Jurassic Coast Explorer: Dorset and Devon's Ancient Shoreline

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The route · 6 stops

1
Exeter
1 night
The gateway to the Jurassic Coast: a cathedral city with Roman walls, a Norman castle and one of England's finest Gothic cathedrals. Allow a morning in the centre, then take the 30-minute drive south to Exmouth to stand at Orcombe Point, where the UNESCO World Heritage Site officially begins.
Last large city before the coast roads narrow. Fill the tank here; parking is easiest at the St David's area near the station.
2
Sidmouth
1 night30m · 20 km from previous
A Regency resort town between red sandstone cliffs and a shingle beach, quieter than the Dorset towns further east. The coastal walk east to Salcombe Mouth gives panoramic views of the layered Devon cliff faces. A good first base for the coastal stretch before the more famous stops in Dorset.
The town car park fills quickly in summer. The park-and-ride on the A375 is the easier option in July and August.
3
Lyme Regis
2 nights35m · 25 km from previous
The most characterful town on the Jurassic Coast. The Cobb, a stone harbour arm dating from the 13th century, gives the town its distinctive shape. Fossil hunting at nearby Charmouth is the main draw: low tide reveals ammonites and belemnites in the shale. Two nights gives time for the town, the museum and at least one morning at Charmouth.
Tide times matter for fossil hunting at Charmouth: low tide is essential. Check the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre website before visiting.
4
Weymouth
1 night45m · 36 km from previous
A Georgian harbour town and classic British seaside resort, roughly halfway along the Jurassic Coast. Chesil Beach, a 29 km shingle bank enclosing the Fleet Lagoon, starts just west of town. Drive south via West Bay on the way from Lyme Regis: the golden sandstone cliffs here are among the most photographed on the coast.
Stop at West Bay on the way from Lyme Regis for cliff views: the sandstone towers are most dramatic from the beach. Abbotsbury Swannery is 15 km west, open April to October.
5
Lulworth Cove
1 night25m · 17 km from previous
The most visited spot on the Jurassic Coast: a near-perfect horseshoe cove formed when the sea broke through hard Portland limestone and scoured out the softer rock behind. Durdle Door, a 15-minute walk west, is the iconic limestone arch rising from the sea. Stair Hole nearby shows the dramatically folded rock layers in a small collapsed cove.
The car park charges up to £20 per day in summer. Arrive before 9am or after 4pm to avoid queues. The walk to Durdle Door is steep; bring good footwear.
6
Swanage
30m · 22 km from previous
A Victorian seaside resort at the eastern end of the UNESCO zone. The sandy beach and pier sit in a broad bay; the steam railway north to Corfe Castle is a pleasant way to visit the ruined fortress. Old Harry Rocks, a 2 km clifftop walk from town, are three chalk stacks marking the eastern boundary of the World Heritage Site.
Take the steam train from Swanage to Corfe Castle rather than driving: castle views from the carriage are excellent and parking in Corfe village is limited.

Jurassic Coast Explorer: Dorset and Devon's Ancient Shoreline

The route · 6 stops

Exeter

Sidmouth

Lyme Regis

Weymouth

Lulworth Cove

Swanage

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