If you’re looking for a beautiful UK coastal escape, Dorset is one of the best places to visit. With charming seaside towns, dramatic cliffs and scenic coastal walks, the Jurassic Coast is perfect for a relaxed week away.
I recently spent a week in Dorset with my parents, staying in the lovely seaside town of Lyme Regis and exploring the surrounding coastline. We were lucky with the weather and had mostly bright autumn sunshine – the perfect conditions for walking along the coast and discovering hidden corners of Dorset.
Here’s the itinerary of everything we did during our trip.
Staying in Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis is one of the most picturesque towns on the Jurassic Coast. Known for its fossil-rich beaches and historic harbour, it’s a wonderful base for exploring Dorset.
The town has a charming mix of:
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independent shops
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cosy cafés
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historic streets
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sea views around every corner
One of the most famous landmarks is The Cobb, the curved harbour wall that has protected the town since the 13th century.
Lyme Regis is also famous for its fossil discoveries and was home to Mary Anning, the pioneering palaeontologist who found some of the first complete Ichthyosaur fossils.
Exploring the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching for 95 miles along the Dorset and East Devon coastline.
It’s famous for its dramatic cliffs, unique rock formations and incredible fossil history.
During our week in Dorset we explored several highlights along the coast.
Durdle Door
Durdle Door is probably Dorset’s most famous natural landmark.
The huge limestone arch sits just off the beach and is one of the most photographed places on the Jurassic Coast.
The walk down to the beach is steep but absolutely worth it – especially on a clear day when the sea turns an incredible shade of turquoise.
Lulworth Cove
Just along the coast from Durdle Door is Lulworth Cove, a perfectly formed horseshoe-shaped bay.
The calm waters make it a popular spot for swimming in the summer, and the surrounding cliffs offer some of the best views along the coast.
You can also walk up to Durdle Door from Lulworth Cove along the South West Coast Path.
Old Harry Rocks
At the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast you’ll find Old Harry Rocks, a series of chalk sea stacks rising dramatically from the sea.
The clifftop walk here has some of the most spectacular views in Dorset.
It’s also one of the best spots for sunset.
Charmouth Beach
Charmouth is one of the best places on the Jurassic Coast for fossil hunting.
After storms, the beach often reveals ammonites and other prehistoric fossils washed out from the cliffs.
Even if you don’t find anything, it’s a beautiful stretch of coastline to explore.
Hidden Dorset Walks
One of the most unusual places we visited during the trip was Hell Lane.
This ancient holloway is a narrow sunken path with towering earth banks on either side, creating an almost tunnel-like walkway. It’s slightly eerie but incredibly atmospheric and feels like stepping back in time.
We also explored the Symondsbury Estate, a lovely countryside area with walking trails, small shops and views across the Dorset hills.
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Back in Lyme Regis, we visited the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, which is packed with fossils discovered along the Jurassic Coast.
It’s a small museum but fascinating if you’re interested in the prehistoric history of the area.
Why Dorset is Perfect for a UK Escape
What I loved most about Dorset is how varied it is.
In one week you can explore:
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charming seaside towns
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dramatic cliffs and beaches
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historic villages
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scenic countryside walks
It’s the perfect destination for anyone who loves coastal scenery, walking and discovering hidden places in the UK.
Planning a Trip to Dorset
If you’re planning a Dorset trip, Lyme Regis is a fantastic base for exploring the Jurassic Coast.
The area is beautiful all year round, but autumn is particularly lovely with fewer crowds and golden light along the coastline.
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