- DURDLE DOOR
Durdle Door is probably one of the most iconic landmarks in Southern England, and it is the most popular beauty spot of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Durdle Door is a 61m (200 feet) tall natural arch, formed from a layer of hard limestone standing vertically out of the sea.
Durdle Door can be reached through a 15-minute walk from the nearby car park. After enjoying the view from above, it is possible to walk down to the adjacent beach located at the base of the majestic chalk cliffs. If you would rather stay active, there is plenty of walks from here: try the brief 2-km path that will take you to Lulworth Cove, or go for one of the longer loop itineraries that will take you to some of the lesser visited spots in the area.
- CORFE CASTLE
Corfe Castle was first built in 1086 and for centuries it was one of the greatest strongholds in the country. This impressive castle was built on the top of a hill that offered views over the entire area. During the English Civil War, Corfe Castle stood against Oliver Cromwell, and it survived not one, but two sieges only to fall through betrayal. The parliamentarians ordered its destruction, leaving only the ruins that we can admire today.
Today Corfe Castle is owned by the National Trust, and it is possible to roam the ruins of the once grandiose stronghold, explore the nearby hills for great views of the castle, or visit the little stone village just below the ruins, where you can enjoy an afternoon tea at the local tea room or have a beer at the Greyhound, one of the most picturesque pubs in England.
- WEST BAY
Once known as Bridport Harbour, this place was renamed West Bay in 1884 by the Great Western Railway company in an effort to transform it into a popular seaside destination on the south coast of England.
Apart from being the gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, West Bay has recently gained increased attention, after the BBC used the beach, the cliffs and several locations in the area as filming locations for the hugely successful TV show Broadchurch starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman. Walk on the beach where the body of Dani Latimer was found (no spoiler, it’s literally the first scene of the show!), explore the scenic coastal path on the top of the cliffs with amazing views of the area, or go fossil-hunting at the base of the crumbling red cliffs.
