Where To Stay On The Jurassic Coast - Best Areas & Hotels

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.

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 is just the start of a great escape to some of the UK’s best coastal activities.

Spend an afternoon in rejuvenation mode, hiking along the famous Seven Sisters Cliffs 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, a shepherd’s hut, a cool treehouse or a traditional pub in a remote location.

WHERE TO STAY ON THE JURASSIC COAST

1. PURBECK PENINSULA

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.

Here are some hotel recommendations:

• 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.
• Priory Hotel (££££)- A grand hotel in the charming town of Wareham, the Priory Hotel is set within 4 acres of beautiful English cottage gardens.
• The Pines Hotel (£££)- Stunning sea views from this cliff-top hotel overlooking Swanage Bay.

2. LYME REGIS 

There are a few seaside towns along the Jurassic Coast, but the pick of the bunch is Lyme Regis.

Unlike some tourist-driven towns on the coast, Lyme Regis capitalises on the area’s character.

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.

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.

• Clovelly Guest House (££) – Great value guest house in the centre of Lyme Regis with help-yourself breakfast and very friendly hosts.
• 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.
• The Pilot Boat (££££) – The recently refurbished beautiful rooms at the Pilot Boat are complete with finishing touches including robes, slippers and free beer.
• 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 

If you want to explore all the things to do on the Jurassic Coast, 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 has 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&Bs to grand hotels in landmark buildings.

Dorchester is a great option for accommodation on the Dorset coast. In less than an hour’s drive, you can get to many of the best spots anywhere along the coast.  

• Beggar’s Knapp (££) – Excellent B&B in the centre of historic Dorchester with warm and welcoming guests and a hearty breakfast.
• 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.
• The King’s Arms (£££) – A landmark hotel with contemporary rooms, a cosy bar and a great location within walking distance to the centre.
• 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 

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.

• Gaggle of Geese (£) – Cute cosy shepherd huts, each with a kitchenette, set on the grounds of a pub with 5 acres of garden.
• 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.
• Woodman’s Treehouse (££££) – A stunning treehouse complex with a hot tub and sauna, all set in a dramatic woodland location.
• The Cornish Studio (££) – The beautifully designed interior is matched by the excellent location of this cosy 1 bedroom cottage.

MORE GUIDES FOR YOUR ENGLAND TRIP

• Put your trip with our 7-day England itinerary by car.
• Visit York on a day trip from London.
• Plan your stay in the capital with our area & hotel guide to London.
• All our top places to see in England are here.
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• These wild swimming spots in the Lake District are perfect after a long hike.
• Find more great things to do in the Cotswolds here.
• Enjoy one of these country walks in the Cotswolds.
• Our guide to the top places to see in the UK might give you some ideas for your next trip.