I took my son to the Jurassic Coast for a quick escape from London while he was on school break. We made Bournemouth our home base and travelled to Poole, Swanage, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door from there. After arriving in Bournemouth by train we spent the first day exploring the long sandy beach and tranquil blue waters. Bournemouth has a lively waterfront with a bustling pier, carnival rides, and an abundance of restaurants and pubs.

I discovered my love for beach huts while visiting Bournemouth! 

The next day we took a city bus to Poole and hopped on a boat cruise to visit Swanage, Old Harry Rocks and the coast. The coastline is truly incredible with tall white cliffs, hidden caves and blue water. There are several ways to see and explore the cliffs - by boat cruise, kayak, paddle board, and cliff-top hiking.

The following day we set off to explore the Dorset Coast. Getting to the coast requires some planning as it is not easily accessible by local transit. We took a bus ‘tour’ that dropped us off at Durdle Door and picked us up at Lulworth Cove, which was perfect. The path to Durdle Door starts at a caravan park and winds down a steep hill. You need to wear proper footwear and be certain that you are in good shape before trekking down the hill! It is steep, the path is not well groomed and there is no other way to get up or down the hill. The magnificent Durdle Door natural limestone arch is a world famous geological wonder, with its massive rock arch, set right on the Jurassic Coast between Swanage and Weymouth. As you descend the hill the view is truly breath-taking! Not only is the coast incredible but the lush countryside that meets the coast consists of rolling hills and is home to a very friendly herd of cows. Something that amazes me about England is the unadultered natural beauty of the coast, which is not obstructed by railings and safety features. Albeit I am very aware of the dangers associated with walking near the cliffs edge (and am glad my children are older!).

After taking in the views of Durdle Door we hiked back up the hill (and it is a hike!) to the path that leads to Lulworth Cove. This is a hike you must do! As you crest the top of the cliff you can start to see Lulworth Cove tucked away down below. It was foggy when we visited which made for interesting views as the fog rolled in and then started to fade away as we neared Lulworth Cove. Lulworth Cove is a rural retreat nestled in undulating countryside. Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age, Lulworth Cove is world famous for its unique geology and landforms.  It’s on my to-do list to stay for a weekend in this quaint community with thatched roofs and pebbled beaches!

A note on staying safe and enjoying the coast:

The Jurassic Coast is constantly eroding. This erosion has created the beautiful coastline that we see today, but it’s important to remember that rock falls and landslides are part of this process. Although they are more likely to occur after heavy rainfall or storms, rock falls and landslides can happen at any time. The Jurassic Coast is a wonderful place to visit, but it’s important to use common sense and caution – and always pay attention to warning signs and messages about how to stay safe. Here are some safety tips.