fired our resolve and armed with a fossil guide, we headed to the beach. It was busy, but we still had plenty of space to dig around. And after some time, it was Monkey who spotted a tiny ammonite. He was so happy. Even better still, we later found a grey pebble which is calcite ammonite!

After our Jurassic Coast fossil hunting exploits, we were all famished so drove to the nearby seaside town of Lyme Regis, or as it’s also affectionately known as, the ‘Pearl of Dorset’. It was so wonderful to walk along the seafront towards the Cobb (harbour) and take in the pretty buildings as well as the winding lanes in the town. We even saw a huge working water mill in the artisan quarter, after following a route alongside the picturesque River Lym.

After having a seafood lunch at the Ocean View, which had cracking views across the beach,  we carried on walking until we discovered an ice cream shop. It really was such a lovely day out – and finally felt like we were on holiday. When the sun is shining and you’re on a beach – especially as one as attractive as Lyme Regis, there’s nothing better.

Another day, and another seaside. But this time we drove in the opposite direction an hour to Weymouth, which is situated around the halfway point along the Jurassic Coast Dorset. The journey there along the ancient Jurassic Coast Scenic Route was utterly spectacular. The panoramic views which stretched for miles along the coastline with the waves swirling below were spellbinding, and it was a shame we couldn’t find a safe enough point to stop the Hyundai and get out.

There were plenty of parking options in Weymouth, which is a large town with prominent Georgian architecture, as well as plenty of attractions. It wasn’t as warm as the previous day, but it was dry so we decided to grab some fish and chips and sit on the large sandy beach eating them out of the paper. It was great fun watching people flying their kites, children riding donkeys and tourists just chilling out on deck chairs. After our meal, Monkey spotted a small play area, so we brought him a ticket to go on a helter-skelter a few times.

We also intended to go to the Jurassic Skyline  which is a viewing tower that has a 360-degree view across the coast, but after walking halfway there Monkey decided he wasn’t up for it and would prefer to see a lighthouse…

Isle of Portland

So getting back into the car, we drove another scenic route to the Isle of Portland – an island around five miles from Weymouth via Chesil Beach – and headed straight towards Portland Bill which sits at the most southern point of Dorset. The scenery surrounding this iconic landmark, which has been guiding ships since 1906, is breathtaking and reminded me more of the landscape from a Nordic country rather than the UK, so rugged and spectacular against the grey blue hues of the English Channel.

Unfortunately, we had just missed the last tour of the lighthouse, so were unable to climb to the top, but this did give us plenty of time to walk around the vicinity and take in our surroundings. When we finally decided to make our way back to Bridport, it was fantastic that we had another chance to drive along the ancient scenic route and experience the beautiful coastal views once again.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door

It was on our way back home we decided we couldn’t leave Dorset and not visit one of its greatest and most popular natural sites at the crescent-shaped Lulworth Cove and the dramatic limestone arch of Durdle Door. It was created when the sea pierced through the Portland limestone around 10,000 years ago and is really worth making a detour for.

It would be that on the morning we decided to go, some bizarre and unexpected fog descended. It was so bad, that driving into the car park was rather hazardous, but the Hyundai more than managed it. Around a 15 minute walk, with some rather hairy steep cliff edges and no barriers (thankfully the baby was in a sling), we made it to the viewpoint and waited for the swirling mist to subside. It was still majestic…

A comfortable journey exploring Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

The Hyundai Tucson became an extended part of our family during our Jurassic Coast  Dorset adventure. Even though it’s classed as a compact SUV, there’s nothing small about it – there was tons of room for us and for our luggage. We really put it through its paces – it took the stress out of each and every one of our journeys. From the heated steering wheel, front and rear seats, which were a revelation in the cold wet weather to the blind spot warning signals and cruise control; I was only too happy to get behind the wheel and do some distance driving, and didn’t even flinch when faced with tight parking spots thanks to the superb rearview camera and sensors. We also all adored the panoramic sunroof, that pulled all the way back to let in so much daylight.

When we had to hand back the key, all of us were a little heartbroken. Not that there’s anything wrong with our trusty car, which we’ve had for years, it’s just once you experienced first-class, it’s hard to go back to economy.

Other things to do in Dorset

Our four-day adventure exploring Dorset gave us only a tiny taste of what this beautiful and historic part of the UK has to offer. There were so many things we didn’t get to do including seeing the swans at the Abbotsbury Swannery or the Weymouth SEALIFE Adventure Park. For us, it was more about being outdoors. The baby is at a stage where he cannot be contained in his pushchair for too long, so for us to be able to meander the different beaches, and explore the seaside towns was just the perfect introduction to the Jurassic Coast. And I have a sneaky feeling this won’t be the first or the last time, we’ll be holidaying there.

Ancient Route Road Trip Series

• Check out Gretta Schifano’s post on her road trip of  how to explore the Pilgrims’ Way by car

• Kirstie Pelling takes a scenic drive from Fell to Coast along the Hard Knott Road in the Lake District

• Nichola West travelled along the  Great Stones Way  in Wiltshire

• Cathy Winston took an East Anglia family road trip  through history

*Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hyundai, who loaned us a car for the duration of our Juraassic Coast Dorset adventure. The route was our own choice and we chose and paid for the accommodation, attractions and refreshments mentioned. 

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Lulworth Cove

© Matt Pinner

Chesil Beach stretches for 18 miles from Portland to West Bay

Lyme regis has brilliant beaches for fossil hunting.

© Rachel Baker

Portland Bill, Isle of Portland

© Paul Williams

The Jurassic Coast Explore this famous World Heritage Site

The world renowned Jurassic Coast should definitely be one of the places to visit during your visit to Dorset.

It stretches for 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon, and is a fantastic place to explore the geological features of this dramatic coastline - England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The South West Coast Path walking trail runs along the length of the Jurassic Coast and is a great way to see the amazing landmarks and far reaching coastal views of this part of Dorset. Be sure to visit the pretty seaside towns of Swanage, Lyme Regis or West Bay for something to eat or a chance to rest your feet.

Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster

A new BBC documentary called Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster follows Dr. Steve Etches MBE and his team as they excavate the huge fossilised skull of a Pliosaur from the cliffs near Kimmeridge Bay on the Jurassic Coast. World famous naturalist Sir David Attenborough joins the team to see the skull up close and hear about its discovery.

The snout of the Pliosaur was first discovered by Philip Jacobs in April 2022. With the help of Steve Etches and others, the rest of the skull was located in the cliffs above, over 10 metres above ground level. A plan was made and permissions granted to extract the rest of the skull from the cliffs, which revealed a skull measuring over 6 feet in length.

As dinosaurs roamed the land, marine reptiles such as Pliosaurs swam in the oceans. With the huge size of some Pliosaurs, they were an apex predator of their day. The skull of this Pliosaur dates to around 150 million years old when sea levels were much higher than they are today and much of Dorset was covered by warm tropical seas. It is one of the most intact Pliosaur skulls ever to be found and is a very important discovery for scientists along the Jurassic Coast as well as all over the world as it might be a new species.

'Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster' airs on BBC One on 1st January 2024 (airing on PBS on 14th February 2024) and will be available on BBC iPlayer afterwards.

The fossilised skull will be available to view from 2nd January 2024 at The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge.

Millions of years of history

The Jurassic Coast was granted UNESCO status for its outstanding geology and reveals 185 million years of Earth's history along its 95 mile stretch of coastline. It is well known for being one of the richest heritage sites for prehistoric remains.

The rocks and fossils found along the Dorset stretch of the Jurassic Coast are from the Jurassic and Cretaceous time periods - between 65 and 200 million years ago. For this reason it is a hot bed for  fossil hunting , with hundreds of specimens having been discovered.

The Jurassic Coast sits on a world map of other natural World Heritage Sites including the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef and Galapagos Islands.

At Kimmeridge, the  Museum of Jurassic Marine Life  is home to a collection of fossils all found and preserved by one man - Dr. Steve Etches MBE. He even discovered a new species! See the fossils, learn about how they were collected and if you're lucky you'll even see them being cleaned and conserved in the museum lab and workshop.

Dorset – the real ‘Jurassic Park’

You’ve seen the films, now visit Dorset for a Jurassic themed holiday!

There are many opportunities to take part in  fossil hunting  along the Jurassic Coast - you might even find your very own piece of history! Many guided walks are based around the beaches at  Lyme Regis  and Charmouth, which was the stomping ground of Mary Anning, one of the world's most famous fossil collectors. You can take part in a supervised fossil hunting guided walk and learn the skills that Mary developed over 200 years ago.

For families, the  Dinosaur Museum  in Dorchester will excite any young dinosaur fan with life sized replicas and lots of interactive fun! We can guarantee you’ll have a T-Rexiffic time!

Mary Anning - fossil hunter extraordinaire

Mary Anning was born in 1799 at Lyme Regis. Her father was an amateur fossil collector and by the age of 5 or 6, Mary would go out fossil collecting with him.

At the age of 12, Mary, along with her brother, discovered the first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton and another 12 years later was the first to discover a complete Plesiosaur. Her fossils were some of the most significant geological finds of the time and her Ichthyosaur, Plesiosaur and Pterosaur are showcased at London's Natural History Museum.

There's a statue of Mary Anning on Gun Cliff Walk at Lyme Regis which celebrates her life and the amazing discoveries she made. It makes for a great selfie with Mary and her dog Tray.

You can find out more about Mary at the  Lyme Regis Museum  which is built on the site of her home and fossil shop.

Looking to plan a visit to the Jurassic Coast?

If you think the Jurassic Coast is all about fossils, think again! With stunning sea views, gorgeous sandy beaches and miles of coastal walks, why not make a holiday of it?

There are lots of  things to do ,  events to see , and towns and villages to visit. The area has some of the best  beaches ,  gardens  and  golf courses  in the UK. Plus you'll find an amazing array of places to eat and drink such as  restaurants ,  cafes  and gastro  pubs , many with fantastic views of the coast.

If you are searching for  places to stay , you are in luck as the Jurassic Coast has accommodation perfect for any taste or budget. Whether you are looking for luxury hotels, quirky bed and breakfasts, exclusive holiday cottages or family friendly campsites, caravan parks and holiday parks - you will not be disappointed!

Important Information

It is vital you keep yourself and others safe while visiting the coast, please take a moment to read the information below.

• The risk of landslides and rock falls increase following severe weather and sea conditions. Residents and visitors to the county are encouraged to follow safety advice along the coastline as landslides and rock falls can occur quickly and without warning. Tides have also re-shaped and stripped beaches around the coast meaning it is easier to be cut off by the incoming tides. More information about landslides and rock falls can be found on the  Jurassic Coast website .
• Walking along coastal paths may be muddy and slippery in places - be sure to stay on official routes and follow warning signs at all times.
• You can find more information on World Heritage Sites in South West England, including the Jurassic Coast, the City of Bath, Cornish Mining and Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as the North Devon Biosphere and English Riviera GeoPark UNESCO sites, by visiting the  Visit England website .
• Why not view our stunning  video footage  of the Dorset Coastline, truly amazing! 
• Explore the Jurassic Coast by bus! The hop-on hop-off  Jurassic Coaster bus is a perfect way to visit one of the Jurassic Coast attractions, walk a section of the South West Coast Path or just sit back and marvel at the views from the top deck.

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Jurassic Coast: An Ultimate Guide to Travel for the First Time

You’ve heard of Jurassic Park from the film series, but do you know that England has a real Jurassic Coast? Yes, it is one of the most popular destinations in the UK, which attract visitors from all over the world.

Visiting the Jurassic Coast, you will have the feeling of fully enjoying the mysterious beauty of nature. The history of this land carries with it the presence of fossilized, majestic dinosaurs. The cliffs reveal the secret of all the old splendor of this site.

Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles along the south of England. The white cliffs towering above the sea are an iconic image of Great Britain. Furthermore, while the Jurassic Coast has some of the best sceneries in the UK, it is much more than just amazing vistas. Here, you can relax on long golden beaches or explore rock pools in coves. Wandering at decaying castles and hunting for dinosaur fossils on the beaches. Then, after walking along the windswept coastal paths, you can warm up in a cozy English pub with a glass of local beer. Definitely, it’s a great place to be for a few days or even a week!

Things to Do on Jurassic Coast

In fact, Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No doubt, it is one of Britain’s most beautiful regions. From incredible seaside scenery to charming seaside towns, rugged hiking trails to the coolest local breweries; here’s a selection of Jurassic Coast attractions.

Durdle Door

It’s Jurassic Coast’s iconic image of all time. Throughout the time, crashing waves eroded much of the limestone, leaving a beautiful natural arch trapped in the open sea. From the Durdle Door car park, you take a 5-minute walk to this stunning view.

This part of the Jurassic Coast has some of the best scenery anywhere in Dorset. Right next to the mouth of Durdle Door, the beautiful wide sands of Man O’War beach make an attractive beach corner. f you have more energy, walk along the undulating paths that cling to the cliff edges with stunning views along the coast and out to sea. It’s one of the best short walks in Dorset!

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is surrounded by white chalk cliffs. You can see in this area the interaction of marine erosion on an alternating sequence of soft and hard rock as one of the best examples in Europe. Here, all the different layers in the rock where they formed over the ages are viewable. It’s truly the visual evidence of the earth’s constant motion on the Jurassic Coast.

Fossil Forest

Located in the east of Lulworth Cove, Fossil Forest includes a cluster of fossilized stumps, as well as stems and roots, all dating from the Jurassic period. Actually, the area was underwater till about 150 million years ago, when a temporary drop in sea levels allowed plants and trees to grow. As the climate changes, forests die due to water levels increasing again. Nevertheless, their remains have been preserved by limestone deposits. Hence, you can walk among the much older trees than the surrounding rocks in the “forest”.

It is a beautiful seaside town with a beautiful beach and a small harbor. Yet, the abundance of fossils found in this area is the main factor that makes Lyme Regis an important site on the Jurassic Coast. The famous Georgian fossil hunter Mary Anning discovered her first ichthyosaur skeleton when she was 12 years old – right at Lyme Regis beach! Additionally, there is a brilliant museum where you can learn more about the history of the area and see countless fossils.

Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks marks the farthest point in the east of the Dorset Jurassic Coast. These are three chalk walls stretching out into the sea from Purbeck Island. As a local legend, the rocks were named after Harry Payne, a pirate from nearby Poole. Certainly, Old Harry Rocks are the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the UK. Here, you will have a feast for the eyes with stacks of dazzling white chalk assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed.

There are several different ways to view it. You can hike along the peaks, mountain bike through the cliff-edge trails, kayak around them, or take a scenic boat tour.

Portland Bill

Portland Island, which is connected to the mainland by the arc of Chesil Beach, stretches out into the English Channel. Its southern tip is Portland Bill, which has a dangerous and dramatic coastline.

Even if you’ve never heard of Portland, you may see its rocks somewhere. Indeed, Portland Limestone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as countless other important structures. At Portland Bill, the man-made Pulpit Rock is a testament to the quarry that once operated there. Also, Tout Quarry has now been turned into a nature reserve and a beautiful sculpture park.

Abbotsbury Village

Abbotsbury village remains as traditional English as it is and makes an ideal stop for a Jurassic Coast trip. Even, it was the setting for the Far from the Madding Crowd film by Thomas Hardy. You should explore the village shop, post office, boutiques, and teahouse before heading to St Catherine’s Chapel perched on a hill.

St Catherine’s Chapel is impressive, but the views from there are even better. You can see Chesil beach and fishermen from all over come to this beach to fish in the deep waters just offshore.

From March to October is the ideal period of time that you can visit Abbotsbury Swannery. Moreover, you can see hundreds of swans in the water while strolling the paths here. Especially, during nesting season, there is no place in this world except here where you can walk past a flock of nesting swans.

Important Information About the Jurassic Coast

The best time to visit jurassic coast.

From May to early July is the best time to visit the Jurassic Coast when the days are long and dry. Besides that, September and October are also good. From mid-July to late August the weather is great, but the area is extremely busy. The winter months can be cold and wet, but if there is a sunny day it is a truly beautiful place to explore during the winter.

Getting to the Destination

There are ways that you can take to reach Jurassic Coast:

• You can take domestic flights to Bournemouth or Southampton airports, just east of the Jurassic Coast.
• In addition, you can fly direct from Dublin, Paris, or Amsterdam.
• However, the majority of visitors will need to travel through London.

Transportations for You to Visit the Area’s Attractions

You can use the bus and train networks to explore the Dorset coast, but they don’t run as often. Many of the best destinations are just a few hours to visit. They are located at the end of small roads or in small villages. Exploring the Jurassic coast by bus is the perfect way to simply sit back and admire the view from the bus.

Accommodations at Jurassic Coast

Unsurprisingly, there are many accommodation choices on Jurassic Coast . On top of that, I picked 3 outstanding hotels with unique values that give you the best experiences while staying there to explore the area. Here are my 3 choices of hotels around the Jurassic Coast:

The Pig on the Beach

– Address: Manor House, Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU, UK.

– Unique values:

• Charming vintage decoration
• Beautiful Studland views
• Less than 5-min walk to Old Harry Rocks
• Micro-seasonal menus

– Rates: from ~ ￡341.00

The Green House

– Address: 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX, United Kingdom.

• Spectacular, sustainable Modern British dining
• The UK’s most eco-friendly hotel
• 5-min walk to Bournemouth beach

– Rates: from ~ ￡129.00

The Pig at Combe

– Address: The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD, UK.

• Envy-including gardens
• Glorious grounds
• Varied outstanding food
• Extensive list of wine
• Beautiful walk to reach the coast

– Rates: from ~ ￡224.00

Be Careful When You Exploring the Places

The risk of landslides and falling rocks increases after extreme weather and sea conditions. Travelers to the place are encouraged to follow safety advice along the coast as landslides and rockfalls can happen quickly and without warning. Furthermore, walking along the coastal roads can be muddy and slippery at times – remember to always stay on official routes and always obey warning signs.

Whether you want to hunt for fossils, visit a museum, or simply take in the beautiful scenery on a stroll, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do on Jurassic Coast, no matter what time of year.

Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I can earn commissions if you use services or buy products from the blog’s partners. If you love the blog, please use the services or buy the products. In that way, you give me support for the blog’s maintenance and development. I appreciate it a lot and thank you for that!

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Khoi Nguyen

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

24 Comments

Oh, wow! I would love to visit the Jurassic Coast one day. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Absolutely!

Test Strip Buyers

What gorgeous destinations. I sadly have not gotten the chance to visit any of this list but will be adding a few to my travel plans in the future.

Enjoy, and have a great trip to the Jurassic Coast!

Bryan Carey

There are certainly several Instagram moments to be had in a place such as this! I need to re-visit England at some point, and I need to take more time to visit the countryside and not just the large cities.

I actually find this place more attractive than in large cities in England. The countryside is more beautiful, IMO.

Doodie Calls

Great views, I loved the photos of the beautiful seaside. This seems like a great place to visit.

Definitely!

I didn’t know about this area but I wish I did before I was in the UK before. The beaches and towns look like such a neat place to visit.

Yeah, this place is amazing with many things to do. You can always come back and visit this place the next time you travel to the UK.

Christian Foremost

This place looks absolutely majestic. What i would do to witness this for myself! Hope to be able to visit here soon!

I’m sure you will be able to come to the place.

Such a beautiful place to visit Jurassic Coast.I really want to go sometimes.

Enjoy the trip!

Kelly Bolen

Wow! Beautiful place to visit! I had never heard of it before!

Now you do. And you should take a trip to Jurassic Coast when possible.

Heard of Jurassic park but never heard of this coast. But I must say this so beautiful and serene. I wish I could visit this place some day.

You will be in this place one day. Enjoy!

Angela Ricardo Bethea

That sounds like a great place to visit with the family and plenty of beautiful areas to explore as well. Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the info and have a great trip to Jurassic Coast.

Wayne W Walls

I have never heard of the Jurassic Coast before, but those images are stunning! I really hope to get there someday!

You will get to the place one day. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share with me your experience there!

Ntensibe Edgar

Nnnniiiccceeeeee….Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door beach have grabbed my heart, the most! I love them a lot, already. Thanks for sharing about them.

You’re welcome!

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Is it possible to see the Jurassic coast without a car? - Dorset Forum

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Is it possible to see the Jurassic coast without a car?

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We are planning to spend 2 nights there, from Friday to Sunday, travelling from Croydon.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks

Train to Weymouth then the X53 bus is your friend.

Or go to Exmouth - Paddington to Exmouth by train 2hrs 45mins.

They do boat trips along the coast from there which is interesting.

Or train from Waterloo to Axminster then bus to Lyme Regis.

Or train from Waterloo to Honiton then bus to Sidmouth.

Lots of buses in East Devon

http://www.devonbustimetables.info/east_devon_new/files/assets/basic-html/index.html#Front Cover

Yes, but all travel beyond your arrival rail station ( Weymouth, Exmouth or Axminster) is by bus, and much of the coast is explored by walking from a bus stop. So your explorations in a single weekend will be limited. That's not a reason to not go, just pick a place to stay that you can get to reasonably easily ( such as Lyme Regis (bus from Axminster) and do what you can from there. R that you won't see it all.

map of bus routes:

https://www.firstgroup.com/uploarqqqds/maps/Jurassic%20Coast_0.pdf

Not sure why the direct link for th map didn't work. It's the one at the bottom of this list of route maps.

https://www.firstgroup.com/wessex-dorset-south-somerset/routes-and-maps/route-maps

For public transport options between any two places in the SouthWesst use: http://www.travelinesw.com

This will only have reliable data for a month or so ahead, so if your trip is further into the future look now (July) to see what's likely to be possible, then check again nearer the time.

Realise that you'll only see a little of the area; it'll probably whet your appetite for a longer holiday in future!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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Is it possible to see the Jurassic coast without a car? - Dorset Forum

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Is it possible to see the Jurassic coast without a car?

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We are planning to spend 2 nights there, from Friday to Sunday, travelling from Croydon.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Thanks

Train to Weymouth then the X53 bus is your friend.

Or go to Exmouth - Paddington to Exmouth by train 2hrs 45mins.

They do boat trips along the coast from there which is interesting.

Or train from Waterloo to Axminster then bus to Lyme Regis.

Or train from Waterloo to Honiton then bus to Sidmouth.

Lots of buses in East Devon

http://www.devonbustimetables.info/east_devon_new/files/assets/basic-html/index.html#Front Cover

Yes, but all travel beyond your arrival rail station ( Weymouth, Exmouth or Axminster) is by bus, and much of the coast is explored by walking from a bus stop. So your explorations in a single weekend will be limited. That's not a reason to not go, just pick a place to stay that you can get to reasonably easily ( such as Lyme Regis (bus from Axminster) and do what you can from there. R that you won't see it all.

map of bus routes:

https://www.firstgroup.com/uploarqqqds/maps/Jurassic%20Coast_0.pdf

Not sure why the direct link for th map didn't work. It's the one at the bottom of this list of route maps.

https://www.firstgroup.com/wessex-dorset-south-somerset/routes-and-maps/route-maps

For public transport options between any two places in the SouthWesst use: http://www.travelinesw.com

This will only have reliable data for a month or so ahead, so if your trip is further into the future look now (July) to see what's likely to be possible, then check again nearer the time.

Realise that you'll only see a little of the area; it'll probably whet your appetite for a longer holiday in future!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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13 Awesome Stops on a Jurassic Coast Road Trip

The Jurassic Coast road trip is known as one of the best routes in England. The drive along the Jurassic Coast unveils one of the most photographed sites in England, Durdle Door, and will take you from seaside village to coastal view in just a few miles.

– Durdle Door, one of the most popular spots on your Jurassic Coast road trip

Before I did this road trip in Dorset, I hadn’t driven the Jurassic Coast before. This was my opportunity to see the incredible scenery and wonderful stops first hand.

I’d been invited to work with Vauxhall, to show off their new Mokka X 4×4. I decided that a Jurassic Coast road trip was the best way to put it to the test. 

So, here’s how you can have a fun weekend exploring the Jurassic Coast, in a 4×4, with a few of my tales and learnings weaved in for good measure.

Watch the Jurassic Coast road trip video!

My jurassic coast road trip route.

Click for map

Six hours drive and around 200 miles.

The Jurassic Coast would be an awesome route to do in a motorhome. Check out the motorhomes for hire at Luna Motorhome Hire, choose your favourite and off you go. They have motorhomes to suit 2-6 people, all with a unique style. There’s loads of stuff included in your rental, so take a look (after you’ve read this!)

– The Lulworth Estate, our final destination

DAY ONE: Southsea > Emsworth > Beaulieu > Brockenhurst > Christchurch > Bournemouth

DAY TWO: Sandbanks > Studland > Swanage > Lyme Regis > Sidmouth

 DAY THREE: Durdle Door > Southsea

Starting point: Southsea, Portsmouth

You know I love Southsea right? I’ve gone on about it enough since I moved here nearly TWO months ago. It’s the ideal place to start your Jurassic Coast road trip in my eyes, you could spend a few days exploring here beforehand if you have the time.

Vauxhall dropped off the Mokka X, with instructions for me to have an adventure and try out the long list of cool functionalities in the car. Such as…

• You can use the in car On Star as a Wi-Fi hotspot.
• Link up your Apple Maps to show on the screen, or use Google Maps (my preference)
• Remote locking (great for the old ‘did-I-lock-the-car’ paranoia – it reached from my bedroom window)
• Different controls to get your seat just how you wanted
• And here’s the link to all the others

My favourite was the fact you could link up Spotify and control it on the screen. AWESOME.

Anyway, the route.

I went to get my friend Chloe from Emsworth – a pretty town 10 miles away in the wrong direction, but worth a look if you have the time – and get started with the Jurassic Coast road trip.

First stop: Beaulieu in the New Forest

Approximately an hour’s drive from Southsea

The village of Beaulieu in the New Forest is famous for its Top Gear Museum, country hotels and ponies that roam free with their right of way. We only had time for the ponies on this trip though.

Beaulieu is so pretty, and on a sunny day would be a beautiful place to stop for a coffee and look round. It was a bit overcast when we were there so we carried on (and I wanted coffee).

Top 40 Unique Things to Do in the New Forest

And then: Brockenhurst

15 minutes drive

I went to Brockenhurst with friends last October for my birthday and loved it there, especially at The Pig. And so that was the first place I wanted to go back to.

– Photo from Bosham, but works well here don’t you think? 

I think it was the design of the car – the fact that you’re so high up when you’re in it, but I felt strong on the road. Driving through the New Forest was a breeze and I think what the Mokka X really gave was confidence. Being that high up in a 4×4 was pretty sweet. 

Anyway, all the excitement and adventure of the Apple Car Play, the donkeys and the car meant it was time for a coffee, cookie and flapjack next to the fire. As you can see in the video above.

And onto: Christchurch

25 minutes drive

Yay, we’ve arrived in Dorset, and the start of the Jurassic Coast.

I’d been wanting to visit Christchurch in Dorset for a while now, and never been. It’s usually associated with old people to be honest. I did see a few mobility scooters but if I’m ever in one of those, I’d probably head down this way too. I see what they’re doing.

Beautiful place.

We had a quick drive round Christchurch town and then headed for Avon Beach for lunch, where we’d spotted ‘The Noisy Lobster’. One crab sandwich and one fish finger sarnie later, shared between us, and we were ready to hike up to walk the Coastal Path.

I love road trips .

You get to hang out with your chosen friend, it’s not about drinking or partying or any of that nonsense – just getting back to nature and talking, with only the beautiful landscape for distraction. I need to do more of these in the UK for sure.

READ MORE 

Best Route for a 3-Day Cotswolds Road Trip

Scotland Road Trip: Edinburgh to Dumfries and Galloway

How to Do a Road Trip on the Lincolnshire Coast

How to Do an Awesome Road Trip in the Mendip Hills

You can book good value, reliable car hire with Rental Cars – use this link for the best deals.

There’s a ferry in Christchurch – you can get over to Mudeford. Our plan to go on it was thwarted though by the fact that we only had about 70p between us and there’s no ATM round the lobster pots and fishing boats of the marina.

So we left.

Stayed over in: Bournemouth

20 minutes drive

Bournemouth: another famous British seaside town I’d never been to before now.

Well, now I have.

We stayed at the Cottonwood Boutique Hotel which was weirdly good value for the Thursday before Easter at £53 for a family room, because, more beds.

Nice place. Right on the beach and just a walk away from Bournemouth Pier, the town centre and all the fun of the beach front. We went on the Bournemouth Big Wheel –  how adventurous are we?! And enjoyed the views from up there, before heading off in search of food.

Our hearts that were so set on sushi soon plummeted when found out Sushi and Roll was a takeaway, surrounded by chain restaurants. Lucky for us – as we realised later – we went to NEO Restaurant as a second choice, neither of us particularly excited. But, oh my days , that beef brisket . Tender, perfectly cooked and served with the tastiest of all the gravy.

My friend Chloe reckoned she had the best risotto she’d ever had. Definitely recommend.

Although, it is pretty fancy. You might not want to turn up in your Nikes and puffer jacket like I did.

Staying Overnight in Bournemouth

Bound for: Sandbanks

We left our hotel in Bournemouth in search of breakfast and decided to lord it up in Sandbanks – apparently the fourth most expensive place to live, in the world .

Absolutely infested with millionaires.

D’you know what the Sandbanks moneyed don’t have though? Anywhere decent for breakfast.

They also don’t have manners. The drivers on this small peninsula were notably more aggressive than anywhere else – we even got the V sign from one Land Rover owner who’d obviously got out of his gold-plated four-poster bed the wrong side, despite us being completely in the right.

So, we got outta there.

You can take the ferry from Sandbanks to Swanage in just four minutes and £4, which is what we did.

Breakfast time: Swanage

Although, we found out on the other side that the toll people don’t take card and so I now have some sort of bailiff collector note I have to pay within 7 days or they’ll hunt me down.

Just as a word of warning for you.

We drove through Studland Bay – four miles of sandy beaches and heathland – admiring the view and questioning why neither of us had ever been before. Stunning .

Coming down into Swanage town and seeing the sun reflecting off the sea in front of us was pretty special. I liked it here. We found an free hour’s parking and went in search of a cash point and coffee.

Java Coffee House was our saviour, with toasted cheese scones and Americanos all round. I’ll come back here one day, but for now, time was ticking.

Lunch time: Studland

And so, just two hours later, there we were scoffing a chorizo flat bread outside our second Pig of the trip – Pig on the Beach. To be fair, we had ‘hiked’ / ambled along the Coastal Path in that time, enjoying such beautiful scenery like this.

Top tip for you: explore .

Many people were just sticking to the path, and seeing as it was Easter Friday it was quite busy. Chloe and I though, being the adventurers that we are, we were drawn to the coast and off roaded our walk to end up scenes like the below.

We also followed our nose to a bacon and halloumi beach shack (next time) and found a little beach with just a few of those in the know kicking back and relaxing the sunshine.

We did it for the fudge: Lyme Regis

The highlight of our next stop, Lyme Regis, was when both of us were let loose on the fudge pick n mix and managed to get exactly 100g, so £1.75, in our bags by eye. I mean, that kind of precision takes years of practice.

I was proud of us.

Lyme Regis was actually where I wanted to stay that night but seeing as it was Easter weekend everywhere had been booked out. And after being there, we were kind of glad. Not sure if I missed something here but I don’t really get the hype.

Do correct me if I’m wrong though…

READ MORE: Check out Dorset Travel Guide’s 21 Things to Do in Lyme Regis for more ideas. 

Where we stayed: Sidmouth

We got into Sidmouth at around 5pm. We’d left the sun and heat in Dorset and Devon looked kind of grim to be honest. Of course we tried not to let that affect our thoughts, but y’know, it did. Sidmouth is famous for its red cliffs and our hotel, Duke’s , was right in the middle of the beach strip.

We checked in and walked round the town to find a spot for dinner. We ended up at The Loft, with unfortunately a bad menu choice of the seafood platter. A few strips of salmon and tasteless prawns later and we were left staring at the steaks being brought out around us, wondering where we’d gone wrong.

Unfortunately that Friday night saw me hanging out the window at 2am shouting at the drunk teenagers below to be quiet. Chloe made me come back in, pointing out that that was us till about two years ago. Not the teenage part, obviously.

We had very little sleep. Just don’t ever stay in room 9 at Duke’s ok?

Final destination: Durdle Door

We made it!

Durdle Door in Dorset is basically a natural archway in the water, but a very, very famous one. There’s a sandy beach and beautiful coastal walks all round, or you can stand and admire. Or sit, as we did.

In peak season it’s mega busy here, so get there early if you want a good view, or even a spot on the beach. And don’t just stay to the beach, there’s lots round here to explore. 

Road trip apps to download

My Vauxhall app

See if your car has any kind of app. If you travel with Vauxhall you can download their app which connects to the car so you can control the music and help to run the car as you like it. It also has your user manual, if ever you need to refer to it.

Google Maps

Obviously and of course. I way prefer Google Maps to Apple and seeing as the car supported both, I went with Google. Get your locations up while you have WiFi and you don’t need to use 3G.

How good is the RinGo app? I forgot how annoying it was to make sure you have coins for parking – especially with the new £1 coins. With the RinGo app you can pay for parking online. Just make sure you don’t tick the text message warning box – 20p a time!

Top tip for your Jurassic Coast road trip

– Take money, as in cash. We couldn’t do a ferry ride we wanted because we had no cash, and then didn’t have money for parking meters. So annoying. 

– Enjoy the journey! There’s some beautiful scenery round these parts, make the most of it.

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Hi, I'm Vicky! I wrote this. You can find me on all the social media @VickyFlipFlop. I love a bit of adventure, will try anything once, and have a strong passion for the local food and drink, whatever it may be. I'm here to help inspire you to travel to places a little out of your comfort zone, or at least to explore the usual destinations in a different way. Stay, have a look around, and if you have any questions – let me know below.

What a wonderful road trip! Nice car too 🙂

It was great Nikki! Really opened my eyes, yet again, to how many cool places there are to see and explore in the UK. Hopefully going to get to see much more of it this summer. And yes, the car was pretty sweet 🙂

Video is awesome and place too! Nice Road Trip!

Thanks for Sharing!

Thanks Nitin. We saw some incredible sights along the way. Can’t believe all that is literally just a few minutes / hours away from my home now 🙂

Nice adventure Vicky! That video is AWESOME too! x

Ah thank you Val. I’m glad you liked it. Takes me a long time to put these things together! 🙂

Gotta love a road trip! Looks like you guys had fun. Is Christchurch in Dorset where they filmed Broadchurch? It looks very similar. Nice post Vicky!

Just looked it up and yes, looks like they did film it around those parts. Very observant of you there Rich! Need to watch that show 🙂

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A Detailed Guide To Visiting Durdle Door, Dorset

Visiting Durdle Door is an absolute must if you’re spending time exploring Dorset.

The most famous spot on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is an impressive natural limestone archway standing in the sea. After seeing so many photos on Instagram over the years, I was really excited to see the sight for myself!

If you’re thinking of visiting Durdle Door for the first time, this guide is packed full of information to make the most of your trip. Find out how it was formed and why you should visit, plus where to park, where to stay and some great walks in the area.

How was Durdle Door formed?

When you see Durdle Door for the first time, you’ll be amazed by the perfect arch. It’s unusual to see something carved by nature rather than the human hand!

The arch has been formed over thousands of years, as the waves eroded the Portland limestone, creating a hole in the centre. It’s located on Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast (a World Heritage Site in its own right) where you’ll find some of the most epic scenery in the country.

As for its name? The name Durdle comes from an old English word ‘thirl’, which means to pierce, bore or drill, which in turn derives from thyrel, meaning hole. I actually remember visiting a beach called Thurlestone in Devon as a kid, which has a similar (albeit less impressive) rock arch in the water! So interesting to learn the name would have been derived from the same term!

The Jurassic Coast was designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2001 and is one of England’s most famous natural wonders.

What’s at Durdle Door?

The main reason to visit is, of course, to see the impressive archway in the water on Durdle Door Beach. However, there’s more to it. As you walk down towards the cliffs, you can choose whether to take the right-hand path to see Durdle Door and its spectacular beach, or the left-hand route to Man’O’War Beach.

Before my trip, I hadn’t heard about this other beach, but wow was it stunning, with it’s beautiful bay and rugged rocks, eroded over the years. I’d also add that with the crowds flocking to see Durdle Door, there’s more chance of having this beach to yourself!

Durdle Door is also the starting point for canyoning and other outdoor activities run by Lulworth Outdoors, and a place to begin several great walks through this pretty region of Dorset.

If you’re wondering what facilities there are here, there are public toilets located in the holiday park car park, plus a small café (although that may not be open all year round).  

How to get to Durdle Door  

You can reach the area by car, public transport, or as part of a longer walking route. Most people start at Durdle Door Holiday Park, from which it’s a 10-15-minute walk to reach Durdle Door.

Here’s a map to help you plan your trip.

Durdle Door map

Visiting Durdle Door by car

Looking for directions to Durdle Door? I’m here to help!

The easiest way to get to reach the site is by car. If you want to pop it in your satnav then the postcode for Durdle Door public car park is BH20 5PU. This address will take you to Durdle Door Holiday Park, which has a huge pay and display car park.

When I visited the car park prices were as follows: 0-2 hours – £4 2-4 – £5 4-6 – £8.00 6+ – £9.50

How to get to Durdle Door by public transport

This is a popular day trip from all over the south of England. When the sun is shining, it’s a wonderful place to visit!

If you’re planning a trip from London to Durdle Door, this is the best route using trains and buses. First catch the train from London Waterloo towards Weymouth, getting off at Wool Station (takes just under two and a half hours).

From there you can hop in a taxi or catch the X54 bus towards Weymouth. It drops you at the entrance to the park. It’s worth noting, there aren’t many of these buses per day (2 or 3 max) so you’ll need to plan your trip carefully. You can check the X54 bus times here .

Best time to visit Durdle Door

In terms of weather, the warmest time to visit Durdle Door is in the summer months. Between July and September, the average temperature is 17 Celsius, but can reach highs of 26 Celsius… although if there’s a heatwave across the south of England, temperatures could be even higher! You could even have a swim right by the arch then.

It gets pretty cold in winter, with average temperatures in December January of 5 Celsius. There’s often a bracing wind coming off the sea too, so wrap up warm if you’re planning a winter trip.

I think the best time to visit Durdle Door is in June or September. Temperatures are warm, but it’s out of the school holidays, so crowds are reduced. You’ll also have less trouble sorting accommodation, not to mention the prices will be lower out of peak season. Just remember, this is England – if you’re prepared for the weather (umbrella, warm coat, suncream or whatever you need!) it doesn’t need to get in the way of having a good time!

Durdle Door visiting times  

You can visit the site all year round, but it’s worth being aware that the car park at Durdle Door doesn’t open until 8am each day, and that you can’t park overnight. Gates are locked at 10pm in peak season, 7pm in spring / autumn and 4pm in winter. Obviously if you’re arriving via the cliff paths then there are no restrictions, but if you want to park then you’ll have trouble outside of the car park hours.

There are a few exceptions for photographers wanting to visit early in the morning for a special sunrise experience. You can check out the timings for your visit here .

If you’re visiting Durdle Door for the first time, I’d recommend arriving early (car park opens at 8am) and taking a walk down to the archway. It takes around 10 minutes to reach the viewpoint, and from there you can walk down the steps to the beach too. We arrived just after 8am and only saw a few other people there, but by 9.30am around 30 school kids arrived by coach.

The area is overseen by the Lulworth Estate, so if you want to check anything, I’d advise looking on their website . For example, I noticed you’re not allowed to fly drones at Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove or across anywhere classed as Lulworth Estate.

Durdle Door walks

One of my favourite things about this region of Dorset is how many beautiful walking routes there are. Wander the cliff tops, take in epic panoramic views, and spot hidden bays all while following the epic Jurassic Coast. It’s a region made for landscape lovers and photographers.

One of the top walking routes is from Lulworth Cove (another stunning bay in Dorset), over the cliffs to Durdle Door. The route is around 2.5 miles and takes approximately 2 hours. There are wonderful views along the journey, and it’s an easyish walk for all ages and abilities. You can find a bit more info on it here .

I’d recommend reversing it and starting at Durdle Door in the morning (to hopefully miss any crowds) and then getting to Lulworth Cove for lunch, before walking back again.

Another great walking route in the area is from Lulworth Cove (although you could start the loop at Durdle Door) along this route on the South West Coast Path . It’s over 11 miles, and some is steep, so it’s not for everyone. Along with great views of the coast, you’ll also get to see some historical remains, including a burial mound from between 1500 – 1100 BC.

Durdle Door accommodation

If you’d like to stay near the site, there are a few options.

Durdle Door Holiday Park – Open March to October, this is the closest option to the landmark itself. There are a range of options available including static caravans, camping pods, cabins and more.

Oh and if you’re wondering about some Durdle Door camping, then that’s also an option! What a dreamy place to wake up. If you’re bringing a tent, you can use the Rookery site at the holiday park, or if you have a vehicle, then you can choose between a seaview or gravel pitch.

Check prices and availability here

Durdle Door camping – Other than the holiday park, there are a few options for camping / caravanning close to the site including Swanny’s Campsite, Little Birch Caravan Site, Galton Campsite and Rosewall Camping.

Holiday cottages near Durdle Door

There are lots of lovely holiday homes, flats and rooms available for people planning a break in the area. They’re a little pricier, and further from the famous landmark, but there are some great options available. So long as you have a car, it’s nice and easy to get around.

Here are a few of my top picks (all sleeping 6 or more) that are within a short drive of Durdle Door.

Lulworth Seafield  – 3-bed holiday home overlooking West Lulworth.  

Hambury House – Adorable thatched cottage in West Lulworth, sleeping up to 8 people. 

Amy Cottage – Cosy thatched cottage set back from the village of West Lulworth, sleeping up to 6 people.

Hotels near Durdle Door  

Lulworth Cove Inn

This cute pub in the charming village of West Lulworth is moments from the beach, has great views, and is moments from cafes, restaurants and ice cream shops! From here it’s easy to walk the coastal path over to see Durdle Door. What more could you need?

Lulworth Lodge

Just a five-minute walk from Lulworth Cove, this chic boutique hotel has 12 rooms and its very own bistro. It’s a great location for a beach holiday, and offers easy access to get to the coast paths too.  

Limestone Hotel

Another great option in the cute village of West Lulworth, this country house hotel is a short walk to the shops, pubs and beach. It has its own restaurant and is a great place to stay if you’re planning a romantic break in the area.  

Springfield Country Hotel, Leisure Club & Spa

A little further away, in the historic market town of Wareham, this is a great option if you want a little more from your hotel. This smart hotel is set in large gardens, with tennis courts, a gym, an indoor and outdoor pool and a spa.

Other things to do near Durdle Door  

There are plenty more great things to see and do in this region of Dorset. I had a great road trip in the region in the autumn, and would recommend a quick read of this post for some great tips.

Lulworth Cove – A stunning cove that is almost a perfect circle, best seen from the cliffs on the South West Coast Path.

West Bay – Beautiful beach famous for its huge sandstone cliffs, with 140ft sheer drops to the ground below.

Milton Abbas – A picture postcard village of white cottages with thatched roofs and perfect green lawns

Corfe Castle – Charming village with the ruins of an ancient castle perched on top of the hill. Read more about visiting in my detailed guide . 

Old Harry Rocks – Breathtaking views on the walk from Studland Bay to see the chalk standing stones.

Portland Bill – Classic red and white striped lighthouse on the Isle of Portland.

I hope you’ve found this guide to visiting Durdle Door helpful! Have an amazing trip. Find out more about visiting Dorset and what I got up to on my recent trip here . 

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Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “A Detailed Guide To Visiting Durdle Door, Dorset”

Great article and good details. One observation: please please please take litter home. As a photographer most of my shots were marred by extensive piles of litter. This was peak season, so consider going out of season. That way you’ll also miss the heaving crowds of July and August. It’s fame can be it’s downfall!

Great tips about visiting in off season. That’s what I’d recommend too. And yes, definitely so important people take all of their litter home. I’m so shocked when people leave things behind, especially in places as beautiful as this.

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Jurassic Coast – 6 Days

South West Coast of England

April, May, June, July, Aug, Sept, Oct £809 pp

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Quick Links

Quick facts, about & details.

Walk this spectacular part of the South West Coast Path from Lyme Regis to Poole. This section takes you along England’s first World Heritage Site – the Jurassic Coast. In just a few short days you will travel through millions of years’ worth of enthralling history, experiencing incredible geology and amazing scenery. This path is a walker’s paradise, with ascents to rising cliffs and descents to hidden coves.

Other versions available

• Jurassic Coast - Challenge
• Jurassic Coast - Quick Escape
• 6 nights’ accommodation
• 6 days’ walking
• Luggage transfers each walking day
• Map and guide book plus detailed directions to your accommodation from the trail
• Expert local knowledge and 24 hour emergency assistance during your trip
• 76 miles (122km) and 13008ft (3965m) of ascent

Spanning 95 miles from Exmouth to Old Harry Rocks, the Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Britain’s most popular tourist destinations. The Jurassic Coast is a feast for the senses, encompassing azure waters, quaint villages and incredible geology. Rocks and fossils from the Triassic, Jurassic & Cretaceous periods that you will find along the way give you the opportunity to experience the Jurassic Coast’s fascinating history dating back millions of years and what’s more you can take a piece home with you as well!

We take the stress out of your trip with expert local knowledge, hand-picked accommodation, luggage transfers and detailed support to help you find your way. You will need full walking kit including a waterproof jacket and trousers, a small day sack and comfortable walking boots. You will receive a more detailed kit list upon booking. This trip is based on 2 people sharing, so if you are a solo traveller please contact us for further details and we will be happy to help.

Lulworth Ranges

The Lulworth Ranges are military firing ranges located on the South-West Coast Path between east of Lulworth Cove and just west of Kimmeridge.

The ranges are open to walkers and visitors most weekends and extended periods throughout the year, normally mirroring school holidays.  During these times, no firing takes place and gates and signs clearly indicate access is permitted.

Lulworth Ranges 2024 Dates

Following dates for 2024 that the range will be  open  to walkers.

April  – 1st-14th, 20 th -21 st & 27 th -28 th May  – 4 th –6 th , 11 th –12 th , 18 th -19 th , 25 th -26 th , 27 th , 28 th , 29 th , 30 th , 31 st June  – 1 st , 2 nd , 15 th -16 th , 22 nd -23 rd 29 th -30 th July  – 6 th -7 th , 13 th -14 th , 20 th -21 st , 26 th , 27 th , 28 th , 29 th , 30 th , 31 st August  – 1st-31st September  – 1 st , 7 th -8 th , 21 st -22 nd , 28 th -29 th October  – 5 th -6 th , 19 th -20 th , 26 th -27 th

ALTERNATIVES TO WALKING THROUGH THE LULWORTH RANGES

We understand that sometimes it’s not possible to time your walk within the above opening days of the ranges, please see below our suggested possible alternatives for you to consider.

Catch the bus to Corfe Castle

There’s a regular bus from Lulworth Cove to Corfe Castle.  From here, you can make your way back down to the coast at Kimmeridge before walking on to either Worth Matravers or Swanage.  Bus information can be found at TravelineSW and a guide to this route can be found at the South West Coast Path Association.

Take a taxi to Kimmeridge

Taking a taxi from Lulworth to Kimmeridge, you will miss out on 7 miles of coast path, but it does give you the chance to explore.  Wander back to Durdle Door, or head inland to visit Lulworth Castle before walking from Kimmeridge to Worth Matravers.

Longer Walking Day (13 mile de-tour)

If you preferer to walk, the only all walking option requires a 13 mile detour inland around the edge of the ranges before joining the coast path back at Kimmeridge.

• 6 nights’ accommodation in a good quality B&B or hotel with ensuite or private bathroom and breakfast
• Professional event organisation
• Travel to the start and finish points of the trip
• Lunches and evening meals
• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects)
• Guiding (please contact us if you would like this trip to be guided)

Optional Extras

• Single room supplement £90 per person per night (subject to availability)
• Solo traveller supplement £90 per person per night
• Odd group supplement £90 per group per night may apply if a single room is required.
• Extra night prior to start (single room) £180 per person
• Extra night prior to the start (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person
• Extra night at the end of the event (single room) £180 per person
• Extra night at the end of the event (twin room, needs 2 people) £95 per person

Please select from Optional Extras at checkout.

Getting there and back

Getting there.

• Routes from the north: M5, A37, A3066, A30, A358, A35 & B3165
• Routes from the east: A30, A354, A338, A303, A31 & A35
• Routes from the west: A30, A35 &A3052

By public transport: The main train services from Waterloo to Exeter stop at Axminster. From here there are then bus links to Lyme Regis. By air: The nearest airports are Bristol, Exeter & Bournemouth International.

Getting Away

By public transport: There are frequent train services running direct to London which take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. 

By air: The nearest airport is Bournemouth International airport which is served by a number of different airline.

Evening meals and lunches

You can purchase evening meals either at the accommodation or nearby. When our event planners send you the schedule with itinerary you could prearrange directly with the accommodation or during the walk.

For lunches we would suggest bringing some of your own favourite snack bars and then asking the accommodation for a packed lunch for the following day and also supplementing that at stops en-route.

Accommodation

Accommodation is generally at B&B, guest houses and small hotels. Once booked in, your event planner will send you a list of your booked accommodation. It is possible to adjust according to preference at this stage so please mention it if you wish to change.

Dog-friendly

If you would like to bring your four legged friend, then we will do our best to source dog friendly accommodation. It is usually possible but if it were not, then we would suggest a change of date to enable it or offer a refund. There may be a small surcharge for the overnight stays. Therefore, once booked in, please alert your event planner that you would like to bring your dog and we can proceed from there.

Need a guide?

If you would prefer to have a guide for your walk, even just for one day, then we are happy to help. We can provide a qualified leader (also first aid qualified) to lead your trek or on just one of the sections. Just ask us. A guide can not only take the stress out of navigation, but you will also find them a great asset in terms of providing an insight into all things environment and nature.

After you book

After placing your booking with us, you will in the first instance receive an automated email from our system confirming receipt of your reservation. If you don’t receive it, it is worth checking your spam/clutter folder.

In the process of placing your booking, you will generally set up an access password to our online gateway where you can review the details of the booking.

Your personal event planner will then be in touch with you to start to confirm the details. This contact will usually be taken up in the working day after receipt of your booking, but may, in busy times, take a little longer. The event planner will then liaise with you regarding the details of the course. If you have any specific requirements, please do mention it at this stage.

At the end of your trip

Unfortunately, all good things come to an end at some point and when you arrive at Poole, you have one of several options. If you have not booked an additional night’s stay then we can transfer your luggage to a location of your choice. From there you may have onward travel arranged as per the ‘Getting There and Back’ tab above.

Some people like to treat themselves to a night’s stay in Poole at the end. And why not? You’ve earned it. You can arrange this as an optional add on with your event planner.

Dates and prices

For available dates please see the ‘build your trip’ option on the left hand side on desktops or at the bottom on mobiles. You can reserve your space via this route.

Day 1 - Arrival in Lyme Regis

Arrive at your accommodation in Lyme Regis

Day 2 - Lyme Regis to Bridport

As you leave Lyme Regis and begin the walk, the path heads inland and edges around the remains of the largest coastal mudslide in Europe. Upon descending to Charmouth Beach, ensure to take some time to hunt for some of its famous fossils! From here the path follows the cliffs along to Golden Cap – at 191 metres this is the highest point on the south coast of Great Britain. After reaching West Bay, the path once again heads inland and follows the River Brit to the attractive market town of Bridport. Be sure to check out the only thatched brewery in the UK!

12 miles (19km) and 2657ft (810m) of ascent.

Day 3 - Bridport to Abbotsbury

Departing from Bridport, the path swiftly returns to the coast. Continuing on to the picturesque village of Burton Bradstock, look out for the iconic sandstone cliffs which mark the start of the Chesil Beach – an 18 mile long shingle barrier beach, the site of many shipwrecks in days gone by. Then follows a climb to reach the village of Abbotsbury, your stopping point for the evening. If you have time, pay a visit to the Swannery – the only place in the world where you can walk through a colony of nesting Mute Swans.

10 miles (17km) and 787ft (240m) of ascent.

Day 4 - Abbotsbury to Weymouth

Today the path leaves Abbotsbury and heads uphill over open countryside. The highlight today is the Fleet Lagoon, the largest inland tidal lagoon in Britain. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest owing to the fact that it is home to a rich variety of wildlife both in and out of the water – a nature lover’s dream! Continuing on, look out for Ferry Bridge and the views across to the rugged Isle of Portland. The walk ends today in the seaside town of Weymouth – consistently recognised in the top ten beach destinations in Europe.

14 miles (23km) and 1112ft (339m) of ascent.

Day 5 - Weymouth to Lulworth

The walk becomes progressively harder today as you climb up out of Weymouth and along the cliff tops.  As a reward for your efforts, the impressive sight of Durdle Door awaits – a natural limestone sea arch which is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks. Admire Lulworth Cove and its crystal clear waters before descending to Lulworth for your overnight stay.

11 miles (18km) and 2080ft (634m) of ascent.

Day 6 - Lulworth to Worth Matravers

Today’s walk is one of the toughest sections of the entire trip, so be prepared for some challenging walking. The route heads through a military firing range between Lulworth and Kimmeridge. It is one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast but can only be used when the range is not in use. If firing is taking place, there will be a diversion available. Next up on the route is Kimmeridge Bay where you will find fossils aplenty. Finally, the path heads down and inland to the charming village of Worth Matravers.

15 miles (24km) and 4055ft (1236m) of ascent.

Day 7 - Worth Matravers to Poole

Today is the final day of your walk along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. With St. Aldheim’s Head behind you, head across the cliffs to Dancing Ledge where you will see a small swimming pool that was carved into the rock at the start of the 20 th century. Next on the list today are Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve. From here, carry on towards Swanage where you will be treated to amazing views of Old Harry Rocks and the Needles on the Isle of Wight. After passing Studland Bay you will reach South Haven Point where you will find a commemorative marker, celebrating the end of the South West Coast Path. You will then need to catch the ferry to Sandbanks and on to Poole where your walk with us will end.

14 miles (23km) and 2316ft (706m) of ascent.

This itinerary is a guide only. It can be subject to change dependent upon viability, course members’ fitness, weather conditions, accommodation availability, or for any other reason that may be deemed necessary. Any timings and mileages are approximate and for guidance purpose only.

We will always endeavour to accommodate you in the locations detailed in the above itinerary. Due to very high demand, some accommodation providers may occasionally have limited availability and so we may need to accommodate you in an alternative location, nearby. In this case, we will arrange a taxi transfer for you to take you from the trail to your accommodation and back again the following morning. An additional charge may be payable. We will notify you of this when confirming your booking.

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Maximum Adventure exceeded expectations, planning a trip for me last minute and off season through the glorious Lake District. The hotels were top rate, as was the food and my daily gluten free sandwich. Nathalie got the route guide sent to me in a couple of days and the baggage service was impeccable. It was the only tour guide company that responded immediately to my last minute request. Looking forward to more adventures with your company!!!

David and I walked the Speyside Way in September 2023 and very much enjoyed the adventure. Maximum Adventure Ltd organised our nightly accommodation and uplifting of our luggage in a seamless manner, which made the whole trip so easy with no stress. This is the second time that I have personally used Maximum Adventures Ltd and I would recommend them to others as they offer a friendly and efficient service.

We realy appreciated the tour we did on Hadrians Wall path in May.Beautiful scenery, decent weather, god arrangements including lodging, transport, bagagehandling etc. We came well prepared . In this preparation Maximum adventures gave us great support, as we are coming from abroad with no knowledge of conditions on the path. We had great BnBs and could concentrate on de daily walks that gave us great pleasure.Thank you England and Hadrians Wall path for your friendly reception and well mantained walking path.Thank you Maximum Adventures for your good service.We would love to come back in the future.

Maximum Adventure did a great job for us. With less than a month's notice, it set up an itinerary, lodging and luggage porterage for a walk from Carlisle to Newcastle, England along Hadrian's Wall. The lodging was fantastic, as was the itinerary and support during the walk. We'd definitely use Maximum Adventure again and would recommend them without reservation!

I was part of a climb on 23/09, didn't think I would make ut, but I did. The descent was a different story.. I got jelly legs and lost my confidence. If it wasn't for James, my Sherpa would never have made it. Can't thank him enough, Will, met you briefly.Both of them were very knowledgeable, we had the most amazing views at the summit...the pain is still worth it and

I walked the West Highland Way with my dad and brother. The organisation was excellent by Samantha. Itinerary and instructions were clear and all the bookings and luggage transfers went smoothly. As a result we were able to ensure the fantastic walk and not worry about anything. I would happily recommend Maximum Adventure to others.

Absolutely brilliant guide - knowledgeable, interesting and humorous in addition to looking after our safety so well - making sure we ate and suggesting when to layer up! Would highly recommend!

We just got home from our 8-days Hadrian's Wall hike and we just loved it!Everything was perfectly organized!We had great B&Bs and hotels with very friendly, welcoming and helpful staff. Our favorite was the Dacre House with Clare. But then again, all were great!The luggage was always at the day's destination, no matter how early we got to the accommodation.The description of how to get to the accommodations were clear and precise.The road map and the guide book were waiting for us as we got to the first B&B and were very helpful and interestingThanks, Maximum Adventure!

Praise for the West Highland Hike and the Maximum Adventure planners, esp. our planner Samantha. Great experience in every regard.

Booked for the 3 UK Peaks adventure, it was organised perfectly and everything when to plan. Accommodation was good, transport excellent, our guide (Patrick) brilliant, so cannot fault the trip and adventure. I personally expected too much from myself and was unable to fully summit as this adventure is not for beginners, I climbed Kilimanjaro in 2003 when I was 42 and twenty years later, although relatively fit, my endurance didn't last. So I did a half summit for Ben Nevis & Scafell, thanks to Patrick for letting go back down on my own, it was brilliant. With Snowdon, a half summit is tricky as you can't descend the way you go up, so I decided to do some hiking in the area while the rest of the group did the climb. I took a chance and went to the ticket office and managed to get a single return ticket up to the summit of Snowdon at 9am which returned down by 11.30am. I was hoping to see my group on top and spring a surprise but the weather was terrible. I highly recommend the trip but make sure you are fit enough otherwise as there is an emphasis on time, so a slow walk up is going to slow everyone down and really delay the trip. Have Fun, Simon Bradish

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There are a variety of ways to access and get around the Jurassic Coast. For planning your journey by public transport, please visit Traveline's website  or call 0871 200 2233. Here you'll be able to find information on public transport across the UK.

The Jurassic Coaster bus services are one of the great ways to explore the Jurassic Coast. Buses operate from Poole to Axminster, and from Lyme Regis to Seaton .

The Jurassic Coaster services stop at a number of towns and villages along the coast, including Axminster, Bridport, Dorchester and Weymouth .

One of the Jurassic Coaster's routes is the X54, which runs from Weymouth to Poole via Durdle Door , Lulworth Cove and Wool train station. Please note this is a Monday-Friday service only.

There are three main railway lines that connect the Jurassic Coast area with London and the rest of the UK.

South Western Railway  

The first is the South Western Railway line which runs from Weymouth  through  Dorchester South, Wareham, Poole and onwards up to London Waterloo.

The second runs further west and connects Exeter with London Waterloo. This service calls at Axminster, from which the Jurassic Coaster bus service can be picked up for travel to the coast.

Great Western Railway

A third line runs from Weymouth through Dorchester West up towards Bristol. 

If you plan to visit the Jurassic Coast by car, it is a good idea to familiarise yourself with the best routes available in advance of setting out, as the roads do get busy – especially during peak holiday times. There are no motorways near the Jurassic Coast (other than the M5 coming from the north down to Exeter).

Please note that if you put 'Jurassic Coast' into your sat nav it will take you to a random location midway along the coast that does not have access to the beach. Please put in a specific town or location.

Main Roads to access the Jurassic Coast

The A35 runs west from Poole through Dorchester, Bridport and Charmouth , where it connects with the A3052, which begins in Lyme Regis and runs through East Devon to Exeter.

Just west of Poole, the A35 connects to the A351 which runs through Wareham and gives access to the Isle of Purbeck.

From Poole it is also possible to take the chain ferry across Poole Harbour from Sandbanks to Studland which gives east access to Old Harry Rocks , Swanage and the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. Queues for the chain ferry at peak times can be long. 

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If you're visiting the Jurassic Coast with an electric car, it's essential to know where your nearest charging point is. Visit CarWow's interactive map to search for charging points on and around the Jurassic Coast.

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The short walk to Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

In this post we’ll take you on the short walk to Old Harry Rocks , one of the most famous landmarks in Dorset, England.  It follows a section of the South West Coast Path, one of the prettiest long-distance trails on the South Coast of England.

This is a short and leisurely walk and ideal if you want to see one of the most iconic spots on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast without a big hike.  The length and ease of this walk makes it suitable for all ages, and perfect as a family walk.

We completed the short walk from Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks on our recent visit to Dorset.  In this post we’ll share all the information you need to plan your own Old Harry Rocks walk.  We’ll explain where to park, the directions, and best places to eat nearby.

It’s a short, beautiful walk to one of the must-visit destinations in Dorset .

• Distance: 3.2 km (1 mile each way)
• Time:   1 hour (with stopping time)
• Difficulty: Easy (mostly level, dirt track)
• Facilities:  Pubs and cafés (see below)
• Parking: Studland Bay

Contents: click to jump to a section

Studland Bay to Old Harry Rocks Walk

The short walk to Old Harry Rocks starts at Studland, on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.  This is on the south coast of England, between Wareham and Swanage.

Studland Bay is a popular area for visitors to Dorset, as it has four miles of golden, sandy beach and clear sea water.  If it’s a sunny day, you could return to the beach after your walk to Old Harry Rocks.

But, before we talk about the walk, let’s have a look at some facts about Old Harry Rocks…

What is Old Harry Rocks?

Old Harry Rocks is a unique rock formation located at Handfast Point, near Studland Bay in Dorset.  It is a series of white sea stacks, created over millions of years by sea erosion.

The famous sea stacks have become one of the many unique geological landmarks that make up Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.  This is a 95-mile stretch of coastline in southern England, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

When you visit Dorset, allow time to see Dorset’s other natural attractions, such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and the Golden Cap.

The rocks at Old Harry Rocks are a brilliant white, as they are made of chalk, made over time from the compressed shells of sea creatures.  Originally, the rocks were part of a long chalk ridge, which joined with the Needles on the Isle of Wight.  Many years ago, it was possible to walk from the Handfast Point headland to Old Harry.

Old Harry is the pinnacle at the end of the rocks and his wife is now just a stump.  Other geological features are No Man’s Land (the stack at the end of the cliffs) and St Lucas’ Leap (the gap between the mainland at Handfast Point and first offshore rock).

Initially,  Old Harry was a cave, then a sea arch like Durdle Door.  When the arch collapsed, Old Harry and his wife were created.  Over time Old Harry’s wife has gradually eroded, until she collapsed into the sea in 1896.

Nowadays, Old Harry Rocks measures 49 metres (160 feet).

Why is it called Old Harry?

There are several tales regarding how Old Harry acquired his name.  Some believe that Harry was named after the Devil (Old Harry) who used to sleep on the rocks.

Other local accounts claim that Old Harry took his name from Harry Paye, a notorious local pirate.  Apparently, Pirate Harry used to hide his ship behind the rocks in wait for unsuspecting merchant sailors.

Where should you park for the walk to Old Harry Rocks?

The best place to park for the short walk to Old Harry Rocks in the South Beach Car Park at Studland Bay.  The National Trust own the car park, so parking is free for NT  members.  Alternatively, you can pay £3 for 2 hours.  The postcode for the car park is BH19 3AU.

We started our visit with lunch in the Bankes Arms Inn, a 16 th century pub next to the car park.  It is a traditional country pub with oak beams and a fire.  It also has an enormous beer garden at the front, with views overlooking the sea.  Of course, you could skip this part and go straight to the walk to Old Harry Rocks.

So now you have all the information you need about Old Harry Rocks, let’s get on with the walk.

The short walk to Old Harry Rocks

From the car park, turn right and walk downhill past the Bankes Arms pub.  As you arrive at the public toilets on your left, you’ll see a signpost on the corner of the road.  At the signpost turn left and follow the path.  There’s also a stone marker, so you can’t go wrong.

From the signpost follow the wide dirt trail as far as the headland.  It’s a pretty route with trees and fields on each side.  Look out for the viewpoints on the left, where you can stop to enjoy the coastal views.

Once you reach the headland, have a rest and enjoy the panoramic views of the fantastic cliff formation.  Old Harry Rocks is on the left, but you can also see the coastline over Studland.  On the other side, you’ll see more white sea stacks.  The pointed stack in this photo is called the Pinnacle and the other is Turf Rickrock.

Don’t get too close to the edge, as the cliffs are still eroding and could break off.

Now, whilst you’re at Old Harry Rocks, keep an eye out for wildlife, as you may spot a seal.  Unfortunately, we didn’t see any, but we did spot a rabbit.

When you’ve had your fill of the views, you can retrace your steps back to Studland.

How long does it take to walk to Old Harry Rocks?

The Harry Rocks walk is one mile each way and takes about 20 minutes.  Allow about an hour in total, so that you have time to enjoy the views.

A long walk to Old Harry Rocks

As you’d imagine there are plenty of longer walks to Old Harry Rocks.  You could do a circular walk, which would take you to Swanage, or just start further along the coastal path.

If you are really looking for a challenge, you could do the whole of the South West Coast Path, from Minehead to Poole!

How to get to Old Harry Rocks

The easiest way to get to Old Harry Rocks is by car.  Studland Bay is on the southern coast of England.  If you’re coming from London, take the M3/M27 and you can take a scenic drive through the New Forest National Park .

Alternatively, you could take the Sandbanks Chain Ferry from Sandbanks (near Poole/Bournemouth) to Studland.  The postcode for the sat nav is BH13 7QN.

By public transport

The quickest way to get from London to Studland on public transport is by train.

Direct trains run regularly from London Waterloo to Wareham and take 2 hrs 20 mins.  From here you can get a taxi or the number 40 bus to Swanage.

Places to eat near Old Harry Rocks

You’ll find several places to eat near Old Harry Rocks.  We ate in the Bankes Arms pub before setting off on our walk.  However, if you fancy something less formal, you’ll find several cafés on the beach.  The closest to Old Harry Rocks, Joe’s Café, serves hot and cold food and drinks from 10am – 4pm.

Alternatively, if you are looking for something more upmarket, the Pig-on-the-Beach is just a short walk down Manor Road.  As well as their à la carte menu, they serve flatbreads in the garden, with amazing views over the sea.

Other things to do near Old Harry Rocks

There are plenty of things to do and see in Dorset, including beautiful beaches, pretty villages and family attractions.  One of the best things to do near Old Harry Rocks is Corfe Castle, a magnificent castle overlooking the village by the same name.

Or you could head to RSPB Arne Nature Reserve, near Wareham, where you’ll have a choice of nature trails.

Other posts about Dorset you may enjoy:

• A weekend break in Weymouth, Dorset
• How to have a brilliant day out in Mudeford, Dorset
• 10 family-friendly things you should do in Christchurch, Dorset
• 10 great days out in Dorset

We'd love to hear from you!

Have you done any walks to Old Harry Rocks?  We’d love to hear your comments in the box below.

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All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.

At Chimptrips we have a passion for travel and discovering new places. We love to explore and have adventures, both at home and abroad and want to inspire others.

A walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove, Dorset

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Trains to Jurassic Coast

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Whether you’re looking for a family day out or a dreamy couples’ beach break, the picturesque Jurassic Coast makes for the perfect day trip or weekend staycation. The long coastal stretch is home to an array of quaint spots, including the blissful Orcombe Point and the picturesque chalk formations of Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. There’s plenty to see whatever the weather.

With its vast array of sights and its status as England’s only natural World Heritage Site, it’s no surprise that the Jurassic Coast draws in 22 million visitors each year. Read on to discover more about the Jurassic Coast, including where it is, the activities on offer, where to stay and how to get there.

Where is the Jurassic Coast?

Located on the south coast of England, the World Heritage Site stretches a vast 95 miles across south Devon  and Dorset, from Exmouth in the west all the way to beachy Studland Bay in the east.

How do I get to the Jurassic Coast?

There’s no better way to explore the Jurassic Coast than by foot. There are train stations dotted all along the way, and buses to take you to all the important sights, so leave your car behind and hop on a train to explore all that the Jurassic Coast has to offer.

Travelling by train

There are multiple ways to get to the Jurassic Coast by train. Popular routes include travelling from London Waterloo , Woking , Salisbury  and Basingstoke .

You can start your journey in the east of the Jurassic Coast by taking the train to Bournemouth  or Weymouth  and hopping off at Hamworthy , Holton Heath , Wareham , Wool , Moreton , Dorchester South , Upwey , and Poole .

Alternatively, you can start your Jurassic adventure from the west and take the train to Exeter ( Exeter Central  or Exeter St David’s ), Axminster  or Honiton .

Continue your exploration of the Jurassic Coast by bus, with unlimited travel on the Jurassic Coaster or the Purbeck Breezer . Hop on and off along the way at must-see spots including Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Or for a blast from the past, enjoy a heritage steam and diesel train journey aboard Swanage Railway.

Explore our flexible range of ticket types  to find the best one for your journey. Get cheap train tickets  to stations along the Jurassic Coast by going off-peak, and if you have a Railcard  you could save even more.

London to the Jurassic Coast

The train from London to the Jurassic Coast takes just over three hours. Take a South Western Railway train from London Waterloo to Weymouth or change at Bournemouth  to get a connecting train. You could also take a direct train to Exeter and begin your adventure from there.

Buy your tickets in advance to get the best prices, and click here to see all of our train times and routes.

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

Perfect for geography buffs and lovers of a certain dinosaur film franchise, take a step back in time as you admire formations spanning across three geological time periods: Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous – dating as far back as 65 million years. Schools, groups and solo explorers can enjoy educational days out along the stretch, dipping into museums that feature fossils and magical findings from the coast, or embarking on geological coastal walks and tours to learn more.

There are ample activities to scout out along the Jurassic Coast, from sea safaris and water sports to walking and cycling.

Top sights on the Jurassic Coast

Some of the coastal must-sees include the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door, the ancient Corfe Castle  and the Old Harry Rocks. Take a trip to Lulworth Cove and its charming village, too, before heading to fossil-hunting hotspot Lyme Regis.

Cinephiles, the coast has formed the backdrop to a multitude of films and TV shows over the years, so set-spot to your heart’s content with our Railway Movie Trail . Book boffins can enjoy seeing the sights of many well-known classic books come to life too.

Walking the Jurassic Coast

See the hidden gems of the Jurassic Coast by foot, where there are walking trails for hikers and leisurely strollers alike.

Explore the glorious 95-mile stretch by following the South West Coast Path National Trail . This takes you all the way from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth and features cliff-top views and calm coastal walks along the way.

Alternatively, explore one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks and follow the mostly-flat 70-minute Chesil Beach Walk , which is the perfect family walk and follows the stunning shingle beach.

Traverse 15 miles from Burton Bradstock to West Bay along a picturesque path . Landslides that eroded 20,000 years ago formed the golden sandstone cliffs that make for the backdrop of this Jurassic Coast walk.

Hop on and off the Jurassic Coaster bus in West Dorset, which stops by every walking trail.

Cycling along the Jurassic Coast

Make the most of the Jurassic Coast’s well-connected National Cycle Network and weave through the towns and villages by bike. Route 2 offers an east-to-west coast path, while route 26 connects Weymouth with Dorchester. Take your bike with you on the train  or head to a cycle hire shop along the coast to grab a mountain bike for cycling the Jurassic Coast’s many bridleways.

Other attractions

Aside from the phenomenal views, there are plenty of other attractions and activities to enjoy along the Jurassic Coast.

Whether you’re more into cruises or water sports, book a water-based excursion with one of the area’s many providers including City Cruises Poole, Moonfleet Sailing Dorset and RED Rock Leisure. Or enjoy a spot of fishing to catch your supper by heading to Weymouth Angling Centre for all the gear you’ll need.

Immerse yourself in history and learn all about the Jurassic Coast at Wareham town museum, Fairlynch museum in East Devon, The Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre or – one that’s sure to be a hit with little ones – The Dinosaur Museum.

Steeped in history, kids will love foraging for fossils in the Jurassic Coast, which has rock formations that are up to 65 million years old so there’s plenty of treasures to be found – read our fossil hunting guide  to get you started.

Stay safe on your adventures by paying attention to any warning signs you spot and avoid cliff edges and bases to prevent injury from falling or falling rocks. Be aware of tide times , and in case of an emergency on the coast, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Find out more about staying safe on the Jurassic Coast .

Food and drinks

There are plenty of places to eat and drink on your visit, that are conveniently accessible from South Western Railway stops.

Dig into sumptuous, locally sourced seafood suppers at Fish n Fritz and The Harbour Terrace at Weymouth Harbour, or at The Boat That Rocks in Portland.

For a treat, enjoy traditional British offerings at Saveur or a fancy Italian meal at Al Molo, both in Weymouth. Morton’s Manor Restaurant is an award-winning culinary treat for travellers to Corfe Castle, and Coast Restaurant in the Grand Hotel Swanage has something for everyone.

For fuss-free food and drink after a long day of exploring, The Esplanade in Weymouth is home to a range of bars and eateries, and at every coastal stop you’ll find independent cafes to fuel up at. Favourites include Swanage Pizza and Burgers and Taste Café at Chesil Beach.

Places to stay on Jurassic Coast

From hotels to campsites, there’s no shortage of places to stay, no matter your budget. Here are some options that are all accessible by train or bus – ideal for a car-free getaway.

Leave the hassle behind when you come for your staycation by staying at a hotel. The four-star Bay View Hotel in Weymouth is perfect if you want to be beside the seaside, while the Summer Lodge Hotel in Dorchester, complete with spa, is a great option if you fancy some pampering.

If you’d prefer a bed and breakfast, the quaint Abbey House in Weymouth offers fairytale-style rooms for an idyllic night away, or if you like the added independence of self-catering, book a stay in one of Dorset Hideaway’s holiday cottages.

Adventurers can rest their heads in one of the region’s many campsites and holiday parks. Weymouth has them in abundance: book a spot at Higher Moor Campsite, Freshwater Beach Holiday Park or Elweaze Farm.

Jurassic Coast accessibility

For accessibility information ahead of your visit, be sure to research the specific areas along the coast that you’re visiting.

We recommend that you also research prices and times for certain attractions in advance, so visit the Jurassic Coast site for more information.

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