Sunny Dorset & World Heritage Jurassic Coast
Let us show you beautiful Dorset and explore stunning Jurassic Coast, now officially designated one of the Natural Wonders of the World by the UNESCO!
From miles of golden sands and sparkling sea, dramatic coastal scenery, spectacular white cliffs and Victorian charm of seaside towns you will have a chance to see it all... on the boat and on your feet.
Highlights: World Heritage Jurassic Coast. Impressive Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Superb cliff top coastal walk of The South West Coast Path National Trail. Relax in Studland Bay - miles of white sand backed by sand dunes. Boat trip along Impressive Old Harry Rocks. Great seafood :)
The Coastline of Dorset. (www.visit-dorset.com )
Transport
Travel from London to Bournemouth, then take a boat to Swanage. Or travel to Weymouth.
Local transport and bus maps: click here
Recommended Walks & Sights & Where to eat
 |
FOR A WEEKEND: From Bournemouth to Swanage and back (plus Corfe Castle) Length: day 1: 12 km, day 2: 10 km. Grade: easy. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Purbeck and South Dorset, Sheet OL15). Day one: Travel by train to Bournemouth then take scenic boat trip (www.dorsetcruises.co.uk) along the Jurassic Coast to Swanage. Have a lunch in Swanage and then hop on historic steam train (www.swanagerailway.co.uk) to Corfe Castle. Visit the Castle and walk back to Swanage. Finish the day with a great seafood plate in Swanage (we liked Gee Whites - "en plein air" seafood bar). Sleep in one of hotels in Swanage or YHA hostel Swanage. Day two: Enjoy breakfast by the sea and then start walking to Studland Bay via Old Harry Rocks (stunning white cliffs with great view. Must see!). Have a lunch at The Bankes Arms Country Inn and relax at Studland Bay beach. There is a bus connection from Studland Bay back to Bournemouth (bus number 50). Click here to download the map | |
  |
3 DAYS PROGRAMME: From Weymouth to Swanage via Lulworth Cove Length: day 1: 15 km, day 2: 17 km. Grade: moderate. Suggested maps: OS Explorer Map (Purbeck and South Dorset, Sheet OL15). Day one: Travel by train to Weymouth and have a breakfast in one of the beach cafés. Then start walking to Lulworth Cove stoping at Smugglers Inn Pub for lunch or refreshing pint of beer (just one! :), remember you still have half way to go). Just before you get to Lulworth Cove take a picture of you and Durdle Door as a background. Sleep in one of hotels in the village or YHA hostel Lulworth Cove. Day two: Enjoy breakfast by the sea and then start walking along the coastline to Swanage via Corfe Castle. Have a late lunch at Corfe Castle village. As it was a long day we recommend you to take a historic steam train (Swanage Railway - www.swanagerailway.co.uk) from the Castle to Swanage. Finish the day with a great seafood plate in Swanage. Sleep in one of hotels in Swanage or YHA hostel Swanage. Day three: Again enjoy your breakfast by the sea and then start walking to Studland Bay via Old Harry Rocks (stunning white cliffs with great view. Must see!). Have a lunch at The Bankes Arms Country Inn and then relax at Studland Bay beach. Finally treat your-self with a sweet refreshing ice-cream. You deserve it! :) There is a bus connection from Studland Bay back to Bournemouth (bus number 50). Click here to download the map | |
Sights: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, Corfe Castle, The Swanage Heritage Steam Railway
Where to eat: Gee Whites ("en plein air" seafood bar in Swanage), Smugglers Inn Pub, The Bankes Arms Country Inn
Our pictures from Dorset
Useful Info & Tips
Visit Dorset (official website)
The South West Coast Path National Trail - 630 miles of superb coastal walking
Walking Britain - maps, walks, tips
What to take with you on your adventures
 | IN MY BAG I SHOULD HAVE... click here | A couple of tips from Minty on what to take with you. And remember: "He who would travel happily must travel light" (Antoine de Saint-Exupery). |
