Dorset Tourism

Jurassic Coast Holidays

Ringstead Bay is at the heart of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. Explore hidden coves and uncrowded beaches nestled beneath dramatic fossil cliffs.

East Dorset is easy to explore. You’ll discover thriving towns and delightful coastal villages seemingly untouched by time. You can also find a range of holiday leisure activities: walking, cycling, fishing, golf, horse-riding, swimming and sailing can all be enjoyed nearby. Then there’s our fabulous Dorset food and drink. You’ll be spoiled for choice at the bistros and restaurants close to Ringstead Bay.

Exploring Dorset's Jurassic Coast…

The Isle of Purbeck coast between Swanage and Ringstead includes many of the best known Jurassic Coast features. ‘Old Harry Rocks’, high chalk stacks that jut out into the Solent, are reached along the coast path at Studland. South of Swanage, the Durlston and Anvil Lighthouse nature reserves are popular look out points for dolphins in the bay.

West Lulworth Heritage Centre, a short walk from lovely Lulworth Cove, is the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Walkers can follow the steep coastal path to Durdle Door and Man O’War Bay.

Corfe Castle

Swanage & Corfe Castle

Swanage is a fine seaside resort, well-known for its ‘blue-flag’ beach and the Swanage Railway. What better way to arrive at Corfe Village than on an historic steam train? Towering above the village, the broken fortress of Corfe Castle tells of a thousand years of warfare, treachery and sieges.

The Cobb, Lyme Regis

Weymouth, Dorset's Premier Seaside Resort…

Weymouth’s golden sands and Georgian esplanade make the town a family favourite. Sailing ships can often be seen along the quayside while fishing boats land fresh seafood for the town’s bistros and pubs. Weymouth Sea Life Tower revolves 165ft above the pier providing Jurassic Coast views from Lulworth to the Isle of Portland. Weymouth Sea Life Centre, Nothe Fort, Lodmoor and Radipole RSPB Nature Reserves are a few of the many Weymouth attractions you can conveniently visit from Upton Grange Holiday Cottages.

Portland, Island Jewel of the Jurassic Coast

Travel across Fleet Road from Weymouth and marvel at the coastal views from Portland Heights. Chesil Beach and Lagoon curve 16 miles into the distance from Weymouth Marina. Remains of Military fortresses and quarries surround the Island. Its resistant Jurassic Limestone was quarried for the UK’s most prestigious buildings, St Paul’s Cathedral and Buckingham Palace. Standing guard above the Island’s southernmost point, Portland Lighthouse warns of the most treacherous seas along the Jurassic Coast.

Dorchester, Dorset's historic county town…

Anglo-Saxons occupied hill-settlements at Maiden Castle and Maumbury Rings around 2,500 BC. Later, the Romans built ‘Durnovaria’, Roman Dorchester, into a sophisticated town. Dorchester’s judicial notoriety and the few remaining historical fragments of the town can be followed along the Dorchester town walks. Modern Dorchester is a thriving commercial centre with over 400 shops, cinemas and other leisure activities. The town’s museums and Thomas Hardy memorabilia are top of most tourist’s lists.

Ringstead Bay, Dorset

Ringstead Bay is set as a jewel between the giant White Nothe Cliff and Osmington Mills, to the east of Weymouth in Dorset. Ringstead is close enough to explore the resort’s family holiday attractions yet far enough away to enjoy miles of Blue Flag beach, water sports and coastal walks without the crowds.

Read more about Ringstead Bay & the Smuggler’s Coast in Dorset…

Luxury Holiday Cottages in Dorset

Enjoy your precious moments in our luxurious cottages in Dorset.