Our most recommended things to do in Jurassic Coast

Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

1. Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise

Take a cruise around Europe's largest natural harbor, home to the town of Poole, the golden beaches of Sandbanks and Brownsea Island. From either open deck seating or comfortable saloon you will see stunning views of the exceptional landscape that surrounds it. Your 70 minute trip will start on charming Poole Quay with its old buildings and buzzing atmosphere.  Next you will go past Brownsea Island, home to wildlife and picturesque Brownsea Castle, built to protect against French invasions. After that comes the Sandbanks Peninsula and the luxurious houses of the ‘Golden Mile’. Then you will tour the great natural expanse of the harbor and the remaining islands: Green, Furzey, Long and Round. Fronting onto beautiful scenery it helped inspire classics like Lord of the Rings and Gulliver's Travel. 

From Poole: Round-trip Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Swanage

2. From Poole: Round-trip Jurassic Coastal Cruise to Swanage

Discover the impressive Jurassic Coast on a cruise through Dorset. See Round Island, marvel at the iconic chalk formations on the coast, and learn fascinating facts about the area from live commentary onboard. Begin your trip at Poole Harbour and board an open deck boat with seating and comfortable saloons. From here, start your journey through 185 million years of history along the Jurassic Coastline. As you cruise, pass some of Dorset's most famous landmarks. See the golden beaches of Sandbanks, Brownsea Island, and the Old Harry Rocks, named after a notorious pirate. Enjoy expert commentary from your captains as you glide by. Sail by Dorset's small islands, including Furzey, Long, Green, and Round Islands, as you make your way to Swanage. Once reaching Swanage, head back towards Poole and capture the perfect picture of the famous chalk formations from the boat's outer deck.

From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

3. From Bournemouth: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Trip

Discover some of the most scenic coastline in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both Lulworth Cove and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and get plenty of information and maps to help you along the way. Use the time to go for a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill to Lulworth Cove and get magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Spend the time at Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and get a beautiful view of the arch on an optional boat ride from the beach, at your own expense. Benefit from a map highlighting the main features, or feel free to follow your own nose and explore independently. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door.

Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

4. Bournemouth: Seaside Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Experience the beautiful British coastline with the Bournemouth hop-on hop-off tour. Ride an open-top double-decker tour bus on a 1.5-hour loop through the Dorset coastline to discover the beautiful seaside towns of Bournemouth and Poole. Stop at Poole Quay and explore the variety of shops, parks, restaurants, and theatres, as well as buzzing nightlife. The onboard commentary points out the main sights and attractions of each city, all accessible from the 22 conveniently located stops along the bus route. There are plenty of things to do in Bournemouth and Poole. A double-decker bus is a perfect way to explore the picturesque British seaside and the phenomenal beaches, parks, and shops of Bournemouth and Poole are all easily accessible from the tour route's wandering path down the coastline. Bournemouth Tour Stops: A. Bournemouth Station - Stand K A. East Overcliff Drive 1. Bournemouth Pier - Behind Hot Rocks 2. Bournemouth Square - Gervis Place Stand X 3. West Cliff 4. West Overcliff Drive 5. Westbourne 6. Branksome Chine 7. Canford Cliffs 8. Flaghead Chine 9. Sandbanks Beach 10. Sandbanks Beach 11. Sandbanks Peninsular 12. Sandbanks Beach 13. Sandbanks Beach 14. Lilliput Village 15. Whitecliff 16. Poole Park - The Ark 17. Poole Park - The Kitchen 18. Poole Quay & Old Town 19. Baiter Park 20. Poole Park 21. Ashley Cross 22. Westbourne 23. Poole Road 24. Bournemouth Square 25. Bournemouth Pier

From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

5. From Bournemouth: Jurassic Coast & Isle of Purbeck Day Tour

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole. Hotel pick up request: Please email us to info@discoverdorset.co.uk with your date, booking number and the name and address of your hotel. We will confirm the place and an approximiate time in a reply email, please be 10-15 minutes early and outside.

Devon and Cornwall: 5-Day Tour from London

6. Devon and Cornwall: 5-Day Tour from London

Discover the landscapes and history of the wild Southwest of England on this 5-day minicoach tour. Combining the best of Devon and Cornwall, including the Jurassic Coast, Dartmoor, Lands End, Tintagel Castle, 2 nights in the Roman city of Exeter, and 2 nights in the harbor town of Falmouth, this tour offers a unique view of a beautiful part of Britain. Day 1 Depart London and travel through the old kingdom of Wessex to the historic city of Winchester. The former capital of Anglo-Saxon England boasts a magnificent cathedral and the Norman Great Hall. From this bustling city, head to a quieter but equally profound place, the standing stone circle of Stonehenge. Having explored this mystical place, your tour will continue to Exeter, the Romans most southwesterly fortified settlement and your base for 2 nights. Day 2 Your morning is spent exploring the magnificent wilderness of Dartmoor, the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge, and the historic market town of Tavistock, home to Francis Drake. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore the Roman town, with its underground passages, ancient walls, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and famous 12th-Century Norman Cathedral. Day 3 Head west to the North Cornish coast and the Elizabethan fishing village of Boscastle. Indulge in a cream tea, take a stroll out to the dramatic headland or learn a spell or two in the Museum of Witchcraft. Travel to the village of Tintagel and the ruins of its headland Castle, whose romantic cliff-top setting is purportedly the birthplace of King Arthur. After lunch, the tour heads to Port Isaac where you can get your Doc Martin fix and fall in love with this picturesque fishing village, before heading south to the bustling port town of Falmouth for the next two nights. Day 4 Explore the most westerly tip of England on this magnificent day, taking in St. Michael’s Mount, the incredible Minack Theater, built into the cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful National Trust beach at Porthcurno. Look out for pirates at Penzance! England’s most westerly point beckons at Lands End before following the dramatic coast, with windswept moors and old stone Celtic communities, up to the artistic haven of St. Ives. Return to Falmouth for the night. Day 5 This morning you say farewell to Cornwall and travel back through the Devon countryside with stops for photos and refreshments before arriving in the famous little town of Glastonbury for lunch. Glastonbury Tor rises high above the town and has mythical connections with King Arthur and Avalon. From here you will return back eastwards to London, a city completely removed from the experiences you have enjoyed in the magical counties of Devon and Cornwall. Staying in a range of locally owned, friendly B&B's and guesthouses, you will enjoy en suite facilities, and tranquility in scenic locations in the lovely southwest of England.

From Bristol: 4-Day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge Tour

7. From Bristol: 4-Day Cornwall, Devon & Stonehenge Tour

Day 1 You begin your journey down into the south-west of England. You’ll stop in at cute villages and enjoy a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park, a beautiful mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. We like to keep things flexible this morning, so your driver-guide will touch base with you throughout the day. Next stop is Dunster; this medieval village is dominated by its Norman Castle, which you can view as you wander the village. You will visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting snug on the clifftops of North Cornwall, this historic 13th-century castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The time is yours to explore this wonderful site. We depart Tintagel and head for the coastal city of Falmouth, our overnight base for the next two nights. Day 2 The day begins with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations: the fishing town of St Ives. Get in touch with your inner seaside dweller as you wander this idyllic harbour town. Your next destination is a must in our opinion. Land’s End is a legendary spot that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as ‘Belerion’, or ‘Place of the Sun’. We head for a lunch break to an open-air theatre perched atop rugged cliffs. Yes, we’re talking about the incredible *Minack Theatre. *Please note that due to availability, we may be unable to visit this theatre. Your guide will let you know as you go. The last stop of the day is in Marazion, where you’ll get a chance for a photo of the jaw-dropping St Michael’s Mount. This rocky island is home to a medieval church and castle, and is England’s very own Mont Saint-Michel. Day 3 This morning we keep things flexible, with possible stops as we start heading north again. You then arrive in Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-mining district) and market town. You have free time to explore the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Your journey continues east into Dartmoor National Park, a stunningly craggy landscape filled with forests, rivers, wetlands and tors. You’ll stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song of “Widecombe Fair” has been immortalized. Your adventure in Dartmoor National Park continues with a visit to the rocky granite outcrops of Haytor before you head to Exeter for the evening. Day 4 The last day of your tour stops at Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, and the uniqueness of Lulworth Cove. Then you’re off to Shaftesbury, which is the epitome of a quaint English market town. It also has a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The final stop of the day is the iconic and mind-boggling Stonehenge. It’s been around for around 5,000 years and to this day, people still flock to it in wonder. You among them? There are plenty of legends surrounding these massive stones and how they ended in such a formation.

London: 3-Day Stonehenge, Bath & South West Coast Tour

8. London: 3-Day Stonehenge, Bath & South West Coast Tour

Discover some of the most historic sites in England on a 3-day tour of the southwest, visiting the Roman city of Bath, and center of the Kingdom of Wessex at Exeter. Drive along the preshistoric Jurassic Coast of Dorset, and head into the vast moorland of Dartmoor, a protected national park with exposed granite hilltops. The tour, by comfortable 16-seat minibus, also includes time at Stonehenge, the most famous stone circle in England, and a chance to climb Glastonbury Tor. Day 1: Depart London for the old Kingdom of Wessex en route to the famous Neolithic standing stone circle of Stonehenge on Salisbury Plain. Explore the mystical stones, which continue to confound historians to this day. Next, head for the dramatic south coast of Dorset, enjoying the panoramic views over white sand beaches, and the natural rock arch of Durdle Door. Spend the afternoon on the Jurassic Coast before driving to the historic city of Exeter, which was the most southwesterly fortified settlement of the ancient Roman Empire. You will be based here for the next 2 nights. Day 2: Enjoy a morning exploring the wilderness of Dartmoor, including the ancient "Clapper Bridge" at Postbridge. Go to the market town of Tavistock, where Francis Drake used to live. Return to Exeter in the early afternoon to explore the Roman town’s underground passages and ancient walls. Visit the renovated Royal Albert Memorial Museum to find fascinating sections on zoology, archaeology, anthropology, and fine art. Marvel at the 12th-century Norman Cathedral, which boasts the longest uninterrupted vaulted ceiling in England. Day 3: On your final day, head to Glastonbury and visit Glastonbury Tor. Learn about its connection to Avalon and King Arthur, and climb the Tor for spectacular views across 3 English counties. Drive to the beautiful City of Bath for lunch, with time in the afternoon to explore the relics of its Roman past, including the famous Roman Baths. Admire the handsome Georgian architecture of the city center, and pop into the 7th-century Bath Abbey, noted for its fan vaulting and commemorative stained glass. Return to London for an early evening drop off.

From Cardiff: Tour of Cardiff Bay and Vale of Glamorgan

9. From Cardiff: Tour of Cardiff Bay and Vale of Glamorgan

Start your guided tour in Cardiff city center. Begin with Cardiff's origins as a Roman garrison, traveling through time to the medieval period and the city's expansion as a global distribution center for coal. Visit Cardiff Bay and the Victorian seaside town of Penarth. Drive through the Vale of Glamorgan and discover ancient burial chambers and hidden villages. Follow the Heritage Coast and don't miss the chance to hunt for fossils, or maybe take a dip in the sea. The tour finishes where it began in Cardiff.

Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

10. Poole: Old Harry Rocks and Corfé Castle Guided E-bike Tour

Your Dorset holiday has just become a lot more fun with our Guided Electric Bicycle tours. As easy to ride as a conventional bike, your electric bike will take you to some of the best sites and around the Jurassic Coast, sweat-free, relaxed and at an easy pace. For a fun day out, a guided electric bike tour is one of the most fun things you can do. Grab a helmet and head off with our experienced guide to explore. Our hire bikes are so much fun you won’t be able to stop smiling. As soon as you feel the bike doing the hard work you’ll realise this has to be the best way to see the area. Most people comment they had as much fun riding the electric bike as they did seeing the sites! We have a number of suggested day trips for you and because our bikes require so little effort, you’ll be able to see much more of the area than you would with conventional bike hire. Itinerary Start At:Poole Harbour, Poole England Stop At: Sandbanks, Poole, UK We will have a quick stop to take in the lovely views of the beach with its golden sand, stretching for over 10km to Christchurch. Stop At: Studland beach and Nature Reserve, Ferry Road National Trust Area, Studland We will see the beach and the nature reserve while cycling past it and stoping for some photos. Stop At: Old Harry Rocks We will make our way to Harry's Rock from the Obelisk while looking all over Swanage and Poole Harbour, one of the highest points with magical views. Stop At: Corfe Castle, Corfe Castle, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England Corfe Castle - We will make our way from Harry's Rock back to Studland and all the way through the Forrest to Corfe Castle. Stop At: Poole Harbour, Poole England We will travel back passing Poole Harbour and Park stopping for some photos. Pass By: Bournemouth, Bournemouth, Dorset, England Season depending we will cycle on Bournemouth Promenade too Sandbanks.

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What people are saying about Jurassic Coast

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 1,540 reviews

Really great excursion. Beautiful surroundings and interesting facts about Poole Harbour and surrounding area. Would highly recommend.

Lovely tour of the harbour and nearby islands. Lots of relevant information. Free hot drink and mince pie included.

Fantastic trip for minimal money. Great knowledgeable skipper guiding you around all the islands of the harbour

Fantastic small group trip. Wonderful places and scenery. June, our driver and guide was top class.

Great time out although the Red Boat Kiosk is no longer Red! Look forward City Cruises!