LONDON DAY TRIP: DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST

VISITING DORSET & THE JURASSIC COAST: THE ESSENTIALS

Transport / The Jurassic Coast is best explored by car — the sights are spread out, and driving gives you freedom to stop where you like. Book your rental through DiscoverCars, my go-to for all international hires. If you’re not driving, train into Weymouth and join a guided tour to reach highlights like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and Old Harry Rocks.

Tours / Some of the most popular and worthwhile tours include:
Fossil Walks in Lyme Regis
Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour
Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove Coach Trip
Poole: Jurassic Coast Circular Cruise

Stay / Options range from coastal hotels to countryside manors. Top picks include Moonfleet Manor ($$$), Heights Hotel ($$), and YHA Swanage ($).

Eat / My top recommendations:
Lunch: Crab House Café, Weymouth
Dinner: Catch at The Old Fishmarket, Weymouth

Connect / You’ll need mobile data while you are in Belfast, I always recommend using an eSIM (there’s absolutely no need for a physical one!). I always use Sim Local, and you can get 5% discount with code TRAVELWITHPAU. Get it here.

Get Insured / Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.

Just over two hours from London by car, the Jurassic Coast makes a perfect day or weekend trip if you’re after stunning seaside views, dramatic cliffs, and charming towns.

Wait… Jurassic Coast? Am I going to see dinosaurs?

Sadly, no! But you will be walking along 185 million years of geological history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches 154 km from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. The cliffs reveal rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, with fossils and seashells still visible in the stone today.

THINGS TO DO IN THE JURASSIC COAST

There are a ton of things to do in the Jurassic Coast which span from coastal walks to visiting quarry caves with bats. Remember it spans across 154km! But if your time is limited and you are only going for 1-2 days, stick to the county of Dorset. There are a few things you can explore:

Admire Durdle Door

Undoubtedly the icon of the Jurassic Coast, Durdle Door is a limestone arch which is product of erosion in the coast. And it’s gorgeous! This natural wonder is the reason I wanted to come to the Jurassic Coast on the first place. There are a few paths to walk through and take some snaps and also a lovely pebble beach if you want to chill for some time. Depending on when you go, it can be busy! So best are early mornings, specially if you are going on a weekend.

Lulworth Cove

This beautiful cove is basically a textbook example of this interesting landform. It is just besides Durdle Door, you can walk from one site to the other in only half an hour, enjoying the stunning views. Once there you can explore the beach and hike up the hills at both ends of the cove. The colour of the water is amazing! After your hike, you can enjoy a coffee, some fudge or ice cream on the lovely town right outside the cove which has some super quaint cottages with small cute ponds.

Explore Weymouth

Weymouth is a seaside town in Dorset and it stands halfway on the Jurassic Coast. Wander the Georgian harbour, watch the fishing boats bob in the water, and stroll the esplanade overlooking Weymouth Beach’s golden sands. Don’t miss the arcades at the southern end for classic seaside fun.

Discover the Isle of Portland

When you have finished roaming Weymouth, head to the Isle of Portland. The road that connects the Isle with the mainland runs along Chesil Beach. This 29km “beach” is actually not a beach but a tombolo (although recent research has discovered it’s a barrier beach). The point is, you’ll definitely learn geology on the Jurassic Coast – and Chesil Beach looks awesome!

This isle is the home of Portland stone. Portland stone has been used in Britain (mainly London) and all over the world for important buildings such as Buckingham Palace and St Paul’s Cathedral. Once you’ve crossed the long beach road, you can pop by Portland Castle. After, head to Portland Bill Lighthouse and on your way stop by the Olympic Rings Stone Sculpture. The sculpture isn’t much but the views from Portland and Chesil Beach from above there are stunning.

Continue towards the lighthouse, paying attention to the houses and cottages on our side: they are the cutest and the quaintest. Once in the lighthouse, park your car and go for a walk on the rocks close to the seaside. The lighthouse is located where Bill quarry was so you’ll see the cut rocks’ remains all around. Have some fun climbing Pulpit Rock: an artificial stack of rock set by quarrymen. It mimics a slanted bible leaning on a pulpit, hence it’s name. Also, don’t forget to pay attention at the rocks and the fossils that are inside them!

Coach Tour to Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

If you prefer not to drive, take this coach tour from Bournemouth. It includes stops at both natural wonders, a guided walk, and free time in Lulworth village. A hassle-free way to see the highlights in one day.

Kayak to Old Harry Rocks

Paddle from Studland Bay along the Jurassic Coast on this guided kayaking tour to the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks. You’ll launch from the sheltered calm waters, learn basic paddling techniques, and then glide past rugged cliffs, sea caves, and hidden coves. The white limestone formations make for dramatic photo ops, and your guide will share insights on the area’s geology and wildlife. Perfect for anyone who wants an active, close-to-nature perspective on one of England’s most iconic shorelines.

Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (formerly Lyme Regis Museum)

Learn about the ancient life preserved in the cliffs at this interactive museum in Lyme Regis. Fossil displays, hands-on exhibits, and a mock excavation site make it perfect for families.

WHERE TO STAY IN THE JURASSIC COAST

You can stay anywhere along the coast depending on your itinerary. Here are some of the best-reviewed options:

• Luxe: Moonfleet Manor ($$$) – Country house hotel with sea views and spa.
• Mid-range: Heights Hotel ($$) – Overlooking Chesil Beach, ideal for exploring Portland.
• Budget: YHA Swanage ($) – Clean, friendly hostel close to the beach.

Or, if you’re more adventurous, camping is also popular in this area with great coastal campsites.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AROUND THE JURASSIC COAST

The best way to get there and around is by car. I got a rental car in London and that made the trip super smooth and enjoyable. I recommend that you book your car via DiscoverCars, to get the best deal.

If car is not an option for you, there are trains to Weymouth from London Waterloo which you should book in advance to get the best price. Alternatively you could also get a bus from National Express to Bournemouth Coach Station which would be the most affordable option.

From there, you can book a day tour. This Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip will take you to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, click here to book it, or explore availability below:

If you are looking to visit a few more things, this Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Full Day Tour covers the aforementioned ones plus a bunch more such as a ferry to the Isle of Purbeck and a visit to the village and ruins of Corfe Castle. You can book it here.

WHERE TO EAT ON THE JURASSIC COAST

The Jurassic Coast offers everything from traditional seaside fish & chips to refined Michelin-recommended dining. Here are my top picks for every type of meal:

• DRINKS: The Seaside Boarding House, Burton Bradstock ($$) – Not just a great spot for dinner, but also the perfect place for an evening cocktail or a glass of wine while enjoying panoramic sea views.
• BREAKFAST / BRUNCH: The Boat Café, Weymouth ($$) – A floating café right on the water serving hearty breakfasts, great coffee and a relaxed harbour vibe. Perfect for a slow start before exploring the coast.
• LUNCH: Hive Beach Café, Burton Bradstock ($$) – Famous for its incredible seafood and unbeatable views across Lyme Bay. Their fresh crab sandwiches and daily fish specials are a must.
• DINNER (Michelin-Recommended): Catch at The Old Fish Market, Weymouth ($$$) – A seafood-focused fine dining restaurant with a well-earned Michelin recommendation. Expect beautifully plated dishes using the freshest local catch.

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