If you’ve been dreaming of a UK coastal road trip packed with jaw-dropping views, historic gems, charming villages, and postcard-perfect beaches, this Dorset road trip itinerary is exactly what you need. Whether you’re after dramatic coastlines, scenic hikes, or iconic landmarks, Dorset should be at the top of your list.
If you’re planning a trip to Dorset, this ultimate 3-day Dorset road trip itinerary will help you make the most of your time and see all the must-visit spots in the area.
Day 1: Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door
Stop 1: Lulworth Cove – Postcode: BH20 5RS
This unique horseshoe-shaped bay is a geological wonder, offering crystal-clear waters and stunning cliff backdrops. It’s a sight you won’t want to miss on your Dorset road trip. We left London at 8 AM, aiming to make the most of our day. If you’re planning a similar route, plug BH20 5RS into your SatNav or Google Maps. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours, depending on how many coffee or toilet breaks you take along the way. We stopped once for a coffee break and some fuel and arrived at Lulworth Cove Car Park around midday.
Parking Tip:
Get a full-day parking ticket that covers both Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. It saves you from queuing again later – especially useful in peak seasons when the Durdle Door lot fills up fast. The parking cost is £20 for a whole day.
Lunch Stop: Finley’s Café
Before exploring, we grabbed some takeaway lunch from Finley’s Cafe, located just outside the Lulworth car park.
From there, it’s an easy 5-minute walk through Lulworth village to the beach. And let me tell you – the first glimpse of the pebble beach at Lulworth Cove is just jaw-dropping. Crystal-clear water, a horseshoe bay, and those epic Cliff side backdrops.
Scenic Walk: Stair Hole
We followed the trail on the right-hand side of the cove leading up to several viewpoints overlooking the cliffs. Not too steep, but wear proper walking shoes – it’s uneven in parts. Along the way, we stopped at Stair Hole, a natural limestone cove carved by centuries of erosion. It’s less visited but equally worth your time.
Stop 2: Durdle Door – Postcode: BH20 5PU
From Lulworth, you’ve got two choices:
- Hike from Lulworth to Durdle Door (~30 mins, scenic but steep).
- Drive to Durdle Door Car Park, then walk down to the arch (~20 mins).
We chose the drive-and-hike option to save time and energy for the viewpoints. The hike down is steep but well-paved and the visit is absolutely worth it.
We had a little picnic on the cliff overlooking the beach, watching waves crash through the arch. Bring snacks and stay a while. The famous limestone arch is even more dramatic in person.
Just to the left, explore Man O’ War Cove – it’s often quieter and just as photogenic.
Stay the Night: Hotel Collingwood, Bournemouth
Around 5:15 PM, we made our way to Bournemouth, about an hour’s drive from Durdle Door. We checked into Hotel Collingwood, which we booked for 2 nights. Affordable, clean, and just a 5-minute walk from Bournemouth Beach – it was the perfect base for exploring the rest of the Jurassic Coast.
By the time we arrived, we had just enough energy left for a relaxed walk along the beach and a well-earned dinner nearby.
Day 2: Steam Trains, Castles & Coastal Views
Stop 1: Corfe Castle Station – BH20 5EJ
We kicked off our day with a wholesome breakfast at the hotel. Then, we drove to Corfe Castle Station, but instead of taking the long inland route, we opted for the Sandbanks Ferry (Postcode: BH13 7QN), a convenient and time-saving choice. It departs every 20 minutes from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, with a journey time of just ~10 minutes.
Sandbanks Ferry Info:
- Departs every 20 minutes from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM
- Journey time: ~10 minutes
- Timetable: Sandbanks Ferry Timetable
Once across, it was a scenic drive to Corfe Castle Station, which felt like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter. It’s a beautifully preserved station on the Swanage Railway, with regular steam trains running between Norden and Swanage.
We saw the 10:42 AM steam train from Norden – a great photo opportunity with Corfe Castle perfectly framed in the background. Always check the Swanage Railway timetable before visiting.
Stop 2: Corfe Castle Viewpoint (No Entry Needed)
From the opposite hill, we were treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Corfe Castle. Even with cloudy skies, the scene was truly beautiful, especially with a steam train crossing in the background.
Even with cloudy skies, the scene from above was stunning, especially if you could catch a steam train crossing in the background. The view of Corfe Castle from the opposite hill is a sight to behold, and it’s a great spot for photography. But if you have more time, I would definitely recommend visiting the castle as well, as it is over 1000 years old.
Castle Parking Postcodes:
- Free Car Park (Limited Spaces): BH20 5ED
- National Trust Car Park (Paid): BH20 5DR
- Viewpoint Trek Start: BH20 5DS
Stop 3: The Blue Pool – Dorset’s Hidden Gem
Postcode: BH20 5AR
Driving Time from Corfe: ~10 minutes
Next up was the magical Blue Pool, known for its colour-changing waters that shift with the light and angle. The site was once a clay pit, but now features peaceful nature trails, a rope bridge, and a charming tearoom.
We enjoyed our lunch here, surrounded by tranquil woodland and shimmering waters. The Blue Pool is one of those serene spots that still feels like a local secret, a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature.
Did You Know? The Blue Pool opened to the public in 1935 and is rich in both geological and cultural history.
Stop 4: Old Harry Rocks
Postcode (South Beach Car Park): BH19 3AU
Drive Time from Blue Pool: ~12 minutes
We wrapped up our day with a visit to the iconic Old Harry Rocks, one of the most photographed places on the Jurassic Coast.
⚠️ Important: Only use South Beach Car Park as your destination. Google Maps will mislead you to a few dead ends (we learned that the hard way).
From the car park, it’s a flat 30-minute walk to the cliffs. There’s also a toilet about 100 m into the trail – super handy if you’ve been driving all day. The walk itself is lined with panoramic views of Bournemouth, Swanage Bay, and even the Isle of Wight on a clear day. Luckily, the weather cleared up just as we arrived, giving us golden sunlight over the chalk cliffs.
Return to Bournemouth
After enjoying Old Harry Rocks, we returned to our hotel via the same Sandbanks Ferry route. If you’re not too tired and still craving the sea breeze, consider stopping at Shell Bay or Knoll Beach – quieter alternatives that offer peaceful sunset strolls.
Day 3: Bournemouth Beach and Goodbye Views
Day 3 of our Dorset road trip was all about soaking in the seaside vibes of Bournemouth before heading back to London. While the itinerary was more relaxed compared to previous days, it gave us time to unwind, explore beach side gems, and end our trip on a relaxed note.
If you’re short on time or have a train to catch, this half-day Bournemouth itinerary is the perfect way to wrap up your weekend in Dorset.
Stop 1: Bournemouth Beach
Postcode: BH1 2BU
The beach was already buzzing with early walkers, joggers, and families setting up for a sunny day. We took a slow stroll along the soft golden sands, admired the classic beach huts in pastel colors, and snapped a few final photos. What we loved most was how clean and lively the entire beachfront felt – it’s got that old-school British seaside charm but with enough modern cafes and chill spots.
At the heart of the beach lies the Bournemouth Pier, a great place for a relaxed walk with sea views. If you’re traveling with kids or just feeling adventurous, there’s also a mini amusement park and PierZip – a zip line that literally runs from the pier out over the water.
Optional: Sandbanks Detour (If Time Allows)
Postcode: BH13 7QQ
If you’re in no rush to return to London, I highly recommend driving down to Sandbanks Beach. It’s only about 15 minutes from Bournemouth, and the area is famous for:
- Its ultra-clear waters
- Millionaire’s row – home to some of the UK’s most expensive houses
- Uncrowded, scenic beach walks
It’s a peaceful spot that contrasts nicely with the lively vibe of Bournemouth.
Heading Back to London
As we had a fixed time to return to London, we started our journey home just after our beach visit. The drive from Bournemouth to London typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on traffic. If you’re returning a rental car, we recommend padding in extra time for drop-off and fuel.
I hope this itinerary gave you some real ideas, inspiration, and local tips. Let me know in the comments if you’ve been to any of these places – or if you’re planning to go.
Wondering how to cover Durdle Door in a day trip? Check out this guide.
Have more time? Don’t miss my ultimate 3-day Dorset road trip itinerary. If you like this article, please drop a comment or like