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Jurassic Coast

Hiking in Jurassic Coast

Fancy hiking amongst dinosaurs? Then pick one of the many walks along the Jurassic Coast because prehistoric creatures weren’t just here millions of years ago, they’re still here today. This coastline is a UNESCO World Heritage site and stretches for around 100 miles (160 km) from East Devon to West Dorset. Overlooking the gorgeous English Channel, the cliffs form a natural timeline stretching back 185 million years, allowing you to find fossils from the Triassic, Jurassic and later periods. 

You can enjoy the micro and the macro on Jurassic Coast hikes thanks to shoreline trails, clifftop viewpoints and stunning beachside towns. Stretch your legs high above the sea before descending to a cove to inspect the rocks and overturn ancient fossils. Thanks to the ease of fossil hunting, the Jurassic Coast is a fantastic place to walk with curious children, where every step is a treasure hunt.

The best walks and hikes in Jurassic Coast

A loop of portland from chesil beach, chesil beach & fleet lagoon loop from portland harbour — jurasic coast.

Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app

Burton bradstock coastal walk from hive beach, portland bill & the old higher lighthouse loop, golden cap & langdon hill loop from seatown — dorset aonb, more information.

Geological marvels

Walks along the Jurassic Coast are geology lessons provided by nature herself. In the fossil forest to the east of Lulworth Cove, you can walk amongst 145-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks. The Cove itself is picture-perfect, a sea-carved semi-circle with clear water and moored fishing boats. To the west lies Durdle Door, one of the area’s most famous geological marvels – a natural rock arch. 

Some of the best hiking trails on the Jurassic Coast start in Lyme Regis, a seaside town famous for fossils. The beaches here are littered with rocks embedded with prehistoric animals and the town is filled with cafes, restaurants and fossil shops. You can walk east along the cliffs to the highest point on England’s south coast: Golden Cap. Or head west, through the nature reserve to the quiet town of Seaton. 

Walks for everyone at any time

Short, long, steep or flat, there are hikes on the Jurassic Coast for everyone. With long seafronts at Exmouth, Budleigh Salterton, Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage, there are lots of mostly flat walks with pretty views. The Isle of Portland, an incredible natural peninsula joined to the mainland by a narrow strip, has gentle walks with easy-going surfaces too. 

The western half of the coastline is undulating, with some considerable hills that rise up from beachside towns to the towering cliffs that bookend them. As a result, you’re never short of challenging hikes and phenomenal views. The eastern half is lower in places, although you can still find plenty of glorious clifftops and extraordinary sights, such as the Old Harry Rocks sea stacks at the far eastern extent of the Jurassic Coast. Around the midpoint of the area lies Chesil Beach, the vast shingle barrier stretching between the mainland and Portland. 

Warmer than much of the country, you can walk the Jurassic Coast at any time of year. It’s well worth noting that the cliffs are prone to erosion which both reveals fossils and creates hazards. As a result, always follow signage and stay away from cliff edges as landslides are not uncommon.

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We are currently experiencing a high demand for Private Fossil Walks this year.

If you're considering booking a walk please book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Please contact us for full details or to make a booking.

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Welcome to the Jurassic Coast Guides website.

We're delighted that you've found us! Use this site to discover more about Guided Walks and Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast.

Jurassic Coast Guides are really pleased to announce that we have won

a Gold Award at the 2020/2021 South West Tourism Excellence Awards for

'Learning Experience Of The Year'

 We are also pleased to announce that we won

Gold Awards at the 2020 Dorset Tourism Awards for

'International Visitor Experience Of The Year'

We also won gold for these awards in 2019 and were awarded 

'Highly Commended' 

for the International Visitor Experience, by The South West Tourism Awards in the same year.

In 2018 we also won

'Guided Tour Of The Year'

And were awarded 'Highly Commended' 

by The South West Tourism Awards. 

We'd like to thank our customers for all your support!

The Jurassic Coast has so much more to offer than the usual tourist hotspots. Come and explore the World Heritage Site with us

We offer professionally guided Private Fossil Walks at Charmouth, Guided Coastal Walks, Charity Walks,  Guided Tours, Corporate Walking Events, VIP tours, Shore Excursions from Portland Port and cover the full length of the Jurassic Coast and surrounding areas. There is so much to be discovered within the World Heritage site. Not only is there 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, but delve a little deeper and you can physically 'walk through time' as it reveals 185 million years of life on earth, showcasing the three Dinosaur periods known as Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous.

Let us guide you through time so you can experience the wonders that are to be discovered along the way...

Plan your adverntrure with us and get the most from your visit, learn more about the geological history and fossils of this world famous coastline. Book a Fossil Hunting adventure with us to find your treasure from deep time.

Jurassic Coast experiences can be tailored to suit all ages and abilities. They are led by a quailified, insured & experienced Mountain Leader.

Walks, Tours, Excursions and Fossil Walks can be arranged for individuals, couples, families or groups.

We have over 10 years of experience guiding walks along the Jurassic Coast.

Contact us to arrange your Guided Walk on the Jurassic Coast... with a professonally Guided Walk, you can be sure you'll get tyhe most from your trip.

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Welcome to Dorset Tours

Based on the Isle of Portland , in the heart of the Jurassic Coast , we invite you to unlock the secrets of this stunning region through our unforgettable guided adventures .

Small Groups, Big Adventures!

Small Groups

LOCAL EXPERTS

UNIQUE ITINERARIES

Essential adventures.

The Jurassic Classic!

The Big 3 Tour

Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

Stonehenge & Salisbury

From Weymouth | Fossil Walk in Charmouth

Over 100 5* star tripadvisor reviews ➝.

Meet the Team

Contact us: [email protected]

Portland Cruise Tours

Embark on one of our unforgettable guided tours tailored for Portland cruise passengers . Check out our Portland Cruise Excursions below!

MULTI DAY TOURS

Explore the South West’s beauty and history with our Multi-Day Tours. Uncover Dorset’s soul, from Stonehenge’s mysteries to the Jurassic Coast’s dramatic cliffs. Enjoy stories, villages, and landscapes on a journey blending discovery and relaxation.

2 DAYS Best of the West Tour

Jurassic Coast Hiking Discovery

South West Wonders: From Jurassic Coasts to Legendary Lands

Private tours.

Discover the South West with our exclusive, privately guided tours. Experience tailor made adventures and unique local insights in every journey!

1 DAY TOURS

Hidden Gems of Dorset: A Journey Through Timeless Villages

Heritage Highlights: Glastonbury, Bath, and Castle Combe Tour

Discovering Dorset: Hardy’s Cottage & Gold Hill

The Jurassic Spectacular Tour 10+ Locations

PRIVATE DAY TOURS

The Etches Collection

Showcasing fossils from the Jurassic Coast . Named after collector Steve Etches, it features over 2,000 specimens from the late Jurassic period, including Ichthyosaurs and Plesiosaurs ! A must see for fossil fans! 

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Jurassic Coast – 6 Days

South West Coast of England

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

Book your adventure

Speak to an expert.

Or call us on

017683 71289

CHOOSE A DATE

Dates may vary in price due to demand throughout the season and are subject to changes from time to time. We recommend booking your trip well in advance to secure the best pricing available for your preferred dates.

If you don't see a date suitable, please call on +44 (0)17683 71289 to organise a custom date.

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TOTAL £ 999

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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.

Find some of the reviews our wonderful customers have left for us below, or read them all here!

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

Why book with us

We know you have a choice of companies providing trips for your next adventures. Here are some of the reasons you should choose to travel with Maximum Adventure:

• We are an established adventure travel business
• We have been trading since 2002
• We are financially protected in accordance with the 1992 travel regulation
• Knowledgeable and available office staff
• Qualified leaders and guides with ascents ranging from Ben Nevis to Mount Everest
• All activities are risk assessed
• We will provide you with the best service available
• We are aware this is your holiday/your challenge and will do our best to make it an enjoyable and rewarding experience
• We have many repeat clients stretching back over a number of years

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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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Jurassic coast walk | (from start to finish) + top tips.

Planning on doing the Jurassic Coast Walk, one of the most stunning National Trails in the UK? Keep reading for all the information about this coastal trail.

The Jurassic Coast walk on the southwest coast of England is a real treat. A trek that takes you through thousands of years of history and t o a time when dinosaurs roamed , hence the name, the Jurassic Coast!

In 2001, the Jurassic Coast, the southwest coastal path from Exmouth in Devon to Studland in Dorset was named the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK.

And rightly so, it’s a stunning natural wonder in the UK and should be preserved. Tourists visit popular sections on this famous stretch of coast which is dotted with cute seaside towns along the coastline across Devon and Dorset. But to appreciate the beauty of this entire World Heritage Site walking is by far the best way to enjoy it.

I walked the Jurassic Coast during a long-distance hiking trip and wild camped along the route. Of course, that doesn’t mean to say you have to walk it in one go! There are plenty of  options for staying in hotels, B&Bs and campsites which are also dotted along the route.

Here I will share my Jurassic Coast walk, including the route I took, and daily mileage.

P lus other useful tips about this gorgeous walk. Ask me any more questions in the comments below.

Check out this day tour from Bournemouth – Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door trip.

Walking the Full Jurassic Coast Path

*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here .

How long is the Jurassic Coast walk?

The Jurassic Coast Path is part of the South West Coast Path (SWCP),  the longest trail in the UK which starts in Minehead in Somerset and ends not far from Studland at South Haven in Dorset.

Although the coastal stretch is 95 miles long the Jurassic Coast walk is a few miles longer, due to cliff erosion along the route.

The full distance that I hiked (according to Strava) from Exmouth station to Studland was over 100 miles (Not sure I trust Strava 100%)

The Jurassic Coast walk can be done as one long-distance walk . Or if you don’t have time to complete the walk in one go (or don’t want to) then you can complete smaller sections of the Jurassic Coast too.

How hard is the Jurassic Coast hike?

Completing the hike in one go is a tough challenge.

There are plenty of difficult sections and steep climbs along the route but also some lovely flat sections in between to make up for it.

• You’ll need a good pair of walking boots or hiking shoes, I wore my Scarpa hiking boots  but if I did it again, I would wear a lighter boot or trail shoes.

Want to make the walk easier? Hike shorter days or stay at hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses so you don’t need to carry full camping gear.

How many days does it take to hike the Jurassic Coast (all 95 miles)?

The Jurassic Coast walk can be completed in as many or as few days as you like! If you want to finish the hike in the shortest time then 5 days is the quickest you could do it , which would mean 20+ mile days.

Below I’ve broken the walk down into nine stages. When planning your Jurassic Coast hike you will need to consider how far you want to hike each day and also where you are going to stay (some places have limited options).

Hopefully, this breakdown will give you the information you need to plan your Jurassic Coast adventure!

South West Coast Path

• If you’re planning to do the full South West Coast Path, then you’ll need to allow at least 6 weeks for this tough challenge.

Check out this tour from Bournemouth – Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

Jurassic Coast Walk (in 9 stages)

Jurassic coast walk (stage 1) – exmouth to sidmouth.

Hiking distance: 10.5 miles/ 17 km (+ 2 miles/ 3 km to get to start)

Highlights on the walk: The Geoneedle at Orcombe Point, Otter Estuary Nature Reserve, stunning rock formations at Ladram Bay

The start of the Jurassic Coast Walk is close to the seaside town of Exmouth in Devon .

More than likely you’ll either be arriving by public transport so factor in some extra time to get to the official start! Exmouth train station is about a 2-mile walk to Orcombe Point. Here you’ll find a huge information board about the Jurassic Coast and its natural World Heritage Site status.

At the top of the cliff at Orcombe Point, there’s the Geoneedle which signifies the start point of the Jurassic Coast .  

Interestingly the Jurassic Coast covers three periods, the Cretaceous period (65-145 million years ago), the Jurassic period (145-200 million years ago and the Triassic period (200-250 million years ago).

The evidence of the Triassic period, once a vast desert with huge sand dunes, was clear from the red cliffs in East Devon. Fossils from the Jurassic period were found between West Dorset and Portland.

Finally, the Cretaceous period when crocodiles, dragonflies and dinosaurs roamed the earth. Now evident from the tiny skeletons of plankton in the sea of Purbeck area .

Budleigh Salterton

From Otter Estuary Nature Reserve it’s about 3 miles to the next refreshment stop at Ladram Bay. The striking red cliffs continue along the section of the Jurassic Coast walk and make for some stunning photos.

Arriving at Ladram Bay, a huge holiday park. It’s a little overwhelming in peak season since it’s popular with families but there are some stunning red rock formations in the sea.

A great viewpoint is High Peak (not technically on the path but you can get some beautiful views hiking across to Sidmouth from the top.

Take some binoculars with you, if you can fit them in. These pink ones are pretty cool! 

Useful walk information

• Refreshments – Exmouth (before the official walk begins), Budleigh Salterton, Ladram Bay, Sidmouth
• Toilets – Jacobs Ladder (just before you reach Sidmouth)

Accommodation options

• Where to stay in Exmouth?  – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs + holiday homes (39 options)
• Where to stay in Sidmouth?  – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs + holiday homes (45 options)
• Campsites – Ladram Bay Holiday Park at Budleigh Salterton
• Or check out Airbnbs in Exmouth  + Sidmouth

Transport options

Exeter train station

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 2) – Sidmouth to Seaton

Hiking distance: 10 miles/ 16 km

Highlights on the walk: Branscombe Beach, Beer town

From the town of Sidmouth, you very soon back high on the cliffs overlooking the sea. With luscious green fields and trees contrasting again the red cliffs.

As well as a few friendly fields of cows too! If you’ve followed my Instagram Stories you’ll know I’m terrible with cows when I’m out walking but these cows seemed relatively unphased by me!

The Jurassic Coast section between Branscombe and Beer is a popular hike for people staying at Beer and nearby Seaton. You will meet plenty of people walking between the two since there are refreshments close together which is perfect for a short hike.

After Branscombe, you’ll notice the cliffs changing from red to white chalk cliffs. The cute town Beer was a haven of activity and a great place to stop, for a beer of course!

The route to Seaton via the beach is not accessible at high tide .

Also, the coastal road is not accessible as a diversion so you have to go on more of a detour. I was lucky and timed my walk so I could cross the pebble beach and large rocks.

• Refreshments – Branscombe Beach, Beer town (The Anchor Inn has a lovely beer garden)
• Toilets – Branscombe Beach, Beer (slightly off the path)
• Where to stay in Seaton?  – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (29 options)
• Campsites – Beer Head Caravan Park
• Or check out Airbnb options in + near Seaton

No train station

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 3) – Seaton to Lyme Regis

Hiking distance: 7 miles/ 11 km

Highlights on the walk:  Green wooded section (aka the jungle!)

This coastal section takes you away from the views of the south coast for the majority of the walk. And it’s also the part of the walk that takes you from Devon into Dorset.

There’s even a sign saying that for a 7-mile stretch be prepared for difficult terrain and no facilities.

Be sure to fill your lunch box with lots of goodies for this section of the hike and fill your water bottles up too. I have this cool metal red , but you can buy a green or grey.

To begin with, it seems relatively tame, walking across fields but you soon are in what can only be described as a mini jungle section. The lush green plants, trees and moss and growing all around and it really feels like you are in the movie Jurassic Park.

This section takes 3-4 hours to get through and it’s unlikely that you will meet many people but that adds to the charm of this part of the walk.

• Refreshments – Seaton (golf course bar is the very last stop)
• Toilets – Lyme Regis (slightly off the path)
• Where to stay in Lyme Regis?  – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (48 options)
• Campsites – Hook Farm, Lyme Regis
• Airbnbs in Lyme Regis

No train station – nearest station Axminster

Bus service – Jurassic Coaster  (starts at Lyme Regis)

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 4) – Lyme Regis to West Bay

Highlights on the walk: Charmouth beach, Golden Cap hill and West Bay

From Lyme Regis, in Dorset, you need to follow the path, up around the town, following the path as it diverts you. It is easy to start following the path that takes you alongside the coast but you do need to go on a slight detour.

Charmouth Beach is a great spot for fossil hunting, although on my hike this day was heavy rain and winds so not the best weather for searching for fossils!

From Charmouth, you are back walking on the cliffs up to Golden Cap which is the highest point on the Jurassic Coast. On a clear day, there are stunning views out to sea.

However, after battling rain and wind to reach Golden Cap summit at 191 metres, the day I hiked I didn’t have a view. But always a reason to go back!

Back from the cliffs, you reach the small town of West Bay. For those UK fans of Broadchurch, you should be able to spot a few famous places from the TV programme.

Walking poles are handy for this section of the walk. I used them for most of the hike since I was carrying a heavy rucksack but hiking uphill the trekking poles give you an extra hand.

Read about the poles that I used here .

• Refreshments – Fernhill Hotel, Charmouth, West Bay (Windy Corner cafe)
• Toilets – Charmouth, West Bay
• Where to stay in West Bay?   – Hotels, guesthouses and apartments (9 options)
• Campsites – Newlands Holidays, Charmouth  and Golden Cap Holiday Park, Bridport
• Airbnb options in and near West Bay

No local train station

Bus service – Jurassic Coaster

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 5) – West Bay to Abbotsbury

Hiking distance: 8.5 miles/ 13.5 km

Highlights on the walk: Iconic cliffs of West Bay, Abbotsbury

On leaving West Bay you walk around the small harbour, then you automatically have the iconic cliffs from the TV show Broadchurch in front of you as you walk up the beach.

Taking another detour inland towards Abbotsbury, it’s a change of scenery but just as beautiful walking across the English countryside!

Arriving into Abbotsbury, there’s plenty of tourist attractions including a maze and Abbotsbury Swannery so if you’re stopping here for a rest or your night’s accommodation you will enjoy plenty to do as well.

The cafe has a great choice of food to refuel as well.

• Refreshments – Abbotsbury Swannery cafe
• Toilets – Abbotsbury
• Where to stay in Abbotsbury?   – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (11 options)
• Airbnbs in and near Abbotsbury

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 6) – Abbotsbury to Weymouth

Hiking distance: 11 miles/ 17 km

Highlights on the walk: Chesil Beach, Weymouth Harbour and Beach

Leaving beautiful Abbotsbury you then have a very long section, which is pretty similar.

Both a highlight and a lowlight was Chesil Beach, 29 km long it’s spectacular but as you’re hiking on it you don’t really get the aerial view. Plus hiking along long sections of tiny pebbles is pretty tough going.

The next section takes you inland for a large section. This was my least favourite part of the Jurassic Coast walk, mainly as the scenery was relatively flat and I couldn’t see the sea!

Arriving into Weymouth was a real highlight, smells of fish and chips wafting as I walked around the harbour, filled with people and boats. Also, Weymouth is the first sandy beach on the hike.

Top tip – take your boots off and walk along the sandy beach, it feels amazing!

• Refreshments – Weymouth
• Toilets – Weymouth
• Where to stay in Weymouth?   – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (181 options)
• Campsites – Littlesea Holiday Park, near Chesil Beach
• More options with Airbnb in Weymouth

Weymouth train station

Prefer to take a tour along the Jurassic Coast? – Check out this tour from £75

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 7) – Weymouth to Lulworth Cove

Hiking distance: 14 miles/ 22.5 km

Highlights on the walk: Stunning chalk cliffs with amazing views, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove

This part of the hike is one of the most popular section of the Jurassic Coast walk, but it’s beautiful so you can see why it was named a natural World Heritage Site.

Durdle Door, pictured above is the iconic photo which you will see on most websites and social media when anyone mentions the Jurassic Coast. Although it is stunning the walk up to the point and beyond are equally beautiful.

Top tip  

• Durdle Door is a beautiful spot on the Jurassic Coast but it’s very touristy.
• If you want to visit during quieter times then pick early morning or weekdays instead of weekends!
• Refreshments – Lulworth Cove
• Toilets – Lulworth Cove
• Where to stay in Lulworth Cove?   – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (4 options)
• More options here with Airbnb  for Lulworth Cove

Jurassic Coast walk (Stage 8) – Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge

Highlights on the walk: Mupe Bay

From Lulworth Cove, you hike along the beach (the existing path along the ridge no longer exists and is blocked off).

Take the path at the far end of the beach back up onto the cliffs for some beautiful views back to Lulworth Cove.

Not much further along the Jurassic Coast walk, you will come across a stunning hidden cove called Mupe Bay. In peak season this is a much quieter beach to relax and it’s just as beautiful.

Then there’s a really steep climb, taking you further up the cliffs.

This is another section where there are limited options for accommodation and refreshments.

Kimmeridge is a very small village about 1.5 miles off the Jurassic Coast walk. This is the endpoint for this section but up until here, there’s no-where to buy food or drinks so be sure to stock up before the hike.

• Refreshments – Kimmeridge
• Toilets – Kimmeridge

Where to stay in Kimmeridge?

• One Airbnb Shepherd’s Hut accommodation near Kimmeridge
• Campsites – None

No train station – nearest train station Wareham

Jurassic Coast walk (stage 9) – Kimmeridge to Studland

Hiking distance: 18 miles/ 29 km

Highlights on the walk: Durlston Castle, Swanage Beach, Old Harry Rocks

This is a long section but it’s difficult to split up this part of the walk. The final section from Swanage to Studland via Old Harry Rocks is about 5 miles so you could always make a half-day hike on your final day.

Durlston Castle isn’t like a traditional UK castle but it is a great spot to stop for a drink and from there you can see all the way to Old Harry Rocks.

Due to the long distances between the accommodation for this part, it does make it more difficult to plan.

Please consider how far you want to hike in one day and maybe plan a shorter walk for your last day.

• Refreshments – Durlston Castle, Swanage, Studland
• Toilets – Swanage
• Where to stay in Swanage?   – Hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs and holiday homes (79 options)
• Campsites – Swanage Coastal Park
• Airbnbs in Swanage  and near Studland Bay

No train station – nearest train stations are Poole and Wareham

Walking the Jurassic Coast – map reading and navigating

The Jurassic Coast path is part of a larger National Trail, the South West Coast Path. This trail is the longest National trail walk in the UK , a massive 630 miles/ 1,014 km.

The benefit of this is that throughout the entire Jurassic Coast section there are well-marked sign-posted and paths keeping you on track.

Sometimes it’s a simple acorn sign (the oak tree is the national symbol in the UK) or signs for ‘South West Coast Path’.

Be sure to take a good compass with you.

Of course, there’s also the fail-safe rule of keeping the sea on your right (based on walking from Exmouth to Studland!) But it’s good to double-check the route, especially when walking through the seaside town sections.

I went wrong in both Lyme Regis and Swanage, basically because I was too busy looking at the scenery instead of where I was supposed to be walking!

Ordnance Survey Maps

For the full route from Exmouth to Studland, you need three maps.

• Explorer 115 – Exmouth and Sidmouth
• Explorer 116 – Lyme Regis and Bridport
• Explorer OL15 – Purbeck and South Dorset (Poole, Dorchester, Weymouth and Swanage)

OS Maps Online

Since I was wild camping and hiking the full route in one go, I opted for OS Maps online . This is great for navigating and only costs £23.99 and you can view the maps in offline mode (aka flight mode!)

Jurassic Coast – Further Information about the walk

How to get to the start of the jurassic coast hike.

Exmouth is a large seaside town , full of shops, restaurants and seaside accommodation. Depending on where you are travelling from you can arrive at the start and hike the same day or if you’re arriving later in the day then why not spend a night in this.

Your options here depend on a few factors.

• Are you hiking solo or in a group?
• Do you know anyone in the area that can drop you off/pick you up?
• Are you travelling by car or public transport?

Hiking solo – if you are hiking the Jurassic Coast solo then public transport is the best way to get to the start point (and back again from the finish).

Although, be prepared some of the public transport isn’t ideal if you also have a car.

Hiking as a group – if you’re all driving, you could leave a car at the end of the hike, then have someone else drive back to the start. Although this is a 2-hour drive so factor that into your plans at the start and end of the hike.

Plus you won’t be able to park exactly at the start and end locations and will need to pay for parking. Again public transport might be the best option.

My journey to the start of the Jurassic Coast Hike

• Drive time – 4 hours
• Public transport time – 3 hours
• Cost – (Fuel, bus and train) £41.90

Living in the Midlands, I drove the 4-hour journey down to Dorchester, left my car and took public transport. This meant that I could leave my house at 6.30 am and be down south by 10.30 am.

Yes, I could have got there by train at a similar time but peak train tickets cost between £96-£120 (one-way). My diesel car can do the 440+ mile trip for about £35 so a no-brainer for me travelling solo, without time constraints.

I parked outside Dorchester (street parking on the bus route).  Then caught the X11 to Sherborne with South West Coaches .

There are only a couple of buses each day (please check if you opt for this route)

Cost – £4.50

From Sherborne, I caught a train with  South West Trains  to Exeter, then another to Exmouth. Trains leave at 32 minutes past the hour and take approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Cost – £19.90

The official start of the Jurassic Coast path at Orcombe Point is about a 2-mile walk from the train station, along Exmouth seafront. ning of your hike will , of course,   factor what you do at the end!

From the finish point at  Studland , which is a small village, you can catch the  Purbeck Breezer , which can take you to various destinations, including Swanage, Wareham, Dorchester, Poole and Bournemouth.

Buy train tickets online via National Rail  or you can buy them at the station (The price was the same for me).

MY JOURNEY FROM THE END OF THE JURASSIC COAST HIKE

Due to finishing my hike late on the last day (due to blisters). I changed my plans and stayed at my auntie’s for a night as I would have missed the last bus (X11 back to my car outside Dorchester).

From Studland, I caught the no. 50 ( Purbeck Breezer ) 15 minutes to Swanage.

Cost – £8.80 (all day ticket valid on the next bus too)

My connecting bus to Wareham went 5 minutes earlier so I had nearly an hour wait. 

* Please note all costs and times are correct at time of writing. Please check before you travel.

Read next: My Ultimate 800-mile Hiking Challenge across Britain

Where to stay on the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast has plenty of seaside towns and places to stay at the beginning of the hike. Although, towards the later stages there are fewer options so best to plan your route and where you are going to stay in advance.

• Bed & Breakfasts
• Guesthouses
• Airbnb –  £25 off your first Airbnb stay

Since I was completing the route over a shorter period of time I opted to wild camp along the trail. If you’ve not tried wild camped in the UK before then please read my post here about top tips for your first wild camping experience in the UK .

What Gear Do You Need For The Jurassic Coast Hike?

A. Read here for  what to take on a day hike  

B. Read here what to pack for a long-distance walk

• Whatever the weather always pack a waterproof jacket (I took my  Berghaus Paclite Jacket  lightweight and waterproof. Read my  review of the jacket here .)*

Are you interested in completing the Jurassic Coast walk from Exmouth to Studland?

Do you have any more questions about completing the walking the Jurassic Coast? Ask me in the comments below.

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Becky the Traveller

45 thoughts on “ jurassic coast walk | (from start to finish) + top tips ”.

Looking at your photos make me agree with what you wrote: ‘Jurassic Coast walk is a real treat’. The place is so pretty! Thanks for this! Will be saving it for later.

Thank you Katie, yeah it’s wonderful. Let me know if you have any more questions about the hike 🙂

Hi I’m coming from Australia to UK in the spring. I aim to walk the entire Jurassic coast with my dog . I’d love to join another hiker or group for part of the walk I also need dog friendly accommodation. Any ideas would be appreciated. Tracy ,,?

I normally find that you end up meeting people on the long-distance walks and you can maybe walk with them. There are certainly quieter sections but if you’re going from accommodation to accommodation then it should be ok meeting people. The other option is maybe join the FB group South West Coast path as this includes the Jurassic coast and maybe ask on there if anyone is walking at the time you are planning 🙂

Loved the detailed of the hike and the name Jurassic Coast is quite interesting. Loved the article.

Thanks so much, are you planning to do the hike?

Very nice article, and useful. I wonder if I can find the difficulty of the walk somewhere. I mean how many meters up and down. Like the denivellation of each day. Don’t know the English word for it, sorry. Thank you, Bernadette

Hi Bernadette, I hope I answered your question earlier via Instagram. I’m going to check my maps and try and give a more accurate indication of the ascent and descent on the walk 🙂

Hi Becky when you came from Abbotsbury to Weymouth you forgot to walk the Isle of Portland beautiful walk and lots to see on the way, makes up for the Abbotsbury shingle missing Portland you have missed an important part of the Jurassic coast.

Ah that’s interesting Peter, I didn’t realise that Portland made up part of the Jurassic Coast section, I know it’s part of the SWCP which I’d love to do one day so maybe I can explore it then. Thanks so much 🙂

I am planning to visit the area and do a few short sections of the Jurassic coast. Which sections are non missable? Is the isle of Portland a must do walk? All the way round or is one coast better than the other?

Hi Lynda, the Portland section is part of SWCP but not part of the Jurassic Coast so I haven’t walked this section sorry.

Hi becky, i‘ll do the jurassic coast hike next week and I decided everything quite last minute – so I still have a few questions and may you can help me. i will walk from lyme regis to poole and my question is about how many liters of water you have to take with you? can you fill up your water bottle somewhere on the path? i already thank you in advance for your help and wish you a nice day. best regards alessandra from switzerland 🙂

Hi Alessandra, I hope you enjoyed your Jurassic Coast hike, apologies I was on a big hike across the UK and your comment didn’t come through! I filled my water up as I passed through the towns, either at cafes or restaurants. I did find a few water taps on beaches but not many, but I only every struggled once with lack of water on one occasion towards the end when there were limited towns on the route. I hope you had a wonderful trip

This is great information, Becky. Thanks! I’m in the states, but considering coming over and spending 4-6 days hiking the trail. One question for you: if you could only do half of the 95 mile length, which part is the best to do? Exmouth to Weymouth? Weymouth to Studland? Or something in between? Keeping in mind I’m likely arriving and departing by train, looking to stay at B&B/hotel along the way, and hike 8-12 miles/day. Thanks!

Hi, ah that’s fantastic, that will be amazing. Ooo good question, if I could only do half then I think I would pick the second half. Weymouth is a great start point and a lovely seaside town, Studland is also close to Swanage and again making things easier for transport.

What a great source of information – thank you so much! I’m coming over from San Diego to visit my in-laws this summer (2020), and am taking an extra 10 days to do the Jurassic Coastal Path.

Ah, that’s fantastic Jack, it’s a beautiful walk, I’m sure you’ll absolutely love it. Feel free to get in touch if you have any other questions 🙂

Thanks Becky, I’m organising a group to do this in June 2020 so the information has been really useful. Have fun. John

Ah fantastic thanks John, I hope you have a great trip. Feel free to get in touch if you have any more questions before the event 🙂

Hey Becky Your website is super inspiring! I‘m planning to do the second half of the tour with a group of students this autumn. Would you consider guiding us? Or can you recommend other tour guides? Thanks and best, Andrea

Hi Andrea, thanks so much for your message, wow, that’s great that you’re planning on doing this year. I’ll drop you an email to chat further 🙂

Hi Becky, What great information, I’m hoping to do this hike next year with some friends, did you ever get the elevation gain information that you mentioned in a previous post, it would be really useful if I want to try and trim a day off? Thanks very much

Hi Lesley, ah thanks so much, I’m sorry, I did try and extract the data but because of how the route is plotted it was too inaccurate as hiking close to the cliff sometimes added on extra ascent/descent. If I figure out another way or find out I will get in touch. How many days were you planning on doing the hike over?

Hi becky, Thanks for the great guide on the hike! Just a question, with this itinerary approx how many hours a day would you be hiking for? Thanks! ben

Ooo, good question, I did the hike back in 2018 so I can’t remember and I think it depends on your own pace of walking, plus I love to stop lots for photos. My average walking pace is about 4 km per hour so hope that helps you calculate your own adventure 🙂

Hi Becky, thank you so much for this. We are just organising a trip for September 2021. I was wondering what time of year you went? Do you think the first 2 weeks of September will be too cold and rainy to camp? We have our dog with us so didn’t want to do 15 mile hikes in the height of summer. Many thanks, Sophie

Hi Sophie, thank you so much, I’m glad you found it helpful. I actually did it on the August bank holiday and I had a storm with 40 mph winds along the path and got soaked! I’ve done numerous long-distance hikes in September and I generally find it a good month to hike, obviously, in the UK the weather is never guaranteed but it is normally a decent temperature. Give me a shout if you have any other questions 🙂

Hellooo! Thanks for all the information 🙂 I am hoping to do this at some point this summer ideally over 5 days and trying to plan logistics. I would prefer to stay in B&Bs etc so won’t have full camping equipment but how did you find it carrying all your stuff with you? For the older members in our group, I am not sure if it possible to have any of your belongings transported to next accommodation stop for you? Would you suggest booking the hike and accommodation etc with a company or is it worthwhile just doing yourself? Thank you in advance! 🙂

Hi Courtney, I did it solo so it’s a lot easier finding accommodation/camping spots. I guess if you’re doing as a group then booking in advance would be the best option. I’ve done numerous hikes carrying my own kit, although not for a while, it takes some practice so if you opt for that then I’d recommend training hikes with your full kit. I prefer doing on my own so I can be flexible with my walk, stopping when I want to etc. The route is relatively straightforward so personally I’d also do on my own but maybe one to consider if you’re organising for a group. Hope that helps and enjoy the walk 🙂

Hi. Thank you very much for this, it is so helpful!! Sorry if this is a silly question but I was just wondering about the Jurassic Coaster bus service you mentioned – this is just the normal bus services in the towns or is a specific service that goes more through the Jurassic Coast? Because I may have only 3 days to do this walk, I was considering doing some parts by bus? What do you think would be the parts that I would miss out the less if I do them by bus?

Thank you so much!!!

Hi Clara, no problem, I’m glad it helped. I would recommend clicking on the bus links to see what the services are like now since I did the walk in 2019 the times/services might have changed so that’s the best way to get update information. If you only have 3 days, I’d recommend just starting earlier on the trail and doing the final 3 days of the walk or whatever distance you’re comfortable walking, instead of jumping on/off buses. Hope that’s helpful. Have fun 🙂

Hi Becky, loving reading your adventures on the Jurassic coast, it’s currently our bible! Please can I ask where you wild camped in both Lolworth Cove and Kimmeridge please. Thank you x

Hi Michelle, I’ve broken the route down into more bite-sized portions, I hiked it over 5 days so I didn’t wild camp and Lulworth Cove or Kimmeridge, I found quieter spots away from the towns/villages on route based on when I was tired each day and finding a suitable spot.

This is amazing!!! I have a few questions if that’s alright! 1. What do you recommend is the best month to do the hike? I’m thinking October but nervous about temperature. 2. What were your travel times? As in, do you recommend arriving and then sleeping overnight and starting the hike the following morning? I ask because if arriving in the afternoon, what would you suggest is best? 3. If you had 7 full days to do the hike, what days would you combine in your 9-stage breakdown?

Thank you, this post has been so inspirational!

Hi, thanks for your message, here’s a few answers for you :). I’ve hiked in October and wild camped, the weather can be a mix but if you have the right kit you’ll be fine. I’ve recently hiked a winter Pennine Way and adjusted my kit and camping equipment so temperature wasn’t a problem. My travel times were most of the day haha! I think my drive was 3-4 hours then the public transport was another couple of hours which is why I started at 2/3 pm ish. In the summer months it’s fine because you have more daylight hours. I did the hike in 5.5 days, I added the 9 stages as most people stay in accommodation and I wild camped, so it would depend if you’re planning to stay in accommodation or camp? If you’re planning 7 days then I’d look at splitting so you’re doing a similar distance each day, on average 7 days = 14 miles per day. Hope that helps for now but pop me any questions with further questions 🙂

This is all so so helpful ah thank you!!! Would you mind sharing your breakdowns for the 5.5 days. I think that’s what I’m aiming for as well!

Hi, my breakdown of days might not be that useful because I was wild camping so I didn’t stop at traditional points on the route, I also set off late on day 1, although I did still do a good distance and had one had where I struggled with blisters so I had a shorter day! My splits for the trip were 18 km, 25 km, 29 km, 44 km, 33 km, 28 km. As you can see I did one long day and a shorter day 2 but I flexed my trip depending on how I felt each day, if you’re wild camping then I’m sure you’ll do the same. Have fun 🙂

Hi Becky, your article is so helpful! I am staying in Lyme Regis end of May as a base for some hiking. Thinking to do Lyme Regis to West Bay one day and then drive to some different parts to get the most out of the Jurassic Coast.

In your opinion is Weymouth to Lulworth Cove or Lulworth Cove to Kimmeridge a better route? I was thinking perhaps to do Weymouth to Lulworth Cove, and a different day Swanage to Kimmeridge maybe but would appreciate your thoughts.

Hi Becky hope you’re well. I’m looking to do the whole Jurassic Coast Path (provided my knee doesn’t blow out like it did last year on the second day of the SWCP from Porlock Weir to Lynton) in September. I’m hoping to camp as much as I can both to keep costs down and bcs I love camping. What sort of spots did you choose to camp and were the locals aware of/ok with you camping nearby. I’m just a little worried about being gatecrashed in the middle of the night but probably worrying over nothing. Thanks!

Hi Ethan, I chose as remote spots as I could, basically when I felt tired and needed to stop, not always easy as there are many towns but you just have to find somewhere in between places on the trail. And also, arrive late, leave early so I never saw anyone when I pitched up and my tent was down in the morning before I saw anyone. I can’t imagine locals are walking on the remote/quieter parts in the middle of the night and I’m sure if they did they’d just ignore you!

Hi Becky, just trying to sort this trip over 6 days if i can yhis time next year, I live in Dorset so will be finishing on my doorstep :). I will be booking places to stay as i have just done the West Highland Way and didn’t go much on wild camping.

Ah fantastic, I hope you have a wonderful trip 🙂

Great and detailed overview Becky. I’m hoping to do in next couple of months, I live in Dorset so on my doorstep probably 6/7 days I plan to wild camp but would like a campsite maybe on night so I can freshen up etc – are there any close by the path do you remember ? Thx Paul

Ah fantastic, I hope you had a great trip (sorry, not sure why your comment has only just popped up now!)

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From Stonehenge to the Isles of Jersey, Guernsey, and Sark

Walking england’s jurassic coast and channel islands.

From $5,995

Easy to Moderate

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

This utterly unique journey links some of Britain's most ancient and intriguing settings—famed Stonehenge, the cliffs of the Jurassic Coast, Dorset's rural landscape, and the exquisite Channel Islands, closer to France than England, with a fascinating fusion of French and English cultures. We'll view Stonehenge, then head to Dorset to hike along the World-Heritage-listed cliffs of the coast. In the sunny Channel Islands, with their cobbled lanes and aquamarine seas, we'll hike on Guernsey, Sark, and Jersey, soaking up the Anglo-Norman heritage and vibrant foodie scene.

Arrive: Salisbury, England

Depart: Rozel Bay, Jersey Island

• Visit the mystical standing stones of Stonehenge
• Walk the trails of the Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage Site on the South West Coast Path
• Hike the best trails in the Channel Islands (Guernsey, Sark, and Jersey), with their pristine landscapes
• Overnights in historic hotels of character, including a 13th century coaching inn

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels
• All meals included except 2 lunches and 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Riverside Hotel Salisbury

Salisbury, England

Day 1 (1 night)

The Acorn Inn

Dorset, England

Day 2 (1 night)

Old Government House Hotel

St. Peter Port, Guernsey, England

Days 3-4 (2 nights)

Stocks Hotel

Sark, England

Days 5-6 (2 nights)

Chateau La Chaire

St. Martin, England

Days 7-8 (2 nights)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Joanna Hallewell

Peter Hallewell

What the Trip is Like

Lunches will be either at local cafes and pubs or a packed lunch during one of our hikes. Dinners will be at a local restaurant, at the hotel, or on your own. Our leaders are happy to recommend a nearby restaurant for meals that are on your own. There are plenty of opportunities for classic English dishes and there is a wide availability of fresh seafood. Please also note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 pm.

Client Testimonials

"This creatively designed trip provided a wonderful balance of understated luxury, spectacular scenic beauty, and diverse historical perspective in an area of the UK that I had long wanted to visit. Thanks, WT!"

Chicago, IL

"A well designed and executed trip! The hotels were unique, comfortable and fun; our Trip Leader handled every detail flawlessly (and did it all with good humor). I was actually surprised that I liked the trip so much! Hiking is emphasized in the written materials, but the other jewels are discovered when learning the history of the area with local guides, who added layers of information and perspective that truly enhanced our experience."

Olympia, WA

"This was a new experience for me—more refined and luxurious than any of the other hikes or climbs I've done over the years. I liked it, but you may have ruined me for more prosaic hikes! The leaders were superb. I will be looking for more Wilderness Travel trips in future."

Washington, DC

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

Jurassic Coast Walk: 11 Historic Highlights to Visit on Your Trip

Walking the jurassic coast here are 11 unmissable monuments to visit along the way, from crumbling 11th-century churches to dazzling prehistoric rock formations..

Harry Sherrin

18 may 2022.

Britain’s Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset. The 95-mile stretch of coastline is famed for its natural beauty, quaint villages and, of course, its prehistoric heritage.

Home to fossils and rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods, the Jurassic Coast has earned global renown amongst historians, geologists and paleontologists alike. To walk its length – which makes up a portion of the South West Coast Path – takes roughly 9 days, give or take.

Here, we’ve compiled a collection of 11 unmissable historical sites to visit on the Jurassic Coast, from world-famous natural landmarks to historic towns, monuments and attractions.

1. Orcombe Point

Orcombe Point in Devon marks the western limit of the Jurassic Coast. It’s a dramatic natural site boasting towering cliffs, great ocean views and rock formations dating back to the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods.

At Orcombe Point, you’ll find a monument known as the Geoneedle, which is a manmade sculpture formed from different rock samples taken along the Jurassic Coast. While exploring the area – which is thought to have been used as a navigational marker by the Vikings – be sure to look out for rare green-winged orchids and a whole host of different butterfly species that call it home.

2. Budleigh Salterton

The quaint seaside town of Budleigh Salterton, which sits at the mouth of the river Otter, gained popularity as a coastal destination in the 19th century. But its history goes much further back than the Victorian era : the surrounding coastline boasts cliffs dating back some 250 million years to the Triassic period.

Today, visitors can find the towering Triassic cliffs – which are a deep red colour – a short walk from the village. The South West Coast Path passes Budleigh Salterton itself, making it an ideal pit-stop during a walking tour of the Jurassic Coast.

3. Branscombe Beach

The mile-long shingle beach at Branscombe borders the village of the same name, which has historically been known for its fishing and lace industries. Perhaps most famously, though, in January 2007, the MSC Napoli ran aground off the beach and its cargo of some 2,300 containers began to spill into the ocean and ashore.

A frantic scavenging operation then ensued, as people from across the country journeyed to Branscombe to take items that had washed ashore, including everything from boxes of wine to BMW motorbikes. These days, Branscombe is decidedly quiter than in the winter of ‘07, and is the perfect spot for a picnic or a paddle.

4. Beer Quarry Caves

Just inland from the town of Beer are the Beer Quarry Caves, a subterranean complex of man-made tunnels formed from the excavation of ‘beer stone’ over two millennia. A popular building material used heavily in British churches , beer stone was quarried extensively in the area from the medieval period through to the 20th century.

Today, visitors can take guided tours of the Beer Stone Caves in the summer months, while in the winter, the site is used as a bat hibernaculum. Expect to see sprawling caverns, ornate pillars and vaulted roofs in the underground complex.

5. Lyme Regis

As well as being a picturesque seaside resort sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is a town rich in history. Perhaps its most famous resident was the 19th-century fossil hunter Mary Anning , who made her name hunting, analysing and documenting fossils along the Jurassic Coast.

If you pay a visit to Lyme Regis, be sure to visit the Lyme Regis Museum, which is home to a whole host of Mary Anning artefacts as well as other local history collections. Afterwards, you can take a stroll around the harbour, grab an ice cream and even try your hand at some fossil hunting yourself.

6. Charmouth Beach

Another great spot for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast is Charmouth Beach, a quaint spot popular with families for its historic relics. Charmouth made headlines back in 2000 when a substantial cliff slide unearthed a fossilised Ichthyosaur head.

If you do make the trip to Charmouth, be sure to visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre for all things fossils. There, you can view displays of locally unearthed fossils – including the aforementioned dinosaur head – or sign up for one of their organised fossil-finding expeditions.

7. Chesil Beach

Stretching from West Bay to Portland in Dorset, Chesil Beach is an 18-mile long ‘barrier beach’ or ‘tombolo’ – essentially a shingle bar backed by a large tidal lagoon. The vast ridge makes for quite a spectacle, though it’s comparatively young – a mere 20,000 years old – compared to the prehistoric rock formations of the Jurassic Coast.

The unique geological formations of Chesil Beach make for a unique habitat for wildlife. As such, the ridge is home to a protected area for nesting birds, while an array of sea creatures call its waters home. If you tire of the sprawling shingle, make a pit stop at nearby Weymouth for some golden sands.

8. Durdle Door

One of the most iconic landmarks along the Jurassic Coast – if not the entire British coastline – Durdle Door is a limestone rock formation that juts out into the English Channel in a neat arch. The curved golden beach, framed by steep cliffs and the iconic arch formation, is the perfect spot to take a break from walking or to have a dip.

The beach at Durdle Door is just a short 15 minute walk from the South West Coast Path. But be warned: Durdle Door is an extremely popular site and can get very busy in the summer months and during school holidays.

9. Lulworth Cove

From Durdle Door, you can head east along the South West Coast Path to Lulworth Cove; this is the most popular stretch of the path, and it attracts some 200,000 walkers each year. At Lulworth Cove you’ll find a gorgeous horseshoe bay bordered by towering cliffs.

Lulworth Cove formed when a formation of limestone was eroded by the sea, eventually hollowing out a cove. Be sure to visit the Lulworth Crumple, which sits above the cove and is a towering wall of layered limestone and shale rocks with a distinct wave-like appearance.

10. Corfe Castle

As you near the eastern tip of the Jurassic Coast, take a brief inland detour to Corfe Castle. This dramatic 11th-century fortress – built under William the Conqueror – has fulfilled a number of roles throughout its thousand-year history, from royal residence to military stronghold.

Though damaged significantly during the English Civil War , Corfe Castle is still well worth a visit. Its romantic ruins sit high atop a natural ‘motte’, with many of its original features still well preserved. For the best view, take the steep climb up West Hill.

11. Old Harry Rocks

Marking the easternmost limit of the Jurassic Coast, Old Harry Rocks is a series of white chalk stacks and structures lining the Dorset coast to the south of Poole and Bournemouth. Many thousands of years ago, Old Harry Rocks would have formed part of a vast chalk ridge that stretched all the way along the south coast to the Needles on the Isle of Wight.

‘Old Harry’ actually refers to one particular stack – the furthest out to sea – while ‘Old Harry’s Wife’ fell prey to erosion in 1896, crumbling into the waves. There are fantastic views of the rocks from the surrounding grassland, but if you’re keen to get up close to the structures you can join a guided Kayak tour from Studland or take a cruise from Poole.

DISCOVER DORSET AND THE JURASSIC COAST

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Who are We?

Discover the breath-taking beauty of Dorset and the Jurassic Coastline with  Jurassic Journeys.  Our bespoke and personalised days out offer a unique and immersive experience, tailored to your interests and preferences. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, food and drink lover, walker, keen fossileer or simply want to explore the hidden gems of this ancient county, our expert guides will take you on an unforgettable journey .

What is the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast is the section of coastline between Exmouth in Devon and Swanage in Dorset. It is an amazingly beautiful, diverse and nature filled landscape. The cliffs span from the Triassic through the Jurassic to the Cretaceous periods, making them rich in fossils, made famous by the great Mary Anning and her dog Tray (immortalised by the statue above the beach at Lyme Regis). 

See sights such as Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry's Rocks, Lyme Regis, the River Axe Estuary, Golden Cap, the Isle of Portland and much more on one of our tours.

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Jurassic Coast

Discover 185 million years of natural history.

Welcome to The Jurassic Coast; a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 96 miles along southern England’s spectacular coastline.

This historic region is renowned for its geological features which represent 185 million years of the Earth’s natural history. Time and tide have exposed the fossils of fascinating creatures, as well as rocks and landforms that tell the story of shifting continents. Don’t miss exploring the stunning natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and the magnificent chalk stack formations at Old Harry Rocks. The delightful town of Lyme Regis is a hotbed for fossil hunting, while West Bay is home to towering golden cliffs.

With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, and picturesque seaside villages, this beautiful corner of England is an incredible holiday destination. You might even find a prehistoric fossil to take home with you!

Highlights of South West England

Cotswolds & jurassic coast, south west coast path – lyme regis to poole, south west coast path – exmouth to lyme regis.

From £1575pp

• Visit quaint fishing villages and breathtaking beaches along one of Europe’s loveliest coastlines
• Explore the delightful artists’ town of St Ives in Cornwall
• Dorset’s awe-inspiring Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back 185 million years

From £1265pp

• Explore the idyllic Cotswolds countryside and enjoy peaceful landscapes of rolling green fields and ancient woodlands.
• Visit delightfully picturesque villages nestled in the hills and bustling harbour towns by the sea.
• Walk along spectacular cliffs and discover the prehistoric and geological wonders of the Jurassic Coast.

From £940pp

• Hunt for dinosaur fossils on the Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Adventure across the Golden Cap - the highest point on England’s south coast
• Visit Durdle Door - a stunning natural limestone arch

From £595pp

• Explore the traditional seaside towns of Exmouth and Sidmouth
• Discover the breathtaking Jurassic Coast - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Enjoy the wealth of wildlife that awaits a keen eye

Dorset: Jurassic Coast Path

Walk the UNESCO Jurassic Coast from Lyme Regis to West Lulworth

• Travel info
• Book the tour
• Coastal Walks
• Family-Friendly
• Heritage Trails
• Hiking in England
• Walking Holidays

  Walk the stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 Explore the charming southern English landscapes of Thomas Hardy’s Dorset.

  Discover the Iron Age Hill Fort of Maiden Castle and the Roman heritage of Dorchester.

  The spectacular sea arch Durdle Door and the beautiful horseshoe bay Lulworth Cove.

  Hunt for prehistoric fossils on this ancient coastline.

Self-guided walking holiday on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast

This is a stunning walk along the clifftops and rolling hills of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast . From Lyme Regis to West Lulworth , parts of this walk are as beautiful as it gets in the British Isles. It is a walk of great variety, naturally concentrating on the popular Dorset Coast Path ; one of the most beautiful stretches of the longer South West Coast Path . The Dorset coastline is an area of outstanding geological importance as over 200 million years of rocks have been laid down, bent and twisted before being eroded by the sea to expose rock profiles on the beaches which are accessible to fossil hunters and scientists alike. So important is this area that it is has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Away from the coast, this walk also dips briefly inland to visit a mysterious region of ancient hill forts, Roman and Saxon remains – the ancient kingdom of Wessex. You will spend a night in Dorchester (Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge ), with its fascinating museums and Roman heritage.

The tour starts from another town with literary associations: the historic seaside town of Lyme Regis. Its medieval Cobb (harbour wall) is a favourite place for almost everyone who visits it. John Fowle’s novel The French Lieutenant’s Woman is set there, and the author lived in the town until his death in 2005. Your firs walk takes you westwards through the verdant, jungle-like Undercliff Nature Reserve . Then walking east from Lyme Regis, you will visit Abbotsbury – a gem among English villages – while Maiden Castle is a spectacular archaeological site of great importance. Returning to the coast, the last part of the walk is a real rollercoaster ride along the cliffs, above the natural arch formation of Durdle Door and then down to the perfect oval bay at Lulworth Cove .

Although the natural surroundings are spectacular, the Dorset Coast is no wilderness area. You will be close to attractive villages and towns throughout the journey. The coastal villages can be rather crowded in high summer, and are understandably popular, but you will also find many quiet areas whilst walking. The weather is generally warmer and more settled on England’s south coast than in other parts of Britain and, some steep paths aside, the grade is on the easier side of our walking holidays in the UK.

Day 1: Arrival in Lyme Regis on the Dorset Coast

Make your way to Lyme Regis. Explore the town and in particular the medieval stone (Cobb) harbour. The Lyme Regis Museum offers a great introduction and insight into the natural history of the area.

Overnight: Lyme Regis. You will spend two nights in a 4-star guesthouse in this seaside town.

Day 2: Lyme Regis Circular Walk

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 405 m | Walking Time: 4 hrs approx.

Your first walking day takes you west through the Undercliff Nature Reserve to Axemouth and Seaton in Devon. The Undercliff is a sheltered wooded wilderness along the Jurassic Coast. It is the closest thing to a rainforest that exists in the UK, with a warm and humid microclimate nurturing a carpet of ferns, fungi, wild clematis and orchids beneath a dense leafy canopy of Ash and Field Maple. It’s also home to a variety of birds and wildlife including ravens, peregrine falcons and owls, as well as reptiles and amphibians such as grass snake, common lizard and great crested newt.

You can return to Lyme Regis by bus or walk back along the coast, exploring the cliffs for fossils.

Overnight: Lyme Regis.

Day 3: Lyme Regis to Bridport

Distance: 19 km | Ascent: 835 m | Walking Time: 5½ hrs approx.

Today you will enjoy a beautiful roller coaster walk along the Dorset Coast. Following lovely clifftop trails, you will pass Golden Cap – the highest point on the South Coast at 191 m – as well as an interesting pub at Seatown, which was heavily involved in smuggling in centuries gone by.

Overnight: West Bay, the harbour of the old market town of Bridport.

Day 4: Bridport to Abbotsbury

Distance: 16 km | Ascent: 425 m | Walking Time: 5 hrs approx.

This is a charming walk which takes you off the cliffs and along the first part of the pebbly long shore drift which eventually becomes Chesil Beach, the longest shingle beach in Europe. At West Bexington, you climb steeply inland to the prehistoric fort of Abbotsbury Castle. You then descend to Abbotsbury, one of the most traditional villages in the UK. We recommend a stroll up to St. Catherine’s chapel at sunset or dawn. This chapel served as a lighthouse from monastic times and through the destruction of the monasteries as a reference landmark for shipping.

Overnight: Abbotsbury. We use a number of lovely accommodations in the village.

Day 5: Abbotsbury to Dorchester

Distance: 17 km | Ascent: 485 m | Walking Time: 5 hrs approx.

Today’s route takes you inland via the Dorset Ridgeway Path to Maiden Castle and Dorchester. Maiden Castle is a large ancient earthwork fortress, which was sacked by the Romans in the 1 st century A.D. It is the greatest Iron Age hill fort in the UK and takes almost an hour to walk around. Find the remains of the Roman temple and admire the formidable ramparts.

The Romans established Dorchester on the plain below the fort, and the existing town still exhibits a plan set within the lines of the Roman design that was not broken until the coming of the railways in the 1840s. Dorchester is even home to the finest example of a Roman town house in Britain.

This bustling market town is also famous as Thomas Hardy’s fictional “Casterbridge” and the Dorset County Museum has an exhibition dedicated to the author.

Overnight: Dorchester. Your accommodation is an early 19 th century townhouse that has been converted into a 4-star guest house, offering spacious rooms and great comfort right in the heart of the town.

Day 6: Dorchester to West Lulworth

Distance: 14 km | Ascent: 770 m | Walking Time: 4½ hrs approx.

While your baggage goes direct from Dorchester to West Lulworth, you return by bus or by train to the coast at the lively resort of Weymouth. You then follow the Dorset Coast Path eastwards along the brilliant white chalk cliffs from Weymouth to Lulworth Cove. On the way you pass the natural arches of Bats Head, Durdle Door and the long abandoned medieval village of Ringstead. This is another roller coaster day, but you can bypass the hilliest sections with a more inland route.

Lulworth Cove is a beautiful spot, albeit a busy tourist honeypot. However, most visitors do not stay the night and you could get up before breakfast to have the cove all to yourself or return to Durdle Door in the evening for beautiful sunsets!

Overnight: A 4-star B&B/guesthouse in West Lulworth*

* Please note: West Lulworth has a 2 night stay minimum at weekends. If you start your trip on a Sunday or Monday, then you would be in West Lulworth over the weekend. In this case, you can either:

• Have 2 nights in Dorchester instead.
• Add an extra night in West Lulworth, so the trip becomes 7 nights in total.

Day 7: Departure from West Lulworth

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. You can return by bus (or taxi) to Weymouth and then take a train to London for onward travel.

Getting to Lyme Regis

Getting from west lulworth.

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From Weymouth | JURASSIC COAST EXPERIENCE | FULL DAY

• Hotel pickup / drop-off within Weymouth
• Small group tour
• Parking Fees
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Bottled water
• Food and drinks
• Entry/Admission - Jurassic Coast
• Weymouth DT4 7BN, UK This tour starts from Weymouth Train Station - 9.30am - This tour is NOT a shore excursion.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Please advise your preferred pickup location at the time of booking (hotel or port pickup/drop off available)
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Jurassic Coast

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Weymouth Weymouth DT4 7BN, UK This tour starts from Weymouth Train Station - 9.30am - This tour is NOT a shore excursion. See address & details
• 1 Jurassic Coast Stop: 8 hours - Admission excluded We Join this spectacular full day private tour adventure with over 10 stops along the Jurassic Coast. From Durlston Park to Broadchurch (East Cliff Westbay), marvel at the 147-million-year-old Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove coastline. Gaze at arguably the most stunning view across the Jurassic Coast from Portland and Abbotsbury Hill. Discover Portland's fascinating history and wander through the thousand year old village of Corfe and its Castle. Then you head further south following the 18 mile Chesil Beach and onto the location where Broadchurch was filmed. Perfect for a personal tour as you will have time to stroll at your leisure. A truly memorable day out with your friends or family. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Anne O 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Brutal Jurassic Coast We Wanted views of Old Harry's rocks and Weymouth on our coastal walk from Swanage. Weather was horrendous, rain,wind,a full gale. No views but what an adventure! Read more Written September 13, 2022
• Sam K 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stunning Stunning, ruggid, beautiful surroundings. Good walking shoes/boots are a must. Some areas will be very busy so be prepared. However plenty of places to stop and take in the views while you have a drink Read more Written June 3, 2022
• martinfW9942TE 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Well worth it. Wonderful tour from Weymouth. Very easy option for us as we were down on holiday and didn't really know the roads. Its worth it as you receive lots of information about the areas and then have time to explore. Will do the longer tour next year. Read more Written December 5, 2021
• petemE1206BI 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Lovely day out Had a great experience from Weymouth. Was nice not to worry about the parking or finding the places. Our guide was lovely and knowledgeable and had plenty of time to explore. Family or 4. Would recommend. Read more Written September 9, 2021
• mohdw613 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Weymouth to Durdle door It’s quite a nice place but all the trekking trails have been closed now because of the storm ciara so there’s not much to see Read more Written February 20, 2020
• J256LGjackies 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome Service! We hired 3 bikes for the day. I have not been to Portland before, but Marcus who delivered our bikes gave us a map and explained lots about the area. Delivered quick, bikes were perfect and cheap too! Only £10 per bike for the day! Well worth it! Thanks! Read more Written September 13, 2016
• Cherryldn 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended Our third time visiting Weymouth and Portland. Thought we'd try the Radipole trail and biking Weymouth for the day. We booked our bikes in advance, our bikes were waiting for us as we arrived, service and advice were outstanding and the bikes looked brand new! Will use again. Great addition to our stay. Read more Written September 24, 2015
• StephanCroy 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Friendly guys lots of knowledge We stayed in Weymouth and Portland for a week. Wanted to see a little more of Portland so we rang Portland Bike Hire. They delivered the bikes within an hour to our hotel and provided us with maps and helmets free of charge. They guy who delivered the bikes had some good knowledge of the local area and suggested some good routes. We would have surely missed these sites without this advice. When we'd finished with the bikes, we rang them and they came and picked the bikes up. Would recommend. Nice people. Cheers. Read more Written April 10, 2015
• Ahmet J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic service from these guys, they made out visit to Portland one to remember Such friendly people at Portland bike hire. They didn't just supply us with bikes, we were given maps and a thorough guide to the best spots to cycle to on the island. The guide even cycled with us to a starting point just to make sure we were good to go. Thanks PBH for everything, see you soon Read more Written November 11, 2012
• rich t 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good Value, Great Views Stopped off to see Portland on our way back from Devon. Portland is stunning. We we're helped by the weather, it was a stunning day. We saw the Portland Bike hire on the internet and we were very impressed. Hired 3 bikes for 4 hours. Lovely guys, great bikes and gave us lots of local knowledge to which we were able to see more of the island. Cheers. Read more Written November 9, 2012
• micky3s 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 5 star service We hired 3 bikes from these guys whilst on our holiday to Portland in dorset. Very pleased with our choice. Professional company. Quality bikes and tours, my wife and I was a little worried about the trails, but these guys put us at ease taking time to show us different routes. Cheers guy's. Read more Written October 1, 2012

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

From Weymouth | JURASSIC COAST EXPERIENCE | FULL DAY provided by DayTrippa UK

• Last Minute

Dorset & the Jurassic Coast Walk

• self guided walk
• 7 nights in small hotels and guesthouses
• 7 Breakfasts

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Bosnia and herzegovina, czech republic, liechtenstein, netherlands, north macedonia, switzerland, türkiye/turkey, united kingdom, bike & boat, multi-activity, vessels & boats, advanced search, accommodation.

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Trip highlights

• Far from the Madding Crowd
• Walking the Coast and Hills of Dorset
• Historic Town of Dorchester
• Natural Wonders of Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

From Lyme Regis to West Lulworth, parts of this walk are as beautiful as it gets in the British Isles. Yet you are in no wilderness area being fairly near attractive villages and towns throughout the journey. This is a walk of great variety, naturally concentrating on the popular Dorset Coast Path. The Dorset coastline is an area of outstanding geological importance as over 200 million years of rocks have been laid down, bent and twisted before being eroded by the sea to expose rock profiles on beaches, accessible to fossil hunters and scientists. So important is this area that it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However our walk also dips inland to visit a mysterious region of ancient hill forts, Roman and Saxon remains – the ancient kingdom of Wessex. You have a couple of nights in Dorchester, Thomas Hardy’s Casterbridge, with its beautiful museum and essentially Roman form. Here there are walking options within the town, or without, to the beautiful village of Cerne Abbas and out to find Hardy’s cottage in the woods. The tour starts from another town with literary associations: Lyme Regis with its medieval Cobb (harbour wall), which is a favorite place for almost everyone who visits it. John Fowle’s novel “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” is set there and the author lived in the town until his death in 2005. On the walk you also visit Abbotsbury a gem among English villages, while Maiden Castle and the Cerne Giant are spectacular archaeological sites of great importance. The last part of the walk roller coasters along the cliffs above the natural arch formation of Durdle Door and then down to Lulworth Cove – a perfect oval cove protected from the sea by rocky fingerlike peninsulas. The coastal villages can be rather crowded in high summer and are understandably popular, but you will also find many quiet areas whilst walking. The weather is generally warmer and more settled on England’s south coast than in other parts of Britain and some steep paths aside, the grade is on the easier side of our walking holidays in the UK.

Trip Grading

Introductory to moderate.

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Day 1 Arrive Lyme Regis

Meals:   Nil

Day 2 Lyme Regis 13 km/8 miles, 3.5 – 4 h (Ascent/Descent: 405m)

Day 3 bridport 19.7 km/12.2 miles, 5 – 6 h (ascent /descent 835m), day 4 abbotsbury 16 km/10 miles, 5 h (ascent 425m/descent 365m), day 5 dorchester 17 km/10.5 miles, 5 h (ascent 485m/descent 453m), day 6 a number of walks you can choose from today, day 7 west lulworth 14 km/9 miles, 4-5 h (ascent 770m), day 8 arrangements end after breakfast.

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines. On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

What's included

• 7 breakfasts
• 7 nights accommodation in small hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available.
• One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg. Please note all luggage moves over October dates will incur a Winter Transfer Supplement
• Full route notes and map package.
• Emergency hotline

What's not included

• Lunch, Dinner and drinks
• Entrance fees
• Travel insurance
• Travel to the start and from the end point of the trip
• Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
• Unscheduled transfers required during the trip
• A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
• Excess Luggage
• Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Hotels, guesthouses & country inns

The hotels described are our usual accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used. Rooms generally do not have baths, the main reason being that they take up a lot of space. Some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in the main it is showers. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England. Also, although we aim to get you into accommodations with ensuite rooms, this is not always possible. At a couple of places on your tour you may be sharing bathrooms, particularly if you are in a single room.

introductory to moderate   

Easy to moderate. There are some steep sections of coastal path that can sometimes be avoided, however the steep hills are a maximum of 200 metres of ascent/descent in one go and are often much less.

Per Person, Twin Share

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The following errors occured:, frequently asked questions, is this part of the famous south west coast path.

Yes, you will be following it for about 4 days, the rest of the time you will be walking inland too Abbotsbury and Dorchester

? If i don't want to walk is there public transport?

The towns and villages of this trip are generally quite well connected with bus and / or rail services

? Are there other attractions apart from the walks?

Quite a few, including the Cobb, harbour and fossil museum at Lyme Regis, the Swannery at Abbotsbury, Maiden Castle and Thomas Hardy's House near Dorchester, The Giant at Cerne Abbas, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

? I hear that the places are very busy?

Yes and no! There are honeypot locations such as Lulworth Cove where in good weather the car parks, beaches and visitor centre is packed with people; but on long segments of the walking route you may not see many people at all.

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Introductory to Moderate

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England Tours

England tours offer a quintessential British experience, blending rich history with stunning landscapes. Whether exploring charming villages or hiking through rugged terrain, there's something for every traveller. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, an adventure in England promises unforgettable moments.

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Displaying 15 of 32 tours

Southern England

Isle of Wight Cycling Tour

This is a lovely short break for cyclists who want an attractive sightseeing tour, with a mixture of town and country. Almost half the island has been designated as an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Distances are fairly short giving you time to stop and explore. The route is undulating and there are a few hills but nothing particularly difficult.

Northern England

James Herriot Way Walking Tour

This beautiful 80 km / 50-mile circular walk in the Yorkshire Dales threads its way around the valleys of Wensleydale and Swaledale and over the mountains and moorlands between these two emerald dales. A walk designed to take in some of the countryside beloved by James Alfred Wight, the vet who wrote about his experiences in the Yorkshire Dales as James Herriot. These books became popular in the 1970s and 80s and spawned a film and a very popular television series ‘All Creatures Great and Small’.

Lake District Walking Tour

This is a journey of discovery through the magical landscape of the English Lake District. We start in Windermere and end with a boat ride into Keswick. In between you will have visited the delightful places of Hawkshead, Coniston and the valleys of Dunnerdale, Eskdale, Wasdale and Borrowdale. From Keswick, the preferred choice is to hop on one of the regular buses, probably a double-decker, for the return to Windermere through the central Lake District.

Offa’s Dyke Path South Trail

The 8th Century ruthless King of Mercia, called Offa, built a huge earthwork to define his territory. It generally followed the high ground with commanding views into the mountains and down into the valleys. Today, the remaining 80 miles of embankment forms the basis of a famous walk: Offa’s Dyke Path. Our walk follows the southern half of this trail from Chepstow to Knighton (±145 km).

5-Day Cotswold Villages Walking Tour

Have the quintessential English countryside experience on this self-guided walking tour of the Cotswold villages! Each day you’ll take a lovely walk through the bucolic villages whose honey-coloured stone walls transport you back in time.

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Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.

Yorkshire Wolds Cycling Tour

Unwind on this beautiful circular tour of the Yorkshire Wolds on quiet country lanes for ‘big sky’ cycling on back roads with long views. This cycle will appeal to those who want a gentle introduction to cycling in the English countryside, as the North York Wolds Cycle Route is certainly set up for that. The ‘Wolds’ comprise a great arcing chain of chalky hills north of the Humber Estuary. You can literally see for miles across this gently rolling, colourful chalk land‑agricultural landscape and then be winding your way through a sudden hidden dry valley. These are just some of the features painted by the internationally acclaimed artist David Hockney, who first discovered the Yorkshire Wolds on a bicycle. It is a landscape that inspired Hockney’s ‘Woldgate’. Along the way, the ride passes by hidden villages, grand country houses, nature reserves, historic priories, and some of the region’s most fascinating landmarks.

Cotswold Way North Section

Discover the Cotswolds on foot on this 7-day self-guided walking tour along the Cotswold Way National Trail. This tour covers the northern section of the trail from Chipping Campden to Painswick, following the Cotswold escarpment to ensure fantastic views all along the way.

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Coast to Coast Path from St Bees to Kirkby

Wainwright’s Coast to Coast Walk is by far the most popular long-distance trail in Britain, and one of the world’s great walks.

Isle of Wight Walking Tour

Circumnavigating the island on The Isle of Wight Coastal Path is a fulfilling achievement over a week of walking. Almost half of the island has been designated as an Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Coastal Footpath is a circular long‑distance footpath consisting of 67 miles (107 km), unfolding on public footpaths and minor lanes, with some sections along roads. It should be noted that the path does not follow the coastline all the way, but also diverts inland for long sections.

Lizard Peninsula Walking Tour

Explore the beautiful and intoxicating coastal scenery of Cornwall on this Lizard Peninsula self-guided walking tour. You’ll be awe-struck by the rugged and dramatic landscape, full of rocky cliffs, crashing waves and salty sea breezes.

Walking England’s Jurassic Coast

This 5-day self-guided walking holiday explores the Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coast Path. During your tour, you’ll hike from village to village while you explore the coastline of this World Heritage Site. Expect staggering seaside cliffs, expansive beach, and otherwordly rock formations!

Cotswold Way South Section

Explore the south section of the Cotswold Way as it stretches from Painswick to Bath, taking you along picturesque country lanes, over rolling hills of grassland, and through the idyllic towns and villages that form the very heart of the Cotswolds.

Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

One of the best walks in the UK is the Hadrian’s Wall Path. This self-guided walking tour allows you to explore beautiful Northern England, while enjoying the history and beauty of the English Countryside.

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Yorkshire Dales Cycleway Tour

The iconic Yorkshire Dales National Park has extraordinary natural beauty derived from the Iceland rain sculptured limestone. It has over thousands of years been fashioned into a range of shallow and deep ‘Dales’, gorges, rocky pavements, waterfalls and gushing rivers, caves and woodland glades. Human interaction with the landscape has moulded the geology to create farms and fields lined with miles of dry‑stone walls, the ribbed ruins of abbeys, medieval castles, pastures glowing with multi‑shades of green, sitting below wilder lands of heather and sedge, home of red grouse and deer. The Yorkshire Dales Cycleway follows a circuit of normally quiet lanes that are ideal for cycling.

1-15 of 32 tours

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England General Information

Where to go in england.

Discover the picturesque charm of the Cotswolds , where rolling hills and quaint villages await. Explore the rugged beauty of Northern England , home to the stunning Lake District and Hadrian's Wall. Delight in the cultural diversity of Southern England , with its historic cities and stunning coastline.

What to do in England

Embark on scenic walks through the English countryside , tracing ancient pathways and enjoying breathtaking views. Cycle in England , from tranquil country lanes to coastal trails. Whether on foot or bike, England offers endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.

When to go to England

England welcomes visitors year-round, with each season offering its own unique charm. Spring and autumn boast mild weather and fewer crowds, perfect for outdoor adventures. Summer brings longer days and vibrant festivals, while winter offers cozy pub evenings and festive markets.

Top 10 adventures in England

• James Herriot Way Walking Tour offers a glimpse into the picturesque landscapes and rural charm of Yorkshire, inspired by the beloved tales of the iconic veterinarian.
• Yorkshire Wolds Cycling Tour will take you pedalling through rolling hills, ancient landscapes, and quaint villages, exploring the serene beauty of this lesser-known region.
• Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided allows you to traverse the ancient Roman frontier at your own pace, immersing yourself in history while enjoying the stunning landscapes of northern England.
• Cotswold Villages Walking Tour delves into the timeless allure of quintessential English countryside hamlets, where charming stone-built villages await amidst rolling green hills.
• Complete Cotswold Way in 9 days lets you experience the diverse beauty of the Cotswolds, journeying through meadows, woodlands, and historic towns along this renowned long-distance trail.
• South Downs Way Walking Tour follows the scenic South Downs Way, discovering panoramic views, chalk hills, and picturesque villages across one of England's most cherished national parks.
• Cotswold Way Classic Walking Tour offers a traditional and immersive experience along the renowned long-distance trail, showcasing the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage.
• Coast to Coast Path immerses you in the diverse landscapes and rich heritage of England, spanning from the Irish Sea to the North Sea on this legendary walking route.
• Northumberland and the Lake District Walking Tour allows you to explore the rugged beauty of Northumberland and the Lake District on foot, discovering ancient castles, tranquil lakes, and dramatic scenery.
• Walking England’s Jurassic Coast lets you uncover millions of years of geological history as you traverse dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and picturesque coastal villages along this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Travel tips for England tours

Tipping in england.

Tipping in England is discretionary, but appreciated for good service; typically around 10-15% in restaurants or taxis.

How long should I go to England?

The ideal duration to visit England depends on your interests, but a week to ten days allows for a good exploration of major cities and attractions.

Do I need a visa to travel to England?

Most visitors to England do not need a visa for short stays, but requirements vary based on nationality, so it's best to check beforehand.

What is the currency in England?

The currency in England is the British Pound (£), commonly abbreviated as GBP.

Should I bring GBP to England or use a credit card?

It's convenient to bring some GBP for small purchases, but credit cards are widely accepted in England, especially in cities and tourist areas.

Is England family-friendly?

England is generally family-friendly, with plenty of attractions and activities suitable for children of all ages.

What’s the best way to get around England?

The best way to get around England depends on your destination, but options include trains, buses, and rental cars for flexibility.

Can I do a self-guided tour in England?

Yes, self-guided tours are popular in England, especially in cities like London where attractions are well-marked and accessible.

Can I do guided tours in England?

Guided tours are available in England for various interests, including historical walks, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures.

What is the time zone in England?

England follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during standard time and British Summer Time (BST) during daylight saving time.

What are the accommodation types in England?

Accommodation types in England range from budget-friendly hostels and bed-and-breakfasts to luxury hotels and boutique guesthouses.

What are some must-try traditional English dishes or foods in England?

Traditional English dishes include fish and chips, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, afternoon tea with scones, and English breakfast.

Are there any cultural etiquettes or customs I should be aware of when visiting England?

Common customs include queuing politely, saying "please" and "thank you," and respecting personal space. Punctuality is also valued.

Are there any festivals or events happening during my travel dates in England?

Events like the Notting Hill Carnival, Glastonbury Festival, Wimbledon Tennis Championships, and Christmas markets are popular in England.

What are some safety tips for travellers in England?

Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Keep belongings secure, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and use licensed taxis.

Can I use public Wi-Fi easily in England, especially for navigation and communication?

Many cafes, restaurants, and public areas offer free Wi-Fi. However, it's advisable to use a VPN for security when connecting to public networks.

Are there any specific dress codes I should follow when visiting religious sites or upscale establishments in England?

Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. For upscale establishments, smart casual attire is usually appropriate, but check specific dress codes if unsure.

How accessible are tourist attractions and facilities for people with disabilities in England?

Many tourist attractions and facilities in England are accessible, with ramps, elevators, and designated parking spots. However, it's wise to check ahead.

Are there any off-the-beaten-path destinations or hidden gems worth exploring in England?

Off-the-beaten-path destinations in England include the Cotswolds, the Jurassic Coast, Durham, the Peak District, and the Norfolk Broads.

What are some typical opening hours for shops, attractions, and restaurants in England?

Shops typically open from around 9 am to 6 pm, with shorter hours on Sundays. Attractions may vary but often open around 10 am and close around 5 pm.

How can I stay connected with friends and family back home while traveling in England?

You can stay connected through mobile data plans, Wi-Fi hotspots, or purchasing a local SIM card. Most accommodations also offer Wi-Fi access.

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