Here on the Jurassic Coast, we are blessed to have 95 miles of spectacular Natural World Heritage Site at our fingertips to explore. Naturally, some of the locations across this range are more popular than others, and draw big crowds, particularly during Summer and holiday periods.
You only need to jump on Instagram and peruse #jurassiccoast to see which sites fit in this category – Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Studland and Lyme Regis are just some of the popular destinations that are always heavily featured.
But what about those quieter, less spoken about and less visited spots? Fortunately, we have a whole load of them, and each makes for a memorable and unique day out where you can feel like you’ve got a slice of the World Heritage Site (mainly) to yourself.
An Island of Discovery
At the southern tip of the Jurassic Coast is the Isle of Portland, home to a number of less-visited coastal locales. Start with the island’s beaches – namely Chesil Cove, Church Ope Cove and Little Beach. The water on the island is often dazzlingly blue, which will have your photos resembling the Caribbean, even if the water temperature doesn’t!
When you’ve packed up the beach towel, head inland and explore Portland’s array of fascinating sights and sounds – from the sculptures of Tout Quarry to the prison-themed café.
A Hill Between Two Beaches
Plonk the stunning countryside expanse of Stonebarrow anywhere else in the country and it would be chock full of picnickers and intrepid walkers year-round. Instead, as it is inconveniently (or conveniently, depending on your perspective) located between two of the Jurassic Coast’s most stunning and well-visited beaches – Charmouth and Seatown – it can often be mystifyingly deserted, even during busy Summer and school holiday periods.
This National Trust-owned and managed estate contains endless bucolic walking trails, myriad bird-watching opportunities, plus fascinating local history in the form of Stanton St Gabriel, one of Dorset’s mysterious ‘vanished’ villages.
Access it through the blink and you miss it village of Morcombelake (situated on the A35), from the National Trust car park at Langdon Hill Woods, by steep drive from Charmouth up the aptly named Stonebarrow Lane, or by an even steeper (but greatly rewarding) walk from Seatown.
Devon Heaven
Devon’s slice of the Jurassic Coast can often be quieter and less-visited than some of the popular sites in the neighbouring county, much to the benefit of the discerning visitor. Pop along to Seaton for stunning panoramic coastal views, where you’ll typically come by a parking spot much easier than in neighbouring Lyme Regis.
Seaton makes a perfect base to explore this section of the coast, offering easily accessible walks to nearby Beer and Branscombe or the ever-intriguing Undercliffs Reserve that straddles the two counties.
Find your perfect hidden gem in Purbeck
While Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck is home to some of the Jurassic Coast’s most well-visited locations, its undulating hills and winding pathways also hold a bevy of secret, off-the-beaten-track spots to reward adventurous visitors.
Grab an OS Map and make a new discovery on your next journey over this way; whether it’s the atmospheric views and fascinating history of St Aldhelm’s Head, the plunging walk down to the sheltered cove of Chapmans Pool, or the geological heaven of Worbarrow Bay.
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