Free

The Jurassic Coast offers a multitude of options for those looking for a no-cost (or very low-cost) day out. As nature takes centre stage here, many of the absolute best experiences on the Jurassic Coast won’t cost you a penny.

Parking for Pennies

There are many places on the Jurassic Coast where you can park your car for exceptionally low rates. Worth Matravers in Purbeck has a village car park with an honesty box where the suggested donation is £2 per day – that’s the sort of change you can find lurking between sofa cushions and represents serious value, considering the World Heritage Site views and coastal walking trails on offer nearby, not to mention the phenomenal (and free) Spyway Dinosaur Footprints a short amble away.

Still in Purbeck, Tyneham village also has an honesty box with a £2 per day parking fee. Be sure to check the Lulworth Ranges Firing Times before planning your visit, and once there enjoy the sumptuous walk to and geological marvels on show at nearby Worbarrow Bay, whilst exploring the fascinating trapped-in-time village itself.

If visiting out of season, be sure to check the latest Parking offers – for instance, East Devon District Council often run special parking rates on coastal car parks in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Seaton in the lead-up to Christmas.

Enjoy a Picnic with a Million-Dollar View

Whilst the coast contains a bevy of superb Food & Drink options for eating out, sometimes the most satisfying meal is one you’ve cooked at home and brought with you for the day.

If dining al fresco on your trusty picnic rug, we can recommend the views at Charmouth, where you’ll have the beach and sea on one side and a pretty river and little bridge on the other. As a bonus, you can combine your picnic with a spot of Fossil Hunting, one of the coast’s best Activities and one that is absolutely free – just use your eyes!

Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth is another magnificent picnic spot, resting atop Jacob’s Ladder and affording spectacular views of the town’s towering Triassic cliffs to either side. The gardens have multiple flat grassy areas for rug-spreading, and there is step-free access to the beach via a zig-zagging concrete pathway. Combine a picnic with a walk on Sidmouth seafront and you’ve got yourself one of the best Jurassic Coast days out available at zero cost.

These Boots are Made for Walking

Walking is free as we all know, and thankfully our World Heritage Site offers a world-class version of it to match any age, ability level and desired walking duration.

Browse our selection of walks to start building your itinerary – perhaps a walk from West Bay to Seatown and back could be tempting, or the stunning Hooken Undercliff that joins Beer and Branscombe in Devon. The world of walking is truly your oyster here, or maybe we should say ammonite!

Free to Explore

Some of the coast’s most noteworthy Attractions are free to enter. Start with Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, where you can see David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon up close and get your own fossil finds identified by the Centre’s expert wardens.

Nearby West Bay Discovery Centre is an award-winning local Attraction that takes visitors on a fascinating tour through the history of this coastal village. There are always new exhibitions and activities happening here so be sure to pop in and see the latest.

Further east, the Wild Chesil Centre between Weymouth and Portland is a wildlife haven and offers plenty of interesting fodder for animal and mineral lovers alike.

Virtually Free

And finally, if you’ve crashed back at home at the end your visit, or you’re dreaming about your next Jurassic Coast expedition, be sure to browse our website and fill your (walking) boots – check out our Fossil Finder for all things palaeontological, browse our Ideas & Inspiration section for themed and seasonal treats, and see our What’s On guide for everything that's coming up.

Number of results: 11

Sort By: A-Z Lowest A-Z Highest

Spyway Dinosaur Footprints

Address

Langton Matravers, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 3HG

info@jurassiccoast.org

Swanage

Hidden away in Purbeck, within a stone's throw of the Jurassic Coast, is the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints. Nestled alongside a working quarry, and easily accessible from the Priest's Way walking path, these incredible footprints were made by Jurassic…
The Fine Foundation Heritage Centre, Beer

Address

Sea Hill, Beer, Devon, EX12 3EE

Beer

Come to the Fine Foundation Heritage Centre Beer to discover the story of the local geology, from the pebbles on the beach to the famous Beer Stone, used in buildings all over the country... and even for experiments in space.
Orcombe Point

Address

Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2DH

Exmouth

The rocks exposed at Orcombe Point embody the opening paragraphs of the story contained within the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. The Geoneedle monument found here marks the official start (or end if you prefer) of the World Heritage Site.
Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre

Address

Main Road, West Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5RQ

Telephone
01929 400587

West Lulworth

The displays, animations and films in the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre tell the story of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, two of the most iconic geological features on the Jurassic Coast.
Tout Quarry

Address

Tout Quarry, Portland, Dorset, DT5 2LN

Portland

Discover over 60 hidden sculptures in Tout Quarry, one of only two remaining on Portland where the famous Portland Stone was quarried using old methods.
The Ammonite Pavement

Address

Lyme Regis, Dorset, DT7 3RH

Lyme Regis

Taking a short walk west along Monmouth Beach at low tide will bring you to the Ammonite Pavement - a number of limestone ledges, washed clear by the sea.
West Bay Discovery Centre

Address

West Bay Rd, West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 4EN

Telephone
01308 427288

Bridport

West Bay Discovery Centre tells the story of West Bay past and present featuring information, static and interactive displays, oral history and walking trails. There is something of interest for all visitors and ages. It also aims to provide…
The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre

Address

Ferrybridge, Beach Road, Portland, Dorset, DT4 9XE

Telephone
01305 206191

Portland

At The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, you can learn more about the formation of this huge barrier beach and the rich wildlife and history associated with it.
The Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre

Address

Kimmeridge, Dorset, BH20 5PF

Telephone
01929 481044

kimmeridge@dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk

Kimmeridge

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Wild Seas Centre sits on the shoreline of beautiful Kimmeridge Bay in the Purbeck Coast Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ), created to protect the very special marine life here.
Lulworth Fossil Forest

Address

As the Jurassic Period drew to a close, sea levels were falling. Shallow tropical seas gave way to coastal plains and for a brief period - around 145 million years ago - a forest grew in the area now known as Purbeck. The evidence for the existence…
Durlston Country Park

Address

Lighthouse Road, Swanage, Dorset, BH19 2JL

Telephone
01929 424443

Swanage

Located one mile from Swanage, Durlston Country Park is a 280 acre countryside paradise with stunning views, hay meadows and coastal downland, the historic Great Globe and a wealth of bird and wildlife including regular sightings of dolphins.