71 -Guide to a Fun Road Trip Through Dorset National Landscape-HIDDEN-NOT-PUBLISHED

Lulworth. Richard Szwejkowski

The Dorset National Landscape is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the UK, and it's no surprise because of the dramatic and diverse curves of its stunning coastline and the UNESCO Heritage-listed Jurassic Coast is famed for its beautiful rugged shores peppered with fossils. It’s great for campervan hire, stretching from Lyme Regis in the west to Poole Harbour in the east, covering 400 square miles of diverse landscapes ranging from rolling hills and dramatic cliffs to picturesque valleys and ancient woodlands. This campervan guide will highlight great places to explore in your campervan. There'll be plenty of distractions, so leave time to admire the spectacular views from your campsite in the Dorset National Landscape, explore the secret coves and relax with a pint at a local pub.

• National Landscapes in the UK by Campervan and Campsites to Visit

If we’ve piqued your interest in the protected landscapes in the UK, why not look at our list of all our National Landscapes and National Scenic Areas? We’ll help you get off the beaten path and deep into nature. You can explore a wealth of exciting outdoor pursuits like coasteering, climbing, walking, hiking, surfing, mountain biking and bushcraft. Campsites in Dorset offer access to coastal and countryside sceneries and plenty of gorgeous routes to explore in your Dorset campervan hire. We’ll explore these attractions below.

• Can You Drive The Jurassic Coast?
• Where to Camp at Dorset National Landscape
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape in a Campervan
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From London
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Cardiff
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Glasgow
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Manchester
• How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Southampton
• Your Campervan Guide to Visiting The Dorset National Landscape
• Dorset National Landscape Map
• How Big is Dorset AONB?
• Saying Goodbye to Dorset

Can You Drive The Jurassic Coast?

Yes, you can drive along the Jurassic Coast. In fact, we absolutely recommend a drive along this stunning part of England. While there isn’t a single road that follows the entire coastline, you can quickly drive between key points of interest and soak in the views along the well-connected roads. There are several stunning routes to explore, and we recommend the following:

• Exmouth to Sidmouth (approximately. 15 miles)
• Sidmouth to Lyme Regis (Approx. 21 miles)
• Lyme Regis to Charmouth (Approx. 2 miles)
• Charmouth to West Bay (Approx. 8 miles)
• West Bay to Abbotsbury (Approx. 11 miles)
• Abbotsbury to Portland (Approx. 10 miles)
• Portland to Weymouth (Approx. 7 miles)
• Weymouth to Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door (Approx. 15 miles)
• Lulworth Cove to Swanage (Approx. 17 miles)
• Swanage to Studland Bay (Approx. 5 miles)

The roads can be narrow and winding, particularly in rural areas. Driving can be slow, especially during the summer when the area is popular with tourists. Most main attractions have dedicated parking areas, which can fill up quickly during the holidays. We advise arriving early, especially if you plan to visit big hitters like Durdle Door or Lulworth Cove. There are plenty of lovely viewpoints and sleepy villages along the route, so take your time to stop and explore. The B3157 between Bridport and Weymouth is particularly famous for its spectacular coastal views. If you prefer not to drive or are travelling with a rather large touring vehicle, plenty of buses run along the Jurassic Coast, connecting many of the main towns and key attractions. The South West Coast Path also runs parallel to much of the coastline, offering an ideal alternative for walkers.

The Dorset National Landscape is not just an area of striking beauty but also a vital record keeper of Earth’s history. Each of our attractions offers something unique, so go ahead and pick your favourites for a road trip to the Dorset National Landscape.

Where to Camp at Dorset National Landscape

Now that you have a rough campervan itinerary in place, it's time to decide where you’ll rest your head for the night on your Dorset campervan trip. For those wanting coastal access, the popular campsites in Bournemouth also offer excellent beach proximity and family-friendly facilities. We recommend parking your camper or pitching a tent at Highlands End Holiday Park, Litton Lakes Campsite, and Bredy Farm Campsite. Highlands End Holiday Park is a fab spot for Lyme Bay adventures. Litton Lakes Campsite is perfect for exploring Jurassic Coast while enjoying lakeside views, and Bredy Farm Campsite is a stunning spot with a handy microbrewery on the premises. We’ll explore the amenities and nearby attractions of each site below. Generally check out UK campsites in our campsites section.

Highlands End Holiday Park in Bridport

Highlands End Holiday Park, Bridport

Highlands End Holiday Park is a spacious, well-equipped family park overlooking Lyme Bay. What better way to wake up than with stunning cliff-top views over the glittering ocean, paired with bridleway access to a range of walks on the World Heritage Coast? First-class facilities paired with comfortable camping and a prime location to explore Dorset’s golden beaches and exciting outdoor attractions. The site caters to tents and touring vehicles on non-electric and electric grass and gravel pitches. Glampers can kick back in a range of cosy pods catering anywhere between two to four persons.. Guests can access a range of excellent facilities, including a cafe, bar, restaurant, food shop, barbecues, a sauna, an indoor swimming pool, and a launderette, among other home comforts.

Litton Lakes Campsite in Litton Cheney

Litton Lakes Campsite, Litton Cheney

Litton Lakes Campsite is a cracking spot for a Dorset escape, just 15 minutes from the stunning Jurassic Coast beaches and an ideal half-hour to Weymouth. The site rests on a working farm in the picturesque village of Litton Cheney and rests in an area ideal for walking enthusiasts, with direct access to a network of footpaths and bridleways. Kick off your stay by enjoying an afternoon of paddle boarding or kayaking on the site’s blue lake, or perhaps work up an appetite for a hearty lunch with a refreshing dip. If you’re tired from driving, take a breather to stretch out by the lake and eye the far-reaching countryside views, followed by piping hot sizzles courtesy of the crackling barbeque grill. Take a 10-minute stroll to explore the village vineyard, or rumble to the beaches of West Bay and Burton Bradstock, both 15 minutes away. Non-electric grass pitches are available for tents and tourers, and a sumptuous offering of 7-person bell tents is ideal for glampers.

Bredy Farm Campsite in Bridport

Bredy Farm Campsite, Bridport

Bredy Farm Campsite is a quiet site on a traditional working farm with its cider production, a cosy restaurant, and a range of summer events. Campers are blessed with fine vistas of the Jurassic Coast and Bride Valley, and a strict adults-only atmosphere ensures peaceful stays. The site is close to several exceptional beaches like Chesil and Lyme Regis and lovely villages like Burton Bradstock. It provides a range of excellent amenities, including evening entertainment, an on-site cafe and restaurant, pools, and the freedom to enjoy barbecues, plus campfires on your pitch. All plots are non-electric, on grass and excellent for tents, campervans, motorhomes and caravans. If you like being positioned a staggering distance from ciders, enjoy fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and love music, this is the perfect base for you.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape in a Campervan

Poole Harbour. Timelapsed

With an itinerary planned and accommodation sorted, it's down to plan how you'll get from your location to the Dorset National Landscape. Not to worry. We've created a simple campervan guide for our readers driving out of London, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, or Southampton. Those starting closer to the coast might find campervan hire Bournemouth particularly convenient for exploring both Dorset and the neighboring New Forest areas. We'll guide you with two distinct routes from each city—a scenic path for our readers who love to savour the journey and a straightforward, faster route for those eager to dive right into Dorset's breathtaking landscapes. Get ready to choose your adventure as we explore the best ways to reach this stunning destination. Take peek at more campervans around the Dorset National Landscape. Visit here for more campervan hire in UK.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From London

Hire a campervan in London and rumble down to the Dorset National Landscape, leaving your worries and deadlines behind for another day. Our campervan hire locations in London include campervans for hire in Southwark. Follow the M3 and hop on the A31 southwest, letting the open road lead you into delightful Dorset. The quicker route covers 144 miles and 196 minutes, making it ideal for weekend escapes, bank holidays and summer breaks. If you're in no rush, take the scenic route by drifting west from London on the A303, then lazily rumble through the undulating hills of Wiltshire and ancient woodlands. Stay on the B-roads to stop at timeless villages and picnic in pastoral landscapes, arriving in Dorset after approximately 4.5 hours of driving.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Cardiff

Cracking Cardiff has a lot going for it. It is a vibrant city where ancient castles meet modern culture, offering a rich blend of history, art, and lively Welsh spirit. If you ever get the urge to leave the city for quieter coastlines, why not hire a campervan in Cardiff and make your way down to Dorset? The fastest route from the city to the coastline is to follow the M4 east, then merge onto the A350, arriving at Dorset in two and a half hours and covering 112 miles. If you’re heading out on a bank or school holiday, take the scenic, relaxed route. Wander east from Cardiff on the A48 and walk through the lush Wye Valley, weaving through the open Wiltshire countryside. You’ll reach Dorset in 3.5 hours.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Glasgow

Corfe Castle. Simaron

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city, is a cultural hub renowned for its history, stunning architecture, and thriving arts scene. The city blends industrial heritage with a dynamic modern spirit, yet the fast-paced life of urban living can leave the chirpiest folk feeling burned out and ready for a break. Book a campervan in Glasgow and leave the city behind for vast beaches, spectacular geological formations, and the bracing ocean air. We have 16 campervans and motorhomes in Glasgow. The fastest route from the city follows the M74, M6, and M5 south, where the motorway leads to divine Dorset. The ride covers 444 miles and takes around 508 minutes to complete. The long drive there makes holidays to the Dorset coast best suited for extended holidays with plenty of time to get there and back in time for school or work. Perhaps head down on the school breaks, or, if you’re up to it, maybe a bank holiday. The prettier, less hurried drive heads south from Glasgow along the A74. Let the A-roads lead through the rolling Cotswolds and ancient woodlands, arriving in Dorset after a 10-hour drive.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Manchester

Take a break from the bustle of the city by hiring a campervan in Manchester, and swapping a concrete jungle for open shorelines, glittering ocean views, and a slower pace of life. You're spoilt for choice with over 60 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Manchester. Head South on the M6, merge onto the M5 and finally the A37, reaching Dorset in 295 minutes, covering 242 miles. If views are more your thing, rumble through the Peak District, admiring lush scenery before turning onto the sleepy lanes of the Cotswolds. Take Dorset's quiet backroads and drive into the Dorset National Landscape in 7 hours. The short driving time suits weekends, bank holidays and seasonal holidays.

How to Get to The Dorset National Landscape From Southampton

Escape on the weekends in a campervan hire in Southampton, head down with buckets and spades on a bank holiday, or leisurely drive over on school breaks. With a drive time of just under 2 hours covering 70.2 miles, holidays to the Dorset National Landscape are perfect for our city dwellers in need of a change of scenery. Find a fab home on wheels from our offering of 59 campervans and motorhomes within 120 miles of Southampton. Hop on the main route via the M27 and A31, then get on the A35 through picturesque Dorset towns like Dorchester and Bridport. Alternatively, take in the vistas as you drive through the New Forest via minor roads, weaving through sleepy villages like Lyndhurst and Brockenhurst. Wind through lovely countryside, charming hamlets and hills before heading into Dorset in approximately 2.5 hours.

Your Campervan Guide to visiting The Dorset National Landscape

While we’ve provided a wealth of information to get you started on a campervan road trip in Dorset: however, we’re sure you still have a few niggling queries. We’ll answer your frequently asked questions below, helping our readers find the required information, saving time, and hopefully eliminating any lingering concerns about a campervan journey in the Dorset National Landscape. Read on as we dive into your FAQs.

Dorset National Landscape Map

The Dorset National Landscape, also known as the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), covers approximately 1,000 square kilometres (around 386 square miles). This area is a delight for adventurous sorts and nature lovers, offering a diverse range of landscapes.

From dramatic coastlines and rolling countryside to charming villages and historic sites, there’s something for all tastes, budgets and abilities. The Dorset National Landscape is known for its stunning natural beauty, including landmarks like the Jurassic Coast, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take a look at our map below, showing some great locations for camping.

How big is Dorset AONB?

Isle Of Purbeck. Andy Walker

The world-renowned Jurassic Coast is an absolute must-see during your visit to Dorset. Stretching 95 miles between Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon, the Jurassic Coast is a fantastic location with enticing geological features and a dramatic coastline, which also happens to be the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in England. The South West Coast Path trail runs the entire length of the Jurassic Coast and is a great way to explore a range of landmarks plus sweeping coastal views. Wander through pretty seaside towns like West Bay Swanage and Lyme Regis, and refuel at a charming local pub. The coastline is a living example of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, providing a near-continuous record of over 185 million years of the Earth’s history. The beaches, cliffs, and coves you see were very different when the dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The area is also home to striking geological formations like natural arches and stacks that are visually stunning and provide important insights into the geological process that shaped the Earth. There are several National Trust car parks along Studland Bay, including Knoll Beach and Shell Bay. These are pay-and-display, with free parking for National Trust members.

Durdle Door is a fine example of a beautiful geological arch made of natural limestone on the Jurassic Coast. It is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dorset. The beach beneath the arch is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the coastal scenery. There is a large pay-and-display car park at Durdle Door Holiday Park, a short walk from the beach, which can get busy during the peak seasons. Lulworth Cove, a beautiful horseshoe-shaped cove famed for its clear waters and unique geology on the Jurassic Coast. It's a fab spot for walking, kayaking, and exploring the nearby Fossil Forest. It has a roomy pay-and-display car park a few minutes from the beach, and parking fees may vary depending on the time of year. The sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks, a series of chalk stacks located at the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, is a stunning spot for admiring sweeping vistas of the Jurassic Coast from the top of the cliffs.

If you’re in search of fantastic beaches and lively coastal towns, then set your sights on Chesil Beach, a stunning 18 mile long shingle beach that connects the Isle of Portland to the mainland. It acts as a barrier separating the sea from Fleet Lagoon, an area rich in biodiversity. There are several car parks along the beach, including Abbotsbury and Portland. Parking is pay-and-display, and the Abbotsbury Swannery car park is a convenient option for exploring the beach and nearby attractions. Charmouth Beach is one of the best places to hunt fossils on the Jurassic Coast, especially after a storm when the new fossils are revealed. Kimmeridge Bay is another stunning location boasting rich geological features, including extensive rock platforms and oil shale cliffs. Families can explore rock pools, snorkel and hunt for fossils. West Bay, a stunning harbour town, is perfect for walkers and anyone in the mood to explore the lovely harbour. Striking golden cliffs are ideal for hikes and became famous as the setting for the TV series Broadchurch.

The highest point in the south of England, Golden Cap, is an incredible viewpoint for soaking in panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast. The hike to the top is rewarding with spectacular scenery on the way. Be sure to bring your cameras to capture Insta-worthy images to make your followers green with envy. The National-trust owned Langdon Hill car park is the closest to Golden Cap. National Trust members park for free. Portland Bill, the southern tip of the Isle of Portland, is an excellent location for walking, birdwatching and exploring the lighthouse. Drink in sweeping sea views from the rugged cliffs, and bring a hamper with snacks to enjoy the views with a tasty snack in hand. We also recommend stopping at Swyre Head, the highest point in the Purbeck Hills, perfect for those who love eagle-eye views of the coast and countryside. Parking is available at the village of Kingston, with a small parking area at the start of the walk to Swyre Head.

The Dorset National Landscape is also home to many ancient monuments, like Maiden Castle, one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hillforts in Europe. It is an incredible spot for a walk, offering insights into ancient history and expansive views of the enclosing countryside. The ruins of Corfe Castle are also a must for history buffs. The 1,000 year old fortress stands tall in the village of Corfe. Take a tour, soak in gorgeous views, and enjoy a glimpse into the life and times of a once impressive fortress. The village itself brims with cafes, pubs, and shops - ideal for a meal after your visit. The National Trust car park located near the entrance is free for members and pay-and-display for non-members. We also recommend a visit to Cerne Abbas Giant, a huge chalk figure carved into the hillside near the village of Cerne Abbas. The ancient landmark is steeped in folklore and is best viewed from a designated viewpoint.

Saying Goodbye to Dorset

Lulworth cove. Gary Campbell-Hall

All good things must end, so we conclude our campervan road trip through the Dorset National Landscape. We've carefully included the best Dorset campsite and campervan hire locations in Dorset, ensuring you have a comfortable base from which to discover the region. From the rugged cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the serene beauty of rolling countryside, our campervan guide covers all the must-see attractions. Whether you're drawn to coastal walks, historic sites, or quiet coastal villages, our suggestions will help you make the most of your Dorset road trip. Enjoy the freedom of the open road and join us next week for an exciting adventure to the High Weald National Landscape. You can also explore our handy campervan guides to more stunning National Landscapes and National Scenic Areas.