With such a breathtaking stretch of coastline, you’ll want to find the best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast. Whether you are a hiker, a beachgoer, or a do-nothing-er; this guide helps you choose your perfect spot.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Comments & Questions
With 95 miles of coastline and 185 million years in the making, the Jurassic Coast is a geological marvel, a scenic refresher and a hiker’s paradise. Finding where to stay on the Jurassic Coast is just the start of a great escape to some of the best coastal activities the UK has to offer.
Spend an afternoon in rejuvenation mode either hiking along rugged white clifftops or lazing on pebble beaches below them. Take in the Jurassic Coast light via a sunrise excursion to a decaying castle, or under the exposed lightbulbs of a hipster brewery producing artisanal ales.
The Jurassic Coast is a 2-hour drive from one end to the other, so it’s important to understand where you want to stay. Pick from a stylish clifftop hotel staring, a shepherd’s hut, a cool treehouse or a traditional pub in a remote location.
Whatever accommodation you are after, our guide to the best hotels on the Dorset Coast includes all the regions along the Jurassic Coast to help you plan your next long weekend in the UK.
IN THIS GUIDE
WHERE TO STAY ON THE JURASSIC COAST
01 – PURBECK PENINSULA
02 – LYME REGIS
03 – DORCHESTER
04 – DESTINATION STAYS
1 – PURBECK PENINSULA
Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for superb hikes and dramatic scenery
The Purbeck Peninsula is a sixty square mile patch of England, jutting out into the English Channel and bordered on three sides by water. Nowhere along the Jurassic Coast is the scenery more dramatic than in the Purbeck Peninsula. Towering white cliffs and mighty stacks of rock drop precipitously to the sea.
Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks – the iconic sights of the south of England – are scattered across the peninsula, connected by scenic hikes on the Jurassic Coast. Just inland, the exceptionally photogenic Corfe Castle and several abandoned villages, add to the remote feel of the region.
There are some great Dorset Coastal hotels on the Isle of Purbeck. Remote pubs all alone on the southwest coastal path, grand hotels in charming market towns or a bit of luxury along the bay in Studland.
OSMINGTON MILLS
SMUGGLERS INN
The remote pub with traditionally furnished rooms perched right on the coastal path has stunning views over a rugged stretch of the Dorset coast.
WAREHAM
PRIORY HOTEL
A grand hotel in the charming town of Wareham, the Priory Hotel is set within 4 acres of beautiful English cottage gardens.
STUDLAND
PIG ON THE BEACH
A gem of a 16th-century manor house on Studland Bay with a commitment to local produce and quality service.
STUDLAND
COSY COTTAGE
This cosy 3-bedroom cottage sleeps 5 and is ideal for families with all the facilities you’ll need for a Dorset coastal getaway. It’s a lovely 10-minute walk to the beach.
2 – LYME REGIS
Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a hip and welcoming seaside town
There are a few seaside towns along the Jurassic Coast, but the pick of the bunch is Lyme Regis. Unlike some of the tourist-driven towns on the coast, Lyme Regis capitalises on the character of the area. Independent shops stocked with local produce line the high street beside quality restaurants and surprisingly good coffee. The Lyme Regis micro-brewery perched over a tiny brook is a secret worth knowing about.
Down on the front, the part shingle, part sandy beach bends in an arc backed with colourful huts and cute townhouses. It’s a lovely, authentic town with a working harbour that still clamours with activity in the early hours as fishermen head out to sea.
A little further afield, take part in a fossil-hunting expedition at Charmouth or enjoy a circular walk around the weird rock formations of West Bay. The barrel-vaulted, 14th Century Chapel at Abbotsbury is as traditionally English as you could hope to find.
LYME REGIS
CLOVELLY GUEST HOUSE
Great value guest house in the centre of Lyme Regis with help-yourself breakfast and very friendly hosts. The perfect Dorset welcome.
LYME REGIS
COVERDALE
A comfortable and spacious 1 bedroom apartment located just 450 metres from the beach, this is a great choice if you’re planning on making the most of the beach.
LYME REGIS
THE PILOT BOAT
The recently refurbished beautiful rooms at the Pilot Boat are complete with finishing touches including robes, slippers and free beer.
LYME REGIS
ROCK POINT INN
The Rock Point Inn has one of the best locations in Lyme Regis. They also have wonderful service and a hearty breakfast.
3 – DORCHESTER
Best place to stay on the Jurassic Coast for a charming market town with easy connections
If you want to explore all the things to do on the Jurassic Coast then Dorchester is a great option. Centrally located between the Purbeck peninsula and Lyme Regis, it’s a great base to explore most of the main attractions on the coast.
But as the capital of Dorset, Dorchester has its own appeal as well. The High Street is lined with grand and imposing architecture, excellent restaurants and museums. Perhaps more importantly, there’s good coffee at Coffee Saloon. As a major centre, it has a good range of accommodation from top quality B&B’s to grand Jurassic Coast hotels in landmark buildings.
Dorchester is a great option for accommodation on the Dorset coast. In less than an hour’s drive you can be at many of the best spots anywhere along the coast.
DORCHESTER
BEGGAR’S KNAPP
Excellent B&B in the centre of historic Dorchester with warm and welcoming guests and a hearty breakfast.
DORCHESTER
DUCHESS OF CORNWALL
Classic market town hotel with a Georgian theme, modern amenities and beautiful decor. The Duchess of Cornwall is a classy stay on the Dorset coast.
DORCHESTER
THE KING’S ARMS
A landmark hotel with contemporary rooms, a cosy bar and a great location within walking distance to the centre.
DORCHESTER
FRAMPTON ARMS
A well-priced guest house near the centre with hosts who will go out of their way to make you comfortable.
4 – DESTINATION STAYS
Best Jurassic Coast hotels and innovative stays which are the attraction in themselves
The Jurassic Coast has its fair share of quirky accommodation; places so good it hardly matters that you’re also in one of the most scenic parts of the country.
Go off-grid in a well-equipped and cosy Shepherds’ Hut set in the Dorset countryside, or unwind in stylish, quirky accommodation overlooking the sea.
For something completely different, escape to the outdoor luxury accommodation of a treehouse; a unique stay on the Jurassic Coast and a memorable way to unwind.
DORCHESTER
GAGGLE OF GEESE SHEPHERD HUTS
Cute cosy shepherd huts, each with a kitchenette, set on the grounds of a pub with 5 acres of garden.
BURTON BRADSTOCK
THE SEASIDE BOARDING HOUSE
Stunning clifftop views from this stylish hotel with an on-site restaurant serving some of the best food in the area.
HOLDITCH
WOODMAN’S TREEHOUSE
A stunning treehouse complex with a hot tub and sauna, all set in a dramatic woodland location.
WEST BAY
THE CORNISH STUDIO
The beautifully designed interior is matched by the excellent location of this cosy 1 bedroom cottage.
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Paul Healy
Paul is an experienced travel writer with a collection of prestigious industry awards, including the title of Blogger of the Year at both the British Guild of Travel Writers and the TravMedia Awards.
His expertise lies in crafting engaging content, focusing on city breaks, comprehensive country-wide guides, and useful travel tips.
I have just discovered your website which I am finding super helpful. I am a mother of 4, hoping to discover the nature and walks of Souther England with the cliffs. We are coming with our VW van but your site has been so helpful. Thank you.