Autumn

As Summer turns to Autumn on the Jurassic Coast, it welcomes new colours across our parks, gardens and natural landscapes, the crowds at popular coastal spots begin to ease, and new opportunities for discovery and exploration present themselves.

Discover your new favourite walk

Autumn is one of the best times of year for walking on the Jurassic Coast. The paths are quieter, and the cooler weather is offset by the warmth generated from exercise. Walking opportunities here are almost endless and can be overwhelming for newcomers. Your best bet is to pick your preferred area and then look at two or three possible routes within it.

Once you’re a bit more familiar with a particular area, it’s worth picking up an OS Map for more detail on the walking paths available. This will be your best friend in finding off the beaten track walking opportunities and learning how the various towns, villages, hamlets and sightseeing spots on the Jurassic Coast all fit together on foot.

Spend a day in town

Dorset and East Devon are bookended by two cities – Exeter to the west and the Poole and Bournemouth conurbation to the east. Between these two urban centres are a variety of characterful and friendly towns and villages, and autumn is the perfect time to explore them.

Independent shops are a real feature amongst the Jurassic Coast’s towns, with a myriad of dedicated local producers and artisans offering unique products that make perfect gifts or souvenirs. The same goes for local food and drink operators, with many of them serving up superb coffee, cream teas, lunches and brunches. Support our local businesses and have a brilliant day out while you’re at it.

It’s also fun to explore a new town that you might not have visited in a while – for instance Swanage, Exmouth or Lyme Regis. Heading here in autumn ensures the crowds will be thinner, parking will be easier and your day will be more leisurely.

Delve into Jurassic Coast Museums

The Jurassic Coast is home to a superb selection of museums and visitor centres, and autumn is an ideal time to make their acquaintance. You’ll have more time to linger once inside, and the travel to and from should be easier too.

Whatever your area of interest, there’s a museum to suit it, and many also hold regular exhibitions, displays and events too. Museums are a crucial part of our local Jurassic Coast communities so spending time in them is a great way to support the local area too.