THINGS TO DO oN The Jurassic Coast: 3-DAY ITINERARY

Many of us will have read the books and seen the films about Jurassic Park, evoking images of a completely different prehistoric world. However, did you know that England has an area called the Jurassic Coast situated in the south to the southwest of the country? It is 154 km long and stretches from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon. The landscape is rugged, with amazing rock formations such as the Durdle Door, and cliffs and beaches rich with fossils. Along with fossil hunting, there are quaint historical villages to visit, national parks to explore, centuries-old castles to see, and long hikes to be had.

It is not surprising that UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, & Cultural Organisation, designated the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site in 2001 for both its natural beauty and historical significance.

As it is a big area, you will need a few days to explore the Jurassic Coast. We have prepared a three-day itinerary which will take you to the highlights but, if you have more time, we have given you other ideas of things to do, as well as where to eat and sleep. You are best off hiring a car as you will be covering a large area and may miss some hidden gems if you take public transport.

Day 1

Morning: Studland

Studland is a small village on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset and is where the Jurassic Coast begins or where it ends if you start your journey in Exmouth. Visit St. Nicholas Church while you are here as it is a beautifully preserved Norman church built in the early 12th Century. The church has barely changed since it was built.

Studland and Godlingston Heath National Nature Reserve

A mere four-minute drive takes you to this nature reserve which covers 631 hectares. Here you will find heaths, sand dunes, peat bogs, and freshwater lagoons. There are plenty of hiking and walking trails to follow.

Old Harry Rocks

Head back to Studland and if you have the energy and enjoy hiking, take the trail to Old Harry Rocks. It is a 6.5 km circular route and takes around one and a half to two hours. Old HarryRocks are stunning chalk rocks which extend out into the sea and are well worth the trek. You also get great views of the coast during the walk. The walk is relatively easy, but if you don’t want to do attempt it, head to the Bankes Arms in the village for a drink. It dates to the 16th century and has a lovely beer garden from where you get lovely views towards Poole, Bournemouth, and even the Isle of Wight. You can have lunch here as the food is good and they use fresh local produce, but you can wait until you get to Swanage, the next stop.

Swanage

A nine-minute drive takes you to Swanage, a Victorian seaside town with a beautifully restored pier, giving great views of the beach. If you didn’t have lunch in Studland, head to the 1859 Pier Cafe and Bistro which serves great food, such as the seafood basket and the bacon and brie burger.

Day 1, morning - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Afternoon: Corfe Castle

An 11-minute drive inland from Swanage takes you to Corfe Castle which was commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. Although it is in ruins, it is still stunning. You can take an audio tour and find out what historical characters thought of the castle.

West Lulworth

Drive for around 20 minutes towards the coast, and you will find yourself in the quaint village of West Lulworth which has an abundance of ice cream shops, so why not indulge? Alternatively, have a cream tea which is tea served with scones, clotted cream, and jam.

Lulworth Cove

A couple of minutes drive away is Lulworth Cove, a lovely clam-shaped cove. Although most of the best fossils are to be found further west, many marine fossils have been discovered here, both on the beach and in the cliffs surrounding the cove. Why not spend a little time fossil-hunting?

Durdle Door

A couple of minutes drive from Lulworth Cove is another fantastic natural rock formation, the Durdle Door. It is a rock arch linking two beaches and stretching into the sea. You can park above the beach and just look down at it, or you can take the path down but it is steep. Just remember that you have to walk back up again.

Weymouth

By this time, it will be getting quite late, so drive to Weymouth for the night. It’s just under 25 km away and has plenty of hotels and bed and breakfasts. Why not take a walk in Weymouth Harbour in the evening? It is very pretty, especially when it is lit up.

Day 1, afternoon - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Day 2

Morning: Weymouth

Head to Nothe Fort on the eastern side of Weymouth after breakfast. It is a well-preserved fort built between 1860 and 1872 but abandoned in 1956. Explore underground tunnels, a parade ground, a museum, and the ramparts where you can still see the guns. In addition, you will have fantastic views of the coast. There is a cafe so you can have a coffee before heading to your next destination.

Portland Bill Lighthouse

A 25-minute drive will take you to the Portland Bill Lighthouse on the Isle of Portland. The lighthouse is still working but isn’t manned anymore. There is a Visitor’s Centre next to the lighthouse run by Trinity House which operates the lighthouse. Here you can learn about the history of the lighthouse and the keepers who lived there. It is possible to climb the 41-metre lighthouse on certain days and there are 153 steps to conquer. It offers great views, so it is worth doing.

Portland Castle

Drive back up to the top of the Isle of Portland where you will find Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s best coastal forts, built in the 1540s. If you book ahead, you will get 15% off the entrance fee. There is plenty to see in the castle including a two-storey keep, an octagonal great hall, a walled courtyard with gun platforms, a kitchen, the governor’s house, and the captain’s house. There is also an armoury where you can see battle clothes. The castle is family-friendly, and your children can try on armoury and make heraldic glass designs. This is a good place to have lunch as The Captain’s Tearoom offers light lunches, sandwiches, soups, and cakes.

Day 2, morning - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Afternoon: Abbotsbury

A 25-minute drive will take you to Abbotsbury, a charming village where you can visit Abbotsbury Abbey, founded in 1044 as a Benedictine monastery and renovated in the 13th and 14th centuries. It is in ruins, but you can still see the tithe barn and two sarcophagi outside St Nicholas Church.

On a hill overlooking the village is St. Catherine’s Chapel which is worth the climb as the views are spectacular heading as far as the Isle of Portland. This 14th-century chapel was commissioned by monks and has wishing holes. Put a message in one of these and wait and see if your wish comes true.

West Bay

A drive of 17 minutes will take you to West Bay by the coast which will be particularly interesting for those who enjoyed the TV series, Broadchurch. You can take a walk up to the cliffs by West Beach for some dramatic views. The walk is quite gentle and there are benches if you need to take a rest.

Charmouth

A fifteen-minute drive takes you to Charmouth, which, together with Lyme Regis, is the best location for finding fossils along the Jurassic Coast. Take a walk along the beach and see what you can find. Alternatively, the Charmouth Heritage Centre arranges guided fossil hunting walks which is a great way to discover more about fossils and to have a greater chance of finding them. You can also visit the Heritage Centre to learn more about the history of the area.

Lyme Regis

Head to Lyme Regis for dinner and the night. It’s only an eight-minute drive away.

Day 2, afternoon - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Day 3

Morning: Lyme Regis

In the morning, visit two excellent museums in Lyme Regis. The Lyme Regis Museum on Bridge Street tells you about the history of the town and the fossil discoveries made by Mary Anning, an early 19th-century fossil collector and palaeontologist. The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, on Combe Street, showcases an enormous collection of fossils which will appeal to all ages.

Budleigh Salterton

The next stop is Budleigh Salterton, a 41-minute drive away. It is a quiet and historic town with a pebble beach and spectacular Triassic red sandstone cliffs. While here, you should visit the Otter Estuary which is small but interesting. There are footpaths for you to follow on either side of the estuary, two viewing platforms, and a bird hide. There are 120 species of birds here, including redshanks, herons, common sandpipers, gulls, and curlews so you are bound to see at least a few species.

Have lunch at the Salterton Arms, a two-minute walk from the beach. They use locally sourced and fresh produce and present dishes such as beer-battered fish and slow-roasted lamb shank.

Day 3, morning - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Afternoon: Exmouth

After lunch, drive to Exmouth, which is a 16-minute drive away. It is the last stop on your journey along the Jurassic Coast and is one of the oldest and most beautiful towns in the county of Devon. It has a long sandy beach so you could just spend the afternoon relaxing in the sun. However, there are plenty of other options. Take the Exe Estuary Cruise with Stuart Line Cruises. There is commentary which tells you about the places you are passing, particularly the most interesting geological features. Alternatively, visit the Exmouth Museum which tells you about the history of East Devon.

Day 3, afternoon - the Jurassic Coast Tour Map

Other Things To Do on the Jurassic Coast

• Agglestone Rock: Agglestone Rock can be found on Godlingston Heath close to Studland Bay. It is an enormous iron-rich piece of sandstone rock which is thought to weigh around 400 tonnes. Nobody knows exactly why it is standing there on its own, but it is a spectacular sight and you also get great views as far as Poole Harbour, just under 4 km away.

• Durlston Country Park and National Nature Reserve: This nature reserve is 1.6 km from Swanage and covers 138 hectares. Here you will see woodlands, meadows, and imposing sea cliffs. There are several walking trails for you to choose from with around 500 types of wildflowers and 2,000 species of wildlife to be spotted, not that we think that you will spot them all! Head to the Visitor Centre at the Victorian Durlston Castle to learn more about the reserve and to enjoy the rooftop sea views. There is a cafe serving meals and cakes prepared with local produce.

• Chesil Beach: Chesil Beach is a long pebble beach stretching from West Bay to the Isle of Portland. It measures 29 km and is a craggy and wild beach, certainly not the place for sunbathing. Instead, it makes for a good hike although it is 29 km long. However, it can be accessed at several different places so you don’t have to walk it ll the way. The pebbles are mainly chert and flint from the Cretaceous and Jurassic periods. There is a large salt lake called Fleet Lagoon behind Chesil Beach. At the village of Abbotsbury, the lagoon houses a mute swan colony which is the only managed swannery in the world. There are around 600 swans here and it can be visited, one of the highlights of the area with tourists.

• Cruise From Swanage to Poole and Back: City Cruises offers a cruise from Swanage Pier to Poole and back which gives you the opportunity to see the Jurassic Coast cliffs and Studland Bay from the sea. It runs from April until October and lasts for two and a quarter hours.

• Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Swanage: Burngate Stone Carving Centre offers courses in stone carving, but as you probably won’t have time for this, you can take a two-hour carving session. You can also visit the gallery which showcases arts, crafts, and sculptures by local artists. There is a tearoom in the building serving a delicious Dorset afternoon cream tea.

• Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre: You will find this museum right in the square in Swanage by the sea. Here you can learn about Swanage from its humble origins as a fishing village to becoming a Victorian seaside resort as well as its history of stone quarrying. It is opposite two of Swanage’s famous fish and chip shops so why not try the traditional British dish for lunch?

• St. Aldhelm's Chapel, Swanage: St Aldhelm's Chapel is a Norman chapel built on St Aldhelm's Head in Swanage. It is unusual because it is square-shaped, but the stunning vaulting of the roof and mediaeval graves outside the walls indicate that it was built to be a church. It is still used for worship to this day. It is situated at the edge of a cliff, 108 metres above sea level, which adds to its appeal as a tourist destination.

• Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens: These gardens lie in a sheltered valley and therefore have a warmer than normal climate for the area. This means that rare plants from all over the world have prospered here. The gardens have been here since the 18th century and there is a mixture of formal and informal flowerbeds. Specialities include camellias, lily ponds, and rhododendrons. There is a viewpoint from the top of the Magnolia Walk from where you will get spectacular views of the Jurassic Coast.

• Langmoor Lister Gardens, Lyme Regis: The Langmoor Lister Gardens never close so you can take a late evening or early morning stroll to escape the crowds. It is home to the Sculpture Trail, which is a collection of modern sculptures that changes each year. It is situated above the beach and has great views out to sea and along the coast.

• Brook Gallery, Budleigh Salterton: The Brook Gallery houses a collection of contemporary fine art prints as well as sculptures, paintings, and ceramics. It has a lovely restaurant, the Brook Kitchen, which serves food prepared fresh to order.

• 16 Sided A La Ronde, Lympstone: This is a very unusual house because it has 16 sides. It was built for two spinster ladies, Jane and Mary Parmenter and is now run by the National Trust. It is filled with curiosities that they picked up on their travels including ancient Egyptian artefacts, semi-precious stones, and even an emu egg. You can visit many of the rooms but can only see the Shell Gallery on a virtual tour as it is filled with 25,000 fragile shells. After looking around the house, take a stroll around the beautiful gardens with views to the Exe Estuary.

• Hawkridge Bird of Prey Centre, Sandybay, Exmouth: If you are interested in handling a bird of prey, Hawkridge will be ideal for you. It offers one-hour handling sessions and even five or seven-day intensive courses. You have to pre book your session.

• Manor Gardens, Exmouth: If you are looking for peace and quiet before or after a hectic day, head to Manor Gardens in Exmouth. They are close to the beach and in the spring and summer, have very colourful flower beds. A highlight is the rose garden which blooms in June. During the summer months, live music concerts and theatrical performances are held in the gardens.

• Beer Quarry Caves, Seaton: These underground caves were dug 2,000 years ago to quarry beer stone. Later, beer stone was used in the construction of churches and other buildings such as Westminster Abbey and the Tower of London. You can take a guided tour to discover how the stone was quarried and the awful conditions the people had to work under. It is unbelievable that they were only closed as recently as 1920.

• Hike to Orcombe Point: This hike is 2.4 km from the south of the town of Exmouth. Orcombe Point marks the most westerly point of the Jurassic Coast and from here you get lovely views of the Exe estuary and the sea. The red colouring of the stone dates back to the Triassic period. Make sure that you get a photo of the Geoneedle, a monument made up of the various rock types found along the Jurassic Coast.

• Dorset Museum & Art Gallery: This museum is in Dorchester and showcases four million artefacts covering 250 million years of history. It houses many fossils found along the Jurassic coast and the highlight is the fossilised skull of a pliosaur, the biggest marine reptile from around 155 million years ago. However, it isn’t only fossils in the museum. There is an art gallery, and an exhibition hall dedicated to the novelist Thomas Hardy. Throughout the museum there are interactive exhibitions and items that you can touch so children will love it here.

• The Etches Collection Museum Of Jurassic Marine Life: This museum is in Wareham and showcases a fantastic collection of marine fossils from the Jurassic period of around 157 million years ago. Like the Dorset Museum & Gallery, it houses a pliosaur skull. In the museum, you will be able to discover what both life and death was like in the seas during the Jurassic period.

• The Marine Theatre Lyme Regis: The Marine Theatre in Lyme Regis is a performing arts venue. There is always something on so check online to see what there is when you are in town. It could be music, such as a jazz performance, stand-up comedy, a play, or a film.

• The Tudor House Museum: The Tudor House Museum is in Weymouth and is a building built in the Tudor period, thought to be the property of a middle-class family, possibly a merchant’s. You can take a tour of the house and find out how a middle-class family lived at that time and what it was like when Weymouth was a major trading port.

• Sandsfoot Gardens: Sandsfoot Gardens in Wyke Regis has a Green Flag, meaning that it is one of the best gardens in the country, based on cleanliness, accessibility, and management. It is set around the ruins of Sandsfoot Castle and has fantastic views of Portland Harbour. You will see both flower and herb beds and herbaceous borders set around a decorative pond.

Day Trips From The Jurassic Coast

• Maiden Castle, Dorchester: Maiden Castle is a well-preserved Iron Age fort built in the 1st century BC. It is enormous and you could easily fit 50 football pitches into it. When the Romans invaded the country in 43 AD, the inhabitants of the fort moved to Dorchester although there is little evidence that the Romans invaded the castle itself. However, there have been some interesting finds there. There is evidence of an Iron Age cemetery and also of a Roman temple built in the 4th century AD. Because the castle is in an elevated position, you will get great views of the Dorset countryside.

• Powderham Castle, Exeter: This fortified manor house was built in 1391 and although it is still lived in, you can take a guided tour of the well-reserved building. You can also enjoy walking trails in the garden for which children can get a nature backpack containing such items as binoculars. There is plenty more to enjoy such as alpaca and goat walks and bird feeding. Children will enjoy the petting zoo which has animals including ponies and guinea pigs. All of you can indulge in a takeaway afternoon tea experience.

• Exe Estuary Trail: The Exe Estuary Trail is a new route covering 25.7 km though, of course, you don’t have to do the whole trail in one go. It is, however, mainly flat and you can cycle or walk, whichever you prefer. It links Exmouth to Dawlish Warren and provides fantastic views of the River Exe. There are plenty of waterfowl and waders to be seen on your journey and the RSPB reserves near Topsham and Dawlish Warren also present opportunities to see wildlife. The trail passes through some charming little villages such as Starcross and Topsham where you can stop for refreshments.

• Tiverton Castle, Tiverton: Tiverton Castle was originally built in 1106, commissioned by Henry I, but it was rebuilt and enlarged in the 13th and 14th centuries. Because of this, different periods of architecture can be seen in the castle. You can visit the castle on Thursdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays from April until October. You will be able to see a fantastic collection of armour from the Civil War, paintings, and even a Mediaeval toilet!

• Bournemouth: Bournemouth is a seaside resort and is the largest town in Dorset. It lies to the east of the Jurassic Coast. It has lovely beaches and is popular during the summer. The pier has amusement arcades, ice cream shops, and a variety theatre. A big wheel, 3 metres tall, towers over the pier. There are other things to do like visiting the Bournemouth Oceanarium and the Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum, an extravagant home given by Merton Russell-Cotes to his wife in 1901. It is filled with paintings and other artworks, as well as interesting objects that they picked up on their travels.

• Poole: Poole, also to the east of the Jurassic Coast, has the largest natural harbour in the world. The harbour covers around 36 km2 and is lined with beaches, marinas, and coastal walks. Water sports are popular here. Visit the Old Town where many buildings date back to the 15th century. Go to Poole Museum which tells you about the history of the town and is housed in a Victorian quayside warehouse. It’s free to enter and offers interactive exhibits. Upton Country Park is also worth visiting. It is a Georgian mansion set in 65 hectares of parkland. Go to one of the most expensive areas in the world, Sandbanks, a peninsula jutting out into Poole harbour. Here you will see some spectacular houses and a perfect beach.

• Exeter: Exeter is in Devon and is to the west of the Jurassic Coast. The highlight of Exeter is the cathedral which is a Gothic structure built in 1342. It houses the longest Mediaeval Gothic vaulting in the world. The outside of the cathedral is ornate with carvings of people and grotesques. After visiting the cathedral, head to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum where you can learn about the city. Visit Exeter Quay from where goods were exported from. There are plenty of restaurants and bars here where you can relax and watch the boats. Shopaholics should head to Gandy Street and Fore Street, where there are plenty of independent shops.

• Torquay: Torquay is a town on the English Riviera which has plenty to keep you occupied for a few days. If you are looking for a gentle day, head to the beach or visit the harbour and marina. If you want to do some sightseeing, visit the prehistoric caves or Tome Abbey which is a mediaeval monastery and museum. Children will have a great time in Torquay. Take them to the Victorian pier where there are fairground rides and visit Babbacombe Model Village. Take a ride on the English Riviera Wheel, a large Ferris wheel, take a trip around town on the land train, and visit Dinosaur World to see fossils and scale model replicas of dinosaurs.

Things To Do With Kids On The Jurassic Coast

• Fossil Hunting: The best places to find fossils are on the beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis. Here you can particularly find ammonite, belemnite, and crinoid fossils. Children will love this free activity although you can pay for a guided tour which might give them a better chance of finding fossils.

• Buddens Activity Centre, Wareham: Buddens Activity Centre covers 39 hectares and offers plenty of activities to keep your children occupied for hours. Among the activities on offer are abseiling, kayaking, SUP, canoeing, archery, disc golf, climbing, and zip wire.

• Monkey World - Ape Rescue, Wareham: There are around 260 apes and monkeys here, all of which have either been rescued or are endangered. Amongst the animals you can see are chimpanzees, orangutans, gibbons, monkeys, and prosimians, like lemurs. Monkey World also offers question time with the keepers, cafes, and play areas. Book online to save 10% on your entrance ticket.

• Flowerdew Farm, Dorchester: Flowerdew Farm is a camping and glamping site, but you can also visit to meet the alpacas and goats. They also offer nature-inspired workshops, alpaca and goat yoga, and animal art classes.

• Axe Valley Wildlife Park, Axminster: Axe Valley Wildlife Park is particularly aimed at children 12 and under. It is a small zoo with animals such as pigmy goats, lynxes, flamingos, tortoises, meerkats, zebras, reptiles, and many different types of birds. The park offers extra activities like being a keeper for a day, feeding the birds, and animal encounters such as handling a snake or tarantula.

• Seaton Tramway: Seaton Tramway is a narrow-gauge heritage tramway which travels from Seaton and stops at Colyford and Colyton in the Axe Valley. The journey has beautiful views of the Axe estuary and two nature reserves where you will probably see plenty of wading birds.

• Bearhouse Alpacas, Sidbury, Sidmouth: Bearhouse Alpacas has been around for a long time and offers 1½ - 2 hour walks with alpacas. It is open year-round, but the walks only take place in good weather. You must book in advance.

• Sea Life, Weymouth: Sea Life in Weymouth is large so you could easily spend the day here especially as there are food outlets and pirate adventure miniature golf. There are around 2,500 sea creatures housed at Sea Life in 14 zones, both indoors and out. These include Penguin Island, where you can meet the world’s smallest penguins, Sea Harbour, which is home to common harbour seals, and the Rainforest with poison dart frogs, and piranhas.

• Fantasy Island Fun Park, Weymouth: This park is great for younger children as there are gentler rides, such as the big wheel, the helter-skelter, bumper cars, and a ghost train. Children can enjoy the soft play area while parents have a drink at the beach bar. There is also a cafe.

• Sandworld: Each year, sand sculptors create magnificent sculptures out of just sand and water. On offer are workshops your children can attend to create their own sand sculptures.

• Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium: This aquarium is small but interesting. It tells you about the sea life around the Jurassic Coast and the maritime history of Lyme Regis. Sea creatures on display include mullet, starfish, lobsters, sea bass, crabs, sea urchins, and sea scorpions.

• World of Country Life, Near Exmouth: You could easily spend the day at World of Country Life. It is a farming museum but also has an enormous collection of vintage cars and masses of indoor and outdoor play areas. Children will love interacting with the farm animals and you will all enjoy the food served in the on-site restaurant.

• Lodmoor Country Park: Lodmoor County Park will keep children occupied all day especially as there is a café and restaurant on site. It is in Weymouth and is just a 15-minute walk from the Esplanade. Take the Tree Trail with them, a 45-minute circular route where children can learn about trees. Let them burn off some energy at the children’s gym or the Pirate Ship Play Park. There is a Sea Life Centre in the park with a big collection of marine life, a tropical jungle, and Captain Kid’s World. Sandworld showcases sand sculptures and Leisure Ranch offers slides and go karts. If this isn’t enough, there is a model railway and a 9-hole mini golf course. Each week, there is a 5 km park run which you can enjoy as a family.

Racecourses Near The Jurassic Coast

• Exeter Racecourse: Racing here starts in October and carries on during the winter with 17 race days. The races have jumps and include the Bwin Haldon Gold Cup in November. The Desert Orchid Restaurant offers meals made with fresh seasonal produce with course-facing facilities.

• Newton Abbot Racecourse: The race season at Newton Abbot lasts from March until October with 19 jump fixtures. Enjoy a meal at either The Winning Post or The Paddock.

Golf Courses On The Jurassic Coast

• Lyme Regis Golf Club: Visitors are welcome to play here, but they must have a current handicap certificate or be a member of a golf club. The Clubhouse and Greens Restaurant welcomes visitors, both playing and non-playing. On Sundays, Greens have a carvery.

• Bridport and West Dorset Golf Club: This is the oldest golf course in Dorset, having been formed in 1891. It is a challenging course so is not for the faint-hearted. Visitors are welcome to play and visit the clubhouse, bar, and restaurant.

• Axe Cliff Golf Club, Seaton: Axe Cliff Golf Club welcomes visitors to this challenging 18-hole links-style golf course. It is on a cliff and the views of the Jurassic Coast are spectacular.

• East Devon Golf Club, Budleigh Salterton: Visitors are welcome to play at the East Devon Golf Club. Enjoy a meal at Restaurant 19, with a terrace overlooking the 18th hole. Drop in for brunch, lunch, or a Sunday roast.

• Sidmouth Golf Club: This golf club is happy to have visitors and offers an 1889 J.H.Taylor golf course with sea views. The Clubhouse is also open to visitors and offers a wide menu, including a full English breakfast, three-course meals, and a very popular Sunday lunch which you need to book.

Wineries On The Jurassic Coast

• Furleigh Estate, Bridport: Furleigh Estate covers 34 hectares and has 22,000 vines. 15,000 of these are the Champagne grapes of Pinot Meunier, Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay and they use these to produce excellent sparkling wines. Bacchus Rondo grapes are used to produce their still wine. The estate offers vineyard tours and tastings from March until the end of October.

• Langham Wine Estate, Dorchester: Langham Wine Estate also grows Champagne grapes which grow well in the chalk soils here. Their sparkling wines are fantastic and have won awards. You can take a self-guided or guided tour with a tasting of three wines. Langham Wine Estate has a cafe where you can have lunch or even afternoon tea.

• Valley Vineyard, Bridport: Valley Vineyard is a small vineyard of 10 hectares which produces three sparkling wines. They offer vineyard tours on Saturdays from May to September.

• Little Waddon Vineyard, Weymouth: Little Waddon Vineyard offers tours and tastings on Saturdays during the spring and summer months. They are family-run and produce small-batch wines using the grapes, Phoenix, Seyval Blanc, and Regent.

Where To Eat On The Jurassic Coast

There are so many places to eat along the Jurassic Coast so we have chosen the three major towns you will be visiting to tell you about, Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and Exmouth.

Weymouth

Pubs:

• The Ship Inn Pub & Restaurant: The Ship Inn Pub & Restaurant is in a lovely setting on Custom House Quay. It is perfect at any time of year as there is outdoor seating in the summer and a fire indoors in the winter. It serves a mixture of dishes including pub classics like fish pie, ham and eggs, and sausage and mash. However, it also does some international food such as chilli con carne and cannelloni. On Sundays, you can indulge in a traditional roast.

• The Red Lion: The Red Lion on Hope Street is fish-orientated, serving such dishes as the seafood trawler board, seafood chowder, and fish tacos. However, it also serves burgers, steaks, and vegan and vegetarian food. It has a massive collection of 100 rums, signifying Weymouth's history of seafaring.

Best Fish and Chip Shop:

• Bennett’s Fish and Chips: Bennett’s Fish and Chips are on Trinity Road, and they also have mobile trucks. The shop is both a restaurant and takeaway and serves one of the best fish and chips in Weymouth. They also serve burgers, pies, and pasties, as well as vegan options.

Fine Dining:

• Oliveto: Olivetto is a sophisticated Italian restaurant along the Esplanade. They use local produce as well as Italian ingredients and serve dishes such as chicken peperonata and ribeye tagliata, as well as pizza and pasta.

Lyme Regis

Pubs:

• The Harbour Inn: The Harbour Inn on Marine Parade is in a prime position next to a sandy beach overlooking the sea. There is a terraced area for warm summer days with an enclosed area for the colder weather. It serves mainly fish dishes, such as fish pie, bouillabaisse, and there is always the catch of the day.

• The Ship Inn: The Ship Inn on Coombe Street has both indoor and outdoor seating. Food is prepared fresh to order and they serve such dishes as catch of the day, steak, burgers, and vegan options like aubergine steak. They give complimentary water refills throughout your meal.

• The Volunteer Inn: The Volunteer Inn is a 400-year-old family-run inn on Broad Street. It serves hearty meals such as steak and ale pie, fish pie, sausage and mash, gammon and eggs, and steak, as well as a traditional roast on Sundays.

Fine Dining:

• The Oyster & Fish House: Situated on a hillside with fantastic views of the Jurassic Coast, The Oyster & Fish House serves locally sourced fish and seafood, such as Dorset oysters, shellfish, and chargrilled fish on the bone. There aren’t any meat dishes, but there is a vegan and vegetarian menu.

Exmouth

Pubs:

• The Grove Pub: The Grove Pub is on the Esplanade and is a traditional pub with a menu that changes with the seasons. They serve breakfast, catch of the day, traditional dishes such as Cumberland sausage, and vegan options. On Sundays, you can enjoy a traditional roast meal.

• International Spoken: Spoken, on the Strand, offers a taste of the Mediterranean. Dishes include patatas bravas, moules mariniere, and seafood linguine. There is a terrace for sunny and warm days.

Fine Dining:

• The Chronicle: The Chronicle is a 1930s-themed restaurant next to Manor Gardens. It serves brunch, including a full English breakfast and a vegan breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a traditional Sunday roast. Main meals include dishes such as pork belly, duck breast, and vegan wild mushroom and ale pie.

Where To Stay On The Jurassic Coast

Weymouth

• Moonfleet Manor is a luxurious, family-friendly hotel located near Chesil Beach, just a short 10-minute drive from Weymouth. Set in a stunning Georgian manor house surrounded by 20 acres of landscaped grounds, the hotel offers a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. Many rooms feature stunning sea views, and there are also pet-friendly rooms available. Guests can enjoy the indoor heated pool, sauna, fitness room, restaurant, bar, and a kids' club. There are also tennis courts and even an adventure playground.

• Hotel Rex, a charming family-owned 3-star hotel on Weymouth's Esplanade, offers stunning sea views from its rooms. Featuring a mix of traditional seaside style and modern amenities, it offers a cozy atmosphere with comfortable rooms and a restaurant, bar, and lounge area.

• The Lawrence of Arabia Hotel: This two-star hotel is on the Esplanade, just 600 metres from Weymouth beach, offering water sport facilities. Each room has a kettle, a fridge, a TV and free Wi-Fi. Breakfast is included in the room rate and includes a full English breakfast, with vegan and vegetarian options. It is great value for money.

Lyme Regis

• Rock Point Inn: Situated just a short walk from Lyme Regis' town centre and the seafront, Rock Point Inn enjoys a prime location, making it easy to explore the town’s famous Jurassic Coast, beaches, harbour, and shops. It offers 9 well-appointed rooms, some with sea views and modern touches. The inn also has a well-regarded pub with a friendly atmosphere, often serving local ales and delicious meals.

• The Royal Lion Hotel: The Royal Lion is a three-star hotel on Broad Street which is just 150 metres from the beach. The building is 400 years old and used to be a coaching inn. The rooms are classically designed, and the bar has original fireplaces and panelled walls. The Oak Room Restaurant serves a full English breakfast and evenings meals made with local seasonal produce. The Courtyard Cafe serves real ales, light meals, and homemade cakes. There is free parking at the hotel.

• The Mariners Hotel  is on Silver Street and is a two-star hotel which dates back to the 17th century and is great value for money. The rooms are equipped with a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and an ensuite shower room. The breakfast is good, and you can choose between continental and full English, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.

Exmouth

• Lympstone Manor Hotel Restaurant & Vineyard: This five-star hotel  is part of the Relais & Châteaux collection, offering exceptional quality and personalized service.  Located in a charming setting with a view of the Exmouth estuary, the Georgian manor home has 19 well appointed rooms. The Michelin-starred restaurant, led by Chef Michael Caines, serves modern British cuisine with locally sourced ingredients. The property also features a vineyard, where guests can enjoy traditional methods of wine making, wine tastings, tours, and exploring the grounds.

• Best Western Exmouth Beach Hotel: This three-star hotel is on Moreton Crescent and is 600 metres from Exmouth Beach and 700 metres from Dawlish Warren Beach. All rooms have a TV and private bathroom, while some have sea views. Breakfast is a buffet or full English. There is private parking for guests.

• Manor Hotel: The Manor Hotel is on the Beacon and is a three-star hotel. It was a coaching inn dating to the 1790s. It is family-run and is less than a five-minute walk from the marina and the beach. The rooms come with a tea/coffee maker, a TV, and ensuite facilities. Most rooms have sea views. There is a bar which has a cocktail list of 30 different drinks and there is happy hour from 3 pm until 7 pm every day for both cocktails and other drinks.

• The Imperial Hotel Exmouth: The Imperial Hotel is on the Esplanade and is a Victorian three-star hotel. It is just a five-minute walk from Exmouth town centre. The rooms either look out to sea or the gardens which cover 1.6 hectares. The restaurant offers a continental or full English breakfast as well as lunch and dinner.

Best Time To Visit The Jurassic Coast

The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast is from May until mid-July when the weather is usually the warmest and the days are long. September and October can also still be warm, but the days are drawing in. Mid-July until the end of August usually has good weather, though this is England so it can still rain and be cool. However, this is when the school holidays are on so it will be very busy. The winter months can be wet and cold but some attractions are still open so it is a good time to beat the crowds, and you can always pop into a cosy pub with a roaring fireplace to warm up.

Festivals on The Jurassic Coast

There are many festivals in the area, so we have chosen a few of the best to tell you about.

• Lyme Regis Fossil Festival: It wouldn’t be the Jurassic Coast without a fossil festival and it’s appropriate that Lyme Regis holds one as some of the best fossils are found on the beaches and cliffs in the area. It is held for two days over a weekend in June and there are fossil exhibitions, talks, family-friendly shows, and activities at different locations throughout the town. Many of the top palaeontologists in the country give talks and there are guided fossil walks led by experts.

• Exmouth Festival: This free three-day event in July is an arts festival with performances, workshops, and activities for all ages, young and old. There is dance, painting, storytelling, and more. They are held at different venues throughout the town.

• Sidmouth Folk Festival: This festival is held in July for eight days and promotes traditional music, dance, and singing at different venues throughout town. Among other events, there are ceilidhs and folk dancing.

• Dorset Seafood Festival: Weymouth is famous for seafood so it’s not surprising that the Dorset Seafood Festival is held here for three days in early September on the seafront. It is very popular, attracting over 10,000 visitors each year. As well as fish and seafood, English wine and artisan cheeses are celebrated. There is also live music and cooking masterclasses by the area’s top chefs.

• Budleigh Salterton Literary Festival: The Budleigh Salterton Literary festival is held in September for five days at different venues. There are talks by famous authors and poets, workshops, and book signings.

• Weymouth Santa Weekend: Weymouth Santa Weekend takes place the weekend before Christmas. Children can go and see Santa in his grotto and there are other Christmassy activities throughout the town and harbour, including a Santa run on the beach.

• Lyme Regis Christmas Tree Festival: This festival is held in the middle of December for three days in the Baptist Church Pine Hall. You will see an amazing collection of Christmas trees lit up beautifully with Christmas music playing in the background.