Things to do in

Lulworth Cove

Discover some of the most scenic coastline in southern England on a bus trip from Bournemouth. Travel along the famous Jurassic Coast, via Poole Harbour and Sandbanks, to experience the nation's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit both Lulworth Cove and the natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and get plenty of information and maps to help you along the way. Use the time to go for a light nature walk from Durdle Door over the hill to Lulworth Cove and get magnificent views from Hambury Tout. Spend the time at Lulworth Cove if you prefer to give your legs a rest and get a beautiful view of the arch on an optional boat ride from the beach, at your own expense. Benefit from a map highlighting the main features, or feel free to follow your own nose and explore independently. Find a nice cafe or restaurant in the village of West Lulworth or avail of the small shop in the holiday park at Durdle Door.

Catch the early morning ferry across to the Isle of Purbeck. View Old Harry Rocks, the starting point of the Jurassic Coast, England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in breath-taking views across Poole Harbour and towards Brownsea Island. By mid morning you will arrive at Durlston Country Park. Visit the brand new Jurassic Coast visitor center housed in the recently refurbished Durlston Castle. There’s time for a morning coffee stop overlooking the famous Great Globe and a chance to take the cliff top walk along to Tilly Whim Caves and the Anvil Point Lighthouse. For every visitor brought to Durlston Country Park, a contribution towards a bursary that helps to support their volunteer programme is made. Heading west drive through some of the tiny lanes and villages that give Purbeck its unique character. Take lunch in the village of Corfe Castle, dominated by the ruins that give it its name. Entrance to the castle itself not included (Free to NT members). After lunch take a gentle drive along the coast taking in more stunning scenery as you head for an afternoon at Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Walk down to Man o’ War Rocks and view the magnificent rock arch of Durdle Door, hewn from the Portland limestone beds. Finally, head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole.

Day 1 You begin your journey down into the south-west of England. You’ll stop in at cute villages and enjoy a scenic drive through Exmoor National Park, a beautiful mix of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers. We like to keep things flexible this morning, so your driver-guide will touch base with you throughout the day. Next stop is Dunster; this medieval village is dominated by its Norman Castle, which you can view as you wander the village. You will visit the incredible ruins of Tintagel Castle. Sitting snug on the clifftops of North Cornwall, this historic 13th-century castle is believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The time is yours to explore this wonderful site. We depart Tintagel and head for the coastal city of Falmouth, our overnight base for the next two nights. Day 2 The day begins with a visit to one of Cornwall’s most loved destinations: the fishing town of St Ives. Get in touch with your inner seaside dweller as you wander this idyllic harbour town. Your next destination is a must in our opinion. Land’s End is a legendary spot that has inspired people since ancient Greek times when it was referred to as ‘Belerion’, or ‘Place of the Sun’. We head for a lunch break to an open-air theatre perched atop rugged cliffs. Yes, we’re talking about the incredible *Minack Theatre. *Please note that due to availability, we may be unable to visit this theatre. Your guide will let you know as you go. The last stop of the day is in Marazion, where you’ll get a chance for a photo of the jaw-dropping St Michael’s Mount. This rocky island is home to a medieval church and castle, and is England’s very own Mont Saint-Michel. Day 3 This morning we keep things flexible, with possible stops as we start heading north again. You then arrive in Tavistock, an ancient stannary (tin-mining district) and market town. You have free time to explore the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. Your journey continues east into Dartmoor National Park, a stunningly craggy landscape filled with forests, rivers, wetlands and tors. You’ll stop in the picturesque village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor, where the folk song of “Widecombe Fair” has been immortalized. Your adventure in Dartmoor National Park continues with a visit to the rocky granite outcrops of Haytor before you head to Exeter for the evening. Day 4 The last day of your tour stops at Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks, and the uniqueness of Lulworth Cove. Then you’re off to Shaftesbury, which is the epitome of a quaint English market town. It also has a fascinating history going back to Saxon times. The final stop of the day is the iconic and mind-boggling Stonehenge. It’s been around for around 5,000 years and to this day, people still flock to it in wonder. You among them? There are plenty of legends surrounding these massive stones and how they ended in such a formation.

Embark on an adventure along the Jurassic Coast, a marvel of Earth's history, showcasing the evolution of life and natural processes that sculpt our planet. This landscape, rich in diversity and beauty, stands out for its significant geology, earning it World Heritage Site status in 2001. Your driver takes you through the unique geology of the coastline, where you can delve into the environmental shifts spanning millions of years. Witness the fossils of ancient, extinct creatures revealing themselves from the cliffs, offering a new perspective on our world. The formation of the coast, through rock falls, landslides, and storm-battered beaches, provides insights into its creation. This 95-mile journey across Dorset and East Devon introduces you to a landscape filled with varied rocks, setting the stage for diverse and memorable experiences. From relaxing summer days by the beach and family barbecues to invigorating walks during the blustery winter, every moment becomes unforgettable. The Jurassic Coast tantalizes the senses, weaving stories that engage the mind, body, and soul, inspiring a deep connection and the desire to explore its wonders repeatedly. Discover the historic Durdle Door, a majestic natural limestone arch that stands as a testament to the coast's beauty. Nearby, the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre offers deeper insights into Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, highlighting their significance. A walk along the South West Coast Path at Durdle Door presents breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast. Your guide suggests carrying an Ordnance Survey map for a rewarding day of exploration. The story of the coast is also a tale of geological forces at play. About 25 million years ago, the collision of the African and European tectonic plates formed the Alps. This event influenced the rocks in south Dorset and Purbeck, adding to the coast's geological tapestry. Lyme Regis beckons as your next stop, a picturesque seaside resort on the world-renowned Jurassic Coast. Ideal for family vacations, active breaks, or romantic escapes, Lyme Regis is famed for its fossil-rich shores and ties to Mary Anning, a pioneering palaeontologist. This town, enveloped in natural beauty and rich history dating back to the 8th century, marks the concluding point of your tour, guiding you back to the hotel with memories of a land sculpted through time.