Step back in time on the Jurassic Coast

Dorset’s world-famous Jurassic Coast offers spectacular walking scenery and with a series of walking festivals unearthing hidden gems and walker-friendly accommodation at every turn, the county is simply a walker’s paradise.

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Walk in your own Jurassic world

Whether it’s for dramatic clifftops, peaceful country lanes or woodland trails, Dorset offers walking routes for all abilities. With iconic sites like Durdle Door and Chesil Beach, its paths are internationally renowned, this is a rambler’s paradise.

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Things to do on the Dorset coast

Click here to see our interactive map of things to do on the South Coast, you can click on any of the locations or businesses to learn more about them.

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Walks & Wildlife on the Dorset Coast

Discover Dorset’s breathtaking walks and encounter diverse wildlife along our picturesque coastline. Embark on a journey through Dorset’s iconic and ancient coastal landscape, offering an ideal walking experience along England's only natural World Heritage Site.

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Stretching back 200 million years and strewn with fossils, a walk on this coastline is unlike any other

With more than 4,700 signposted footpaths, bridleways and byways to discover and some of the UK’s iconic coastal landmarks to visit, Dorset has become one of the UK’s leading destinations for walking breaks in the UK.

Mild south coast weather makes walking a year-round pursuit and a series of walking festivals provide the opportunity to dig deeper into the local history and explore dramatic landscapes.

Dorset WALX Festival takes place from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 September though most of the walks take place over the weekend. There are more than 30 walks to choose from and it’s a great opportunity to discover amazing food, history and hospitality. Buy a low-cost pass to join three walks a day with walks covering some of the county’s most impressive sites, take your pick from Isle of Purbeck favourites like Dancing Ledge, RSPB Arne, Old Harry Rocks and more.

Join in workshops and the Saturday BBQ with live music. Walks are divided into four categories to enable you to achieve your goals – to get back into exercise, improve fitness and tone, explore what’s on the doorstep or new areas of nature. All ages are welcome and so are four-legged friends! Just make sure to book your place ahead.

From August 30 to September 6, Gillingham Walking Festival returns featuring a week of free walks around the town. Gillingham is the most northerly town in Dorset and walks include the old town bridge across the River Shreen caught on canvas by landscape artist John Constable

Whether you’re tackling the South West Coast Path for charity, part of a weekend rambling group or simply enjoying a solo escape, Dorset has a wide range of accommodation choice from friendly coastal B&Bs to camping pods and five-star luxury log cabins as well as firms to arrange luggage transfers.

So pull on the boots, grab the camera and step out on this amazing Jurassic coast.

Image Credits: 1) Kimmeridge Bay © Diana Jarvis | 2) Corfe Castle © Visit Dorset | 3) Walkers near Durdle Door © Visit Dorset | 4) Looking towards Kimmeridge from Tyneham Cap © Alex Catt