The Jurassic Coast is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site – a 95-mile stretch of coastline from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset that exposes 185 million years of Earth’s geological history in its cliffs and beaches. For van travellers, it combines some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in England with a wealth of things to see and do at every stop along the route.
The geological variety of the coast means that each section has a different character. The red Triassic cliffs around Exmouth and Sidmouth give way to the golden Jurassic limestone around Charmouth and West Bay – famous for fossil hunting – before the coastline reaches the extraordinary Chesil Beach, the Isle of Portland and the chalk cliffs and sea arch of Durdle Door. The variety is what makes driving the full length genuinely interesting.
Overnight van stops on and near the Jurassic Coast vary. Some areas have well-established car parks with no overnight restrictions, others are more restricted – particularly in the more popular Dorset stretches. The shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) offer a significantly better experience for van travellers, with quieter roads, emptier car parks and often clearer skies.
The Jurassic Coast posts on this site cover specific stops and experiences from real van trips along the route – practical information to help you make the most of this coastline at any time of year.
I’d heard Halletts Camping at Portland Bill mentioned a few times by fellow travellers, mostly for the views and how close it is to the lighthouse, so I was keen to see whether it really was as simple and scenic as people said. This isn’t a polished campsite with neat pitches and long lists of … Read more