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You can’t think about scenic coastal roads in Britain without the Dorset Jurassic Coast crossing your mind. The Jurassic Coast Drive, which follows Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, offers fantastic views of the coast and the countryside. It is a popular destination for both UK residents and visitors from around the world who come to experience its beauty.
If you’re here, it’s probably because you also have plans to tour the Jurassic Coast. Before hiring a car and getting on your way, it’s important to take some time to learn what visiting this alluring route entails. Keep reading this article to learn about the Jurassic Coast and the best way to explore it.
The Jurassic Coast is a popular coastal path that takes you from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon. The coast is composed of rocks that contain the fossil remains of plants and animals from millions of years ago. The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles (155 kilometres) over many beautiful areas.
This coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it welcomes visitors from within the country and from abroad. Beyond the fossils and beauty of the coastline, the perfect ocean waters, amazing architecture and other attractions make it an exciting location for a vacation.
Tip: Creating an itinerary for your road trips allows you to make the most of your time.
7 Best Places To Visit Along The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast offers plenty of attractions waiting to be explored during your road trip, and we’ve put together a list of the top seven locations to check out for a fun weekend.
1. Man O’War Beach & Durdle Door
Man O’War offers visitors a unique and enchanting coastal experience with its crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs. It also features secluded areas for relaxation and a quaint setting that’s perfect for photos.
Not far from Man O’War is the iconic Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch. This famous stone arch offers plenty to do, from nature walks to rock pooling.
2. Charmouth
Charmouth is the place to visit if fossil hunting is high on your Jurassic Coast road trip itinerary. You can literally walk along the beach and pick up prehistoric fossils. In fact, the Heritage Coast Centre runs regular fossil-hunting walks around this area.
Charmouth is also a great location for walking, with many breathtaking routes leading inland to Dorset and East Devon countryside. Charmouth also has its own little museum and gift shop, where you can learn about the history of the resort and buy various items.
Tip: Booking accommodations in advance can help you get amazing deals.
3. Corfe Castle
Corfe Castle ruins are one of the most iconic remains of the English Civil War. The castle, which was partially demolished in 1646 by the Parliamentarians, stands above the village of the same name.
Corfe Castle has regular historical events during weekends and school holidays where you get to watch re-enactments from the Civil War and see how the Saxons fought the Vikings. You can also explore a number of fantastic, traditional pubs and restaurants in the area.
4. Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay, a rocky beach on Dorset’s Jurassic World Heritage Coast, is another popular spot to look for fossils, but it offers even more than that. It is also a famous location for various activities, ranging from swimming and surfing to canoeing and rock pooling.
Many people may prefer to skip this area because it’s a bit of a detour, but we recommend it because it’s one of the most beautiful locations on the Jurassic Coast. If you do visit here, you can stop by Clavell Tower, a folly that now serves as a holiday accommodation.
5. Lulworth Cove
Lulworth Cove is one of our favourite places to take photos along this coastline. This popular bay was formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river during the last Ice Age. It welcomes thousands of people each year who come to enjoy the amazing views and crystal clear waters.
Lulworth Cove is also a great place to enjoy a swim, rockpooling or watersports. You can also take a short hike over the top hill, and you’ll spot yachts, fishing boats and cargo vessels making their way across the channel.
6. Isle of Portland
The Isle of Portland is one of the most famous sights along this road trip. It gained some international fame after hosting some games at the Olympics. The island is situated on the southernmost point on the Jurassic Coast and is joined to the mainland by Chesil Beach.
Portland’s unique geology makes it home to a wide range of plants and animals. It also has museums, castles and three lighthouses waiting to be explored.
Many areas around the Jurassic Coast have limited fuel stations, so remember to keep your tank filled.
7. Abbotsbury Swannery
Walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans at Abbotsbury Swannery. This is the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world, and it features over 600 mute swans on the site of an 11th-century monastery.
Visit the Swannery between noon and 4 p.m. daily to experience what it feels like to feed the birds. There are plenty of other activities here for families, including a willow maze and a swing for children.
If you’re looking for more places to explore in England, check out our Peak District Drive road trip guide.
The Best Time To Visit The Jurassic Coast
The summer months are the perfect time for a visit to the Jurassic Coast. For one, it offers the best chance of nice weather for outdoor activities, and there’s a busy program of festivals and events to keep you entertained. However, since it’s a busy season, most popular spots tend to be crowded.
You’ll also enjoy a Jurassic Coast road trip in the spring and autumn seasons because they’re perfect for coastal walks. These periods are also best if you want to spot fossils in the nature reserve.
A Car – The Best Way To Explore The Jurassic Coast
Hiring a car is undoubtedly the best way to enjoy a Jurassic Coast road trip. A car allows you to be more flexible, so you can visit more areas of the Jurassic Coast in a limited amount of time. It’s also a very convenient option if you plan to explore more remote areas, especially if you’re coming with friends and family.
SDVH offer 7-seaters and 9-seaters for group road trips. Still, if you are in a smaller group or alone and want to save some money, check out our budget cars for hire.
If A Car Is Not An Option
Although a car is your best option when planning a road trip to the Jurassic Coast, there are a few other ways to explore this route without a personal vehicle.
- Hiking: Walking is another great way to experience the natural beauty of the Jurassic Coast. There are many trails that offer stunning views of the top attractions in this area.
- Public Transportation: Buses and trains are good alternatives to cars when you need to reach larger towns along the coast, such as Weymouth, Lyme Regis and Exmouth.
- Cycling: Cycling is another great way to get around the Jurassic Coast. Just be ready to scale some hilly terrain.
Tip: Remember to bring cash for parking meters if you’re coming in your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is The Jurassic Coast Famous?
The Jurassic Coast is famous for its fossils and rock formations. It is home to a sequence of rock formations that have been around for 185 million years. These rocks and fossils provide a record of the Earth’s past, including evidence of extinct plants and animals. This route is also famous for its stunning natural beauty.
What Is The Best Part Of The Jurassic Coast?
The best part of the Jurassic Coast is Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch that rises out of the sea. Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks. In addition to Durdle Door, the horseshoe-shaped bay of Lulworth Cove stands out as another attractive location for tourists.
Can You Swim In The Jurassic Coast?
Yes, you can swim in the Jurassic Coast. There are many beaches along the Jurassic Coast that offer great conditions for swimming, including Man O’War Beach, Poole Harbour, Chesil Beach and Weymouth Beach. Just be careful when swimming as the tides and sea conditions change quickly in this area.
How Many Days Do You Need On The Jurassic Coast?
You need between three and four days on the Jurassic Coast. This time frame gives room for moderate exploration, allowing you to try out various activities ranging from fossil hunting to hiking and swimming. You’ll also have enough time to visit the major attractions on this Jurassic Coast road trip.
Is The Jurassic Coast Free?
Yes, the Jurassic Coast is free. You don’t have to pay an entrance fee to explore the stunning landscapes, cliffs and natural attractions in this area. However, there may be some costs associated with certain activities and locations. For example, museums and visitor centres may have entrance fees. You also have to set some money aside for parking fees.
Conclusion
To sum it up, the Jurassic Coast Drive is more than just a road trip. It’s a journey through time that allows you to collect fossils and learn all about how nature gradually shaped our planet. You also get to take in the breathtaking coastal landscape and explore other fascinating locations as you go. All you need to do is hire a car, plan your road trip itinerary and be prepared to be amazed.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Jurassic Coast, and this article has convinced me to finally plan a trip!
What are some must-visit restaurants or eateries along the Jurassic Coast? I’d love to try some local cuisine during my road trip.
Your options are unlimited when it comes to restaurants on the Jurassic Coast. However, Hive Beach Café, The Pig on the Beach and The Anchor Inn are some of my best options in the area.