3 Stunning Locations You Can’t Miss in Southern England
I love to go on adventures, and the Jurassic Coast in England is one of my absolute favorite places to explore. Like most visitors, my first trips focused on the classics: Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and West Bay. And yes, they are gorgeous, but after spending more time here, I started stumbling across some lesser-known spots that quickly became favorites of mine.
These places are a little more off the beaten path, a little more adventurous, and definitely worth the effort. Quick heads-up: when someone in the UK invites you for a “coast walk,” they really mean a hike that could leave you wondering why you didn’t train for this. I suggest proper hiking shoes with some grip, long pants because of all the prickly bushes, and always bring water and snacks!
Here are three lesser-known but absolutely magical locations along the Jurassic Coast, complete with tips on how to get there, the best routes, and a few personal stories along the way.
Dancing Ledge
Dancing Ledge is one of those places where nature just shows off. Picture a flat, rocky platform at the base of a cliff with waves literally “dancing” across the surface (hence the name). It’s a popular spot for climbers, abseilers, and swimmers, but even if you’re not feeling that adventurous, it’s still a magical place to hang out and take it all in.
The real allure is a swimming pool carved out of the rock—and not by nature but by humans in the early 1900s. Apparently, it was created for local school kids to learn how to swim. Can you imagine having a pool with this kind of view?
Getting to the ledge does require a little bit of scrambling over rocks. Once you’ve made it down the steps, it’s time to climb down the rocks —about 20 feet. Honestly, it took my partner and me a while to suss out the situation and figure out exactly how we would do it. Then some kids came by and went down, no problem, in Crocs! We followed their strategy to get down. I’m not exactly nimble, but I managed, so if I can do it, you probably can, too!
Most of the hiking I’ve done along the Jurassic Coast has been just me and my partner, with an occasional hiker passing us by. Dancing Ledge was different. There were small groups of people, but not overly crowded. The biggest groups were the abseiling students. The various groups’ ages ranged from 8 to young adults; there were not as many photos because I stay away from posting pictures of other people’s children.
It was fascinating to watch the groups first climb down the rocks to the pool, swim the length of the pool, then carry on to the abseiling, swim in the ocean, and jump off the rocks! They are definitely braver than me!
How to get there:
By car: Park in Langton Matravers and take the footpath to the coast.
By bus: Hop on the bus to Swanage, then follow the trail.
Chapman’s Pool
This one’s for the true adventurers. Chapman’s Pool is a secluded cove tucked away in the cliffs, and getting there is an experience in itself. The first time I went, the climb down was the steepest and muddiest I’ve ever attempted. Let’s just say, the rope you’ll need to grab onto didn’t come with hand sanitizer. But once you make it down, you’re rewarded with complete serenity: the sound of waves, a small waterfall, and fossils just waiting to be discovered in the rocks. So many fossils!
If you’re into remote spots that feel straight out of a postcard, then Chapman’s Pool is for you—getting there, though? Whew. Imagine this: steep, muddy paths, prickly bushes, barbed wire fences—you name it. At one point, I had to grab a rope to abseil down about 20 feet, and by the time I made it to the bottom, my hands were muddy, my legs were scratched, and I was wondering what exactly I’d signed up for.
But then, you see it. A quiet cove with a little waterfall trickling down the cliffs, smooth pebbles perfect for fossil hunting, and waves echoing against the rocks. It’s peaceful, secluded, and absolutely worth the effort. Bonus: there’s a really cool swing near the old boathouse made from driftwood and rope. Did I swing on it? Of course, I did. Very carefully!
Pro tip: I found a less challenging way back up, which I wish I’d known about before I ended up hugging that rope for dear life on the way down.
How to get there:
By car: Park in Kingston (for free!) and walk through the village paths to the cove.
By bus: Take the bus to Worth Matravers and follow the footpaths.
Old Harry Rocks: The One Everyone Knows But Still Deserves a Spot
Okay, okay—I know Old Harry Rocks is a bit of a cheat because it’s already pretty well-known. But hear me out. This spot is just so stunning that it still deserves a mention, especially since it’s surprisingly easy to reach.
The chalk cliffs here are iconic (seriously, they’re on so many TV screensavers), and the 30-minute walk from the nearest bus stop is actually just a walk—not one of those “walks” that leaves you questioning your fitness level. The incline is gentle, the trail is easy to follow, and the views? Chef’s kiss.
If you want a little more adventure, you can book a guided kayak to see Old Harry from the water. I haven’t done this yet, but it’s definitely on my bucket list now. If you’d rather stay on solid ground, it’s great for a picnic: bring a blanket and enjoy the sunset from the cliffs. It’s one of those simple but perfect experiences that makes you really enjoy the moment.
How to get there:
By bus: Take the Purbeck Breezer to Studland, then walk about 30 minutes to Old Harry.
By car: Park in Studland and follow the well-marked trail.
Final Thoughts
Hiking along the Jurassic Coast has been one of the best adventures of my life. The trails are well-marked, the views are insane, and there’s something so peaceful about walking for miles without bumping into crowds of people. Plus, the little surprises along the way—sheep grazing by the paths, random fossils in the rocks, and the occasional cheerful “hiya” from other hikers—make it all the more special.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t forget your hiking boots, a good map, and a sense of humor. And if you’re anything like me, maybe pack an extra snack for the times when you wonder why you thought this “coast walk” would be a relaxing stroll.
Happy “Walking”!
