The Jurassic Coast is certainly one of the most beautiful places to go for a walk. The coast between Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset has been listed as the first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK.
By walking along this coast you will go through millions of years of history, a time when dinosaurs were still roaming around. The geological history of the coast goes back to times between 250 million and 65 million years ago. You might even be able to find some fossil on your walk. The Jurassic Coast walks will take you to some of the most iconic tourist attractions and other cute English villages.
Of course, it can take quite a few days to hike the whole 95 miles (around 150 km) route and explore the area, but you can still have a wonderful day by taking one of the of many beautiful coastal paths just for a short walk.
You can also read: 28 best day trips from London
This post contains affiliate links and if you click one I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to get to the Jurassic Coast from London
There are various spots on the Jurassic Coast where you can start your walk. Many people choose to go to the most popular spots, with Durdle Door being one of them, but others, like us, prefer to choose less busy trails.
When you only have a day, it is better to stay in Dorset, which is less than a three-hour drive from London.
The best way to get to the Jurassic Coast and Dorset is by car since you will have more freedom in terms of available time and places to go.
But if you prefer using public transports, you can take a coach from London Victoria to Bournemouth, or take a train from London Waterloo to Bournemouth, then from Bournemouth, you can book the Jurassic Coast and Isle of Purbeck tour. Before booking your tour, make sure to check the timetable of the train or coach to London, otherwise, you can spend a night in one of the beautiful hotels in Bournemouth.
If you are looking to drive to the coast and have a self-guided walk, keep reading.
Jurassic Coast Walk: Durdle Door and White Nothe
By driving over two and a half hour you will reach the Lulworth Cove Car Park. You can find the South West Coast Path at the end of the car park which leads you up the steep slope of Hambury Tout.
This path will take you to some of the most breathtaking sceneries. By continuing you might be able to recognise the location for the opening scene of the Far From the Madding Crowd movie, Scratchy Bottom, which is also in the list of places with the rudest names in the UK.
Carrying on along the coastal path, you will see the rock arch of Durdle Door, one of the most stunning coastal attractions. It was formed around 140 million years ago, sometime during the Jurassic period.
By continuing to follow the path you will reach the tall white chalk headland of White Nothe, here you will have an astonishing view across the bay of the Isle of Portland. The round trip will be around 7 miles (11.3 km). You might find some parts of the route a bit challenging.
Jurassic Coast Walk: Bowleaze Cove to Osmington Mills
This path is somewhat easier and shorter. If you want to enjoy a coastal walk and have a relaxing day I recommend you to start your walk at Bowleaze Cove beach.
You can drive directly from London to Bowleaze Coveway beach car park, where you can find the path next to the beach. We took this path on a sunny day and we loved it.
This coastal path will take you to an important geological site where there are a lot of fossils and a small waterfall cascading directly into the sea.
When you arrive at Osmington, you can catch a bus to Bowleaze Cove or you can walk the same way back. The total route (walking both ways) will be around 5 miles (8 km).
You can have a picnic on your way while admiring the view at the top of the cliffs over the English Channel or you can eat at the Smugglers Inn, right next to the beach.
When you take this route you won’t be able to see the one most iconic attractions on the Jurassic coast, but you will have a lovely day. If you are driving and really want to see the Durdle Door, you can have a short stop on your way back home to London.
You can also read Top adventure weekend getaway in the UK
