Travelling in Dorset: what is the best route for the Jurassic Coast?

Knowing where to travel for a UK holiday can be tough. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011, the Jurassic Coast combines the very best of stunning scenery and charming coastal towns with the chance to enjoy long hikes or bikes, the possibility of finding a fossilised treasure, and the opportunity to visit key British cultural sites.

No matter your interests, the Jurassic Coast has something to please everyone. Still need convincing? Read on to find out more.

What is the best route for the Jurassic Coast?

If road tripping is your thing, you’re in luck. You’ll get to see some of the best scenery that this UNESCO World Heritage site has to offer by journeying along the B3157.

The Jurassic Coast Road Drive will have you travelling 18 miles of glorious coastline. Wind your way from Weymouth to Bridport (or vice versa) by bus, car or bike, and take in some seriously stunning scenery as you go along.

You’ll catch highlights including the picturesque village of Abbotsbury, the striking Chesil Beach, and the popular seaside town of Lyme Regis.

With plenty of twists and turns, the B3157 is an enjoyable drive that offers you the very best chance to enjoy the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, no matter your interests.

What to do along the Jurassic Coast?

Punctuate your road trip along this gloriously grand coastline with a little outdoor activity, some fossil hunting, and a visit or two to key cultural sites.

Get outdoors

Fans of hiking and biking can get their fill by taking on the Jurassic Coast section of the South West Coastal Path. As the longest of England’s National Trails, the South West Coastal Path stretches for 630 miles along the south coast. The Jurassic Coast section will allow you to hike or bike your way past stunning scenery and unique geological features.

Take in the red cliffs at Sidmouth, Chesil Beach’s long stretch of shingle, and the iconic Durdle Door along the 115 miles that constitute the Jurassic Coast path.

Go fossil hunting

The beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis are ideal spots for beginners to try their luck at fossil hunting. You can always join a guided fossil walk run by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and Lyme Regis Museum.

Ignite a passion for geology and learn about the millennia-long making of the Jurassic Coast as you seek out a treasure.

Visit a giant

Only thirty miles from the Jurassic Coast, the charming village of Cerne Abbas hosts the eponymous Cerne Giant. At 55 metres high, this ancient hillside carving overlooks the village below, and continues to spark enduring speculation as to its meaning and origins.

Stroll a seaside town

From Lyme Regis and Swanage through to Weymouth and Bridport, there’s no shortage of British seaside towns to visit along the Jurassic Coast.

Eat your fill of fish and chips, stroll the streets, swim in the sea, and build sandcastles galore as you take in the quintessential atmosphere of British Jurassic Coastal towns.

Take in Jurassic Coast landmarks

Forged over millions of years of wind, tide and time, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason.

Head to the highest point of England’s south coast by visiting Golden Cap and climbing the full 191 metres to the top. Alternatively, plan a trip to the world-famous Durdle Door before travelling to nearby Lulworth Cove for a swim.

You can also plot an excursion to the Jurassic Coast’s eastern end and take in the white chalk magnificence of Old Harry Rocks, reachable from either Studland or Swanage.

Take in bays galore by visiting Kimmeridge Bay, Ladram Bay and Worbarrow Bay and admire the local geology, look out for local wildlife, or go rockpooling.

Explore Corfe Castle

With panoramic views of the surrounding Isle of Purbeck countryside, Corfe Castle has a 1000-year-old history that will ignite the imaginations of old and young alike.

There are family-friendly events running year-round, plenty of opportunities to wander the ruins and trails in the local area, and the chance to wildlife-spot.

Plan your next road trip

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