Jurassic Coast

Last year marked 20 years since the Jurassic Coast gained its UNESCO World Heritage status – Dream Escape uncovers this idyllic region of Dorset and Devon where guests can experience its wild natural beauty and celebrated local attractions.

The world-famous Jurassic Coast is an astounding landscape comprising otherworldly rock formations totalling an impressive 185 million years of geological history. Some of the best-known spots include Dorset's most-photographed landmark, Durdle Door, and the giant chalk stacks at Handfast Point, known as Old Harry Rocks. Besides these fashionable spots, however, there are over 90 miles of spectacular rugged headland just waiting to be discovered.

Quite impressively, this coastline is the only natural UNESCO site in the UK – and one of the best ways to experience the wondrous panoramas is by horseback. Dream Escape trips to this region will often include a private horse-riding trek, with access to miles of bridleways over Ballard and Nine Barrow Downs. There are acres of pine forest at Rempstone, stunning views from Godlingston Heath and three miles of sandy beach at Studland Bay, making it the perfect destination for an incredible riding experience.

With breathtaking views, open fields and long canters, it is clear to see why a ride on top of Ballard Down is another clear favourite, with all-round incredible views of Swanage to one side, Poole Harbour with all its islands to the other and Old Harry with the Isle of Wight in the distance.

Visitors to this region are rewarded for their coastal walking or horse-riding efforts with superb hospitality – restaurants are rich with locally farmed and foraged produce. One of Dream Escape's favourites is The Pig on the Beach, situated along Studland Bay – one of seven PIG hotels spread across every county along the south coast of England, widely celebrated for their laid-back ethos and distinctive sense of organic style.

Just a short detour from the Jurassic Coast (and The Pig on the Beach) at the entrance to Poole Harbour is one of the best beaches in Britain, Sandbanks. Blue-flagged and with breathtaking views over Bournemouth Bay. Taking a private boat charter, you can enjoy Studland Bay, Sandbanks and Brownsea Island – all in one day.

As the night draws in, Rick Stein’s restaurant – serving dishes of Dover sole, lobster thermidor and freshly shucked oysters, in a romantic setting with panoramic views of Poole Harbour – is just one of many fabulous dining options where you'll enjoy fabulous local seafood fresh from the ocean. There’s an abundance of beautiful beaches on your doorstep, as well as a thousand-year-old royal stronghold, Corfe Castle, to explore. Taking out a pedalo or kayak from Swanage Beach will have you feeling as though you are in the Mediterranean, and if you are lucky enough to visit the Dancing Ledge when the waves are washing over the horizontal surface, you will witness the undulations causing the water to bob about – making the ledge appear to dance!

Heading west along the coast from Studland to Weymouth, you come to yet more beautiful sandy shores, including Kimmeridge Bay, Ringstead Bay and Bowleaze Cove. You will also pass much-loved attractions, including Lulworth Castle, Butter Rock Castle and the Osmington White Horse.

In Weymouth, Dream Escape transports its guests for a leisurely cruise along the Jurassic Coast to see Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door by private boat charter. One of Dream Escape's favourite idyllic spots is Lulworth Cove – a scenic wonder of the natural world. This sheltered bay has crystal-clear waters and a welcoming seaside village. The natural limestone arch of Durdle Door is extremely popular, and this often makes it difficult to visit away from the crowds – however, by water you avoid the hustle and bustle and are instead able to experience this significant beauty spot from your own special viewpoint.

Overlooking this beautiful coastline, and a great place to get your head down for the evening, is Clifftops. Nestled into the Portland stone cliffs, on the beautiful Isle of Portland, at the edge of the Penn Castle Estate. Clifftops has been designed beautifully – there are five brand-new luxury lodges, which can accommodate up to 20 guests.

Clifftops lodges at the Penn Castle Estate

Staying in one of the luxury Clifftops lodges, you are at the southernmost point on the Jurassic Coast. The Isle of Portland is a tied island joined to the mainland by Chesil beach. There is plenty to see, do and explore on the island itself, including visiting the 16th-century Portland Castle, Rufus Castle or Portland Bill Lighthouse or you might choose to spend a lazy afternoon listening to the lapping waves at Church Ope Cove.

Less than an hour from here, heading inland into the gorgeous Dorset countryside, is Chedington – a beautiful estate, farm and equestrian's paradise – providing a home for elite horses and riders to compete and train. Dream Escape organise private tours of the estate with the estate owners and private fossil-hunting experiences with an archaeologist on the nearby Lyme Regis coastline.

Visit for the day or, if you would prefer to stay tucked away in the estate, there's Chedington Grange, where two converted barns sleep up to 24 guests.

On the way to or from Chedington, Dream Escape loves to take guests for a hearty breakfast or lunch at Pip's Railway Carriage. Owners Pip and Gary serve outstanding food, coffee, teas and delicious cakes crafted on-site in their bakeshop and using local produce from their organic farm. Served in beautifully refurbished 1850’s train carriage booths, a double-decker bus and a beautiful garden, this is a truly unique and quirky dining experience.

View towards the Isle of Portland

Within Thomas Hardy’s enchanting village of Evershot is the quintessential country escape Summer Lodge Hotel. Dream Escape guests love the enchanting cottages, from the secluded sheltered rockery and wood-panelled private dining room in Bea's Cottage to the enchanting hot tub in Ivy Cottage, surrounded by the garden’s fairy candles and set under the dramatic Dorset stars.

From courts to castles, and abbeys to manor houses, Summer Lodge is surrounded by a wide variety of historic houses and gardens. Whether you are interested in the architecture and the history, the flora and fauna, or simply just enjoy taking a stroll in a beautiful setting, Dream Escape recommends Lytes Cary Manor, originally the family home of Henry Lyte; and Montacute House, a magnificent, glittering mansion, built in the late 16th century for Sir Edward Phelips. There are many Renaissance features, and the Long Gallery, the longest of its kind in England, displays the finest Tudor and Elizabethan portraits from the National Portrait Gallery collection.

Dream Escape guests love the enchanting cottages...surrounded by the garden’s fairy candles and set under the dramatic Dorset stars.

The east front of Montacute House

IMAGE © NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES / ROBERT MORRIS

Described as one of the most beautiful and unique sculpture parks in the UK, Sculpture by the Lakes is another fantastic place to visit during your stay at Chedington Grange or Summer Lodge.

Heading further west towards Orcombe Point near Exmouth, the opposite-ended gateway to the Jurassic Coast to Old Harry Rocks in Swanage where your journey started, you will find sister property to THE PIG on the Beach, THE PIG at Combe – a honey-coloured Elizabethan gem in the Otter Valley. Take part in a gardening workshop with Mark Diacono in The Folly, a derelict chic hideaway tucked in the garden, or dine out in style in The Restaurant, benefiting from a 25mile locally sourced menu and three walled gardens – the vegetable garden, the herb garden, and the infusion garden. The bedrooms at THE PIG-at Combe also have a larder wellstocked with vintage treats and locally sourced snacks.

There are many attractions nearby, including Killerton House, an 18th-century National Trust house with stunning landscaped gardens, costume collections and more; Wildwood Escot, with plenty of animals, a maze, a 40-metre zip line, and and an authentic Saxon village; Powderham Castle, a distinctive castle set in a scenic location with over 600 years of history; and Castlewood Vineyard, where you can explore their vineyards and discover their delicious wines. Dream Escape can also arrange fishing trips from Beer, private boat cruises from Lyme Bay and watersport activities, including kitesurfing, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing from Exmouth Beach. There are many great spots for refreshments, some of Dream Escape's favourites include Robin Wylde’s restaurant in Lyme Regis, The Lost Kitchen in Tiverton and 14thcentury Masons Arms in Branscombe, one of Britain’s most picturesque villages.

Last but by no means least, our favourite hotel to stay in while exploring the Jurassic Coast is Lympstone Manor. This luxury five-star Relais & Châteaux country house hotel overlooking the Exe estuary has 21 luxurious guest rooms and suites, six shepherds huts, Michelin-starred fine dining from chef Michael Caines, a world-class wine cellar, 28 acres of ground, including a 10.8-acre vineyard, a heated outdoor swimming pool and a brand new pool-house restaurant and bar.

The Folly at THE PIG at Combe

Lympstone Manor is the perfect base from which to explore the South Hams, where you will find beautiful maritime town, such as Dartmouth and Salcombe. In the heart of the county, Dartmoor National Park is ideal for walkers looking for a varied challenge, with heather and gorse meadows, rugged granite tors, and over 5,000 Bronze Age hut circles.

Lympstone Manor

Image Credit Steven Brownhill

Exeter, the capital of this beautiful county, lies seven miles north of Lympstone Manor on the Exe river. It is a vibrant and lively cathedral city that is attractive and steeped in history, pre-dating the arrival of the Romans in AD 50. The imposing Roman and medieval city wall is still intact in many places, and archaeologists have uncovered much of interest from the distant past. The Gothic cathedral dates from the 11th century and there are lovely, half-timbered Tudor buildings that somehow survived the bombings of WWII.

There are two extraordinary National Trust attractions close by, where Dream Escape often take guests. Within walking distance of Lympstone Manor the quirky 18th-century, 16-sided A La Ronde house, where imaginations of cousins Jane and Mary Parminter ran wild in the 1790s. Marvel in the fascinating interior decoration and collections.

A short drive and detour from the Jurassic Coast into Dartmoor National Park, Fingle Bridge Woods is one of the National Trust's calmest spots, looking out over the River Teign with unspoilt woods, ancient trees, thriving wildlife, miles of pathways and Castle Drogo to explore. Follow the river, spot the beautiful butterflies, and climb to the top of the gorge for spectacular views over Dartmoor.

A journey of the Jurassic Coast takes you through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods – a time of deserts, tropical seas, ancient forests, and lush swamps all documented in the rocks. This is a must-visit coastline, abundant in natural beauty and our earth’s preserved history, combined with luxury hotels, award-winning restaurants and prevalent attractions.

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Susie Little, Travel Design Manager

“Whether you’re a palaeontologist, a digging dabbler or have simply never touched a hammer before, the Jurassic Coastline is for you – a place where you can scout the beaches for a fossil, find a dinosaur’s tooth, or merely have a wonderful morning full of sea air and discovery. There is a certain magical feeling opening a rock up and being the first human to glance at a 200-million-year-old fossil.”

⬥ susie@dreamescape.co.uk

WORDS | JESSICA WAY