Jurassic Coast Walking Break - Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door & Abbotsbury
EExplore England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site on foot with this sociable, fully guided walking break along the Dorset coast. Based in Dorchester, this small-group trip combines famous Jurassic Coast landmarks with quieter ridgeways, rolling countryside and relaxed coastal walking.
Over two full days of walking, you’ll discover iconic locations including Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Chesil Beach and Abbotsbury, while enjoying plenty of time to pause for sea views, cafés and conversation along the way.
With station collection included and all transport during the weekend taken care of, this is an easy, car-free way to enjoy one of the UK’s best-loved stretches of coastline.
Trip Overview
Location: South West
Duration: 2 nights
Group Size: Max 8 (small group)
Style: Sociable walking break
Walking Grade: Leisurely
Steady-paced, sociable walking with manageable distances and varied terrain, with time to stop and enjoy the surroundings.
Typical Distance: Around 6–10 miles per day
With plenty of time for breaks and photos at a relaxed pace,
Accommodation: Hotel
Room Type: Single, Twin, Double & Shared same-sex dorms
Transport: Car-free (station pick-up included)
Meals: Breakfasts are included.
Price: From £325 per person
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
Dates & Availability
We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming dates:
Friday 12 - Sunday 14 March 2027
Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.
A Good Fit For You
This trip is ideal if you:
Enjoy steady-paced coastal walking
Like a mix of countryside paths and sea views
Want a relaxed and sociable small-group atmosphere
Prefer manageable walking distances with time for breaks
Are interested in geology, landscapes and local history
Want a car-free walking break with transport included
Probably Not For You
This trip may not suit you if you:
Are looking for long or strenuous walking days
Prefer mountain routes or challenging summit walks
Want fast-paced or high-mileage walking
Prefer independent travel and self-guided routes
Are looking for nightlife-focused weekends
Walking the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is one of the UK’s most recognisable coastal landscapes — a 95-mile stretch of cliffs, bays and headlands recording around 185 million years of Earth’s history.
Awarded UNESCO World Heritage status for its geological importance, the coastline combines dramatic scenery with constantly changing landscapes shaped by erosion, landslips and ancient rock formations.
This walking break explores two very different sections of the coastline. One day focuses on the famous limestone scenery around Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, while the second explores the quieter western end of the Dorset coast around Abbotsbury, Chesil Beach and the South Dorset Ridgeway.
Throughout the weekend, the pace is steady and sociable, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos, refreshments and to take in the scenery properly rather than rushing from point to point.
Here’s what’s included in your trip:
2 nights hotel accommodation
Fully guided walks on both days
Breakfasts
Transport during the weekend
Collection from Dorchester train station
Experienced Large Outdoors walking guide
Pre-trip support from the Large Outdoors team
What’s not included
Travel to and from Dorchester
Evening meals and drinks
Packed lunches
Personal purchases during the weekend
Travel insurance
What People Say
“A really friendly group and such a well-organised weekend. The walks were relaxed without feeling too easy, and the scenery along the Jurassic Coast was brilliant throughout.”
Suggested Itinerary
Here’s what we’ve got planned - of course, we may have to offer alternatives or make amendments if the weather misbehaves or other unexpected situations arise!
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You are welcome to check in from 15:00.
A free collection from Dorchester train station is available at 17:30. Your Large Outdoors host will meet the group at 18:00 for a relaxed welcome chat about the weekend ahead before heading out for dinner together. Evening meals are not included.
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Approx. 10 miles
After breakfast, we travel to Lulworth to begin a circular walk through one of the Jurassic Coast’s best-known landscapes.
The route begins inland along green lanes and countryside tracks before gradually approaching the coast. Reaching the South West Coast Path, the scenery opens dramatically with views across the chalk and limestone cliffs.
Following the cliff-top path, we make our way towards Durdle Door, the famous natural limestone arch formed by millions of years of coastal erosion. Continuing eastwards, the route undulates along the coastline with views towards Bat’s Head, Swyre Head and the surrounding cliffs.
The walk finishes at Lulworth Cove itself, where there’s time to explore, enjoy a brew and cake, or simply sit and take in the views before returning to Dorchester.
In the evening, there’s time to freshen up before heading out for dinner together.
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Approx. 9 miles
After breakfast, we travel west to Abbotsbury, a historic Dorset village known for its abbey remains and swannery.
Today’s walk begins with a steady climb onto the South Dorset Ridgeway, an ancient route lined with prehistoric burial mounds and wide coastal views. From the ridge, views stretch across the Jurassic Coast, Chesil Beach and the Isle of Portland.
Descending towards West Bexington, we reach the coastline and join the South West Coast Path for the return towards Abbotsbury.
Before finishing, we visit St Catherine’s Chapel, the striking hilltop chapel overlooking the village and coastline below. There will be time for tea and cake in Abbotsbury before returning to Dorchester station, aiming for around 16:00.
UNESCO Jurassic Coast
Renowned the world over as a fossil hunting Mecca and as an incredibly beautiful stretch of coastline. We’re very lucky to have it right on our doorstep, and with miles of walking trails taking us to all parts of the coast and great sites inland, it’s perfect for walkers to explore.
The jewels in the crown along this ‘Jurassic Coast’ are the natural bay of Lulworth Cove and the rock arch of Durdle Door. You’ll almost definitely have seen photos of these two features, but being there is even better, piecing together the area’s history, seeing how the rock formations fit into the landscape, or just gazing out to sea on a relaxing Sunday morning. Formed over the last few millions of years, this coastline is protected for its unique heritage, making a special place to visit regardless whether your interest is geological or purely aesthetic.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Select a date to view availability, room options and prices, and book your place to join Large Outdoors.
Dates & Availability
We run this trip on selected dates throughout the year.
Upcoming dates:
Friday 12 - Sunday 14 March 2027
Simply select your preferred date in the booking box to check availability and book.
Getting There & Accommodation
Here’s everything you need to know about getting there and where you’ll be staying.
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This trip is designed to be easy to join with or without a car.
Arriving by Train
Both Dorchester South and Dorchester West train stations are just a short 5-minute walk from the hotel, making this an easy car-free walking break to join by public transport.
Arriving by Car
The hotel has on-site parking available for guests. Please note that parking charges apply.
As parking arrangements and charges can occasionally change, we recommend checking directly with the hotel before arrival for the latest information.
Arrival Time
You are welcome to check into the hotel from 15:00 onwards.
Your Large Outdoors host will meet the group at approximately 18:00 for a relaxed welcome chat about the weekend ahead before heading out for dinner together.
Departure
On Day 3, we aim to finish the weekend in Dorchester for approximately 16:00.
Please allow some flexibility with onward travel plans.
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This trip is based at:
Premier Inn Dorchester
5 Pope Street
Dorchester
Dorset
DT1 1GWThe hotel provides a comfortable and convenient base for the weekend, within easy walking distance of the town centre, restaurants and both railway stations.
Rooms are available in a range of configurations including single, twin, double and shared same-sex room options depending on availability and your selected booking type.
Breakfasts are included each morning before heading out for the day’s walk.
Evenings are relaxed and sociable, with the group usually heading out together to nearby pubs or restaurants after the walks.