Portland Shore Excursion to Jurassic Coast Highlights
Full description
Included / Excluded
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Live tour guide
- Entrance fees to Corfe Castle
- Foods/Beverages
Itinerary
Your visit to Durdle Door will be a short but unforgettable experience. Durdle Door is one of the most iconic natural landmarks along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England, known for its stunning limestone arch that rises dramatically from the sea. During this 30-minute stop, you'll have the opportunity to: Admire the view: Take in the breathtaking vistas of the arch and the surrounding coastline. The crystal-clear waters and rugged cliffs create a perfect backdrop for photos. Brief walk: You may take a short walk down to the beach to get a closer look at the arch and enjoy the peaceful setting. Learn about its geology: Your guide will provide insights into the formation of Durdle Door and its importance as a UNESCO World Heritage site, as part of the Jurassic Coast. While 30 minutes isn't enough to fully explore the area, it's a great opportunity to appreciate the beauty of this iconic spot and capture some memorable photos.
Pass by: Lulworth Cove Free Time/Break Time During your visit to Lulworth Cove, you'll have free time to explore the area at your own pace. Here's what you can do during your break: Stroll around the cove: Wander along the scenic coastline and take in the beautiful, tranquil views of the cove. The area is known for its calm waters and unique geological features. Visit the beach: Relax on the pebble beach, take a swim, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Explore the village: If you're interested in local culture, take a stroll through the nearby village, where you can find quaint cafes, shops, and pubs. Grab a snack or drink: Take a break in one of the local cafes or shops and enjoy some refreshments before continuing your exploration. This free time allows you to relax and fully appreciate the natural beauty and charm of Lulworth Cove. Depending on the amount of free time provided, you can choose how you'd like to spend it—whether that's relaxing, exploring or enjoying the local offerings.
Your visit to Corfe Castle will last about 1 hour and 30 minutes, providing ample time to explore this historic and picturesque site. Here's what you can do during your visit: Explore the castle ruins: Wander through the impressive ruins of the medieval Corfe Castle, which dates back over 1,000 years. Discover the remnants of its towers, walls, and chambers, while learning about its fascinating history and strategic importance. Enjoy panoramic views: Climb to the higher points of the castle for breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, the village of Corfe, and the Purbeck Hills. Visit the castle's museum: Check out the small museum on site, where you can find exhibits about the history of the castle and its role in British history, particularly during the English Civil War. Take photos: Capture the beauty of the castle, with its dramatic position on a hill, surrounded by lush greenery and the scenic village below.
Meeting point
Start Location
Unknown location
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair Accessible
- Stroller Accessible
- Service Animals Allowed
- Easy Public Transport
- Infants Required On Laps
- Infant Seats Available
Traveler reviews
Not really happy
The tour guide failed to keep the tour in check. He also failed to mention that for those unwilling or unable to manage the hike that a boat tour (additional $) was available at the cove to see the sights. The destinations were fine.
Amazing view
Our tour guide Andrew was amazing! He was super responsive, sent reminder messages the night before, and even took us on a little hike in the morning.
Portland Shore Excursion to Jurassic Coast Highlights
It was a fantastic and unforgettable trip. Our guide Andy was very informative, funny and knowledgeable. Definitely recommend to take the trip
Stunning Views, Expert Insights & Essential Travel Tips
This was one of my favorite excursions of the cruise! The Jurassic Coast is absolutely stunning, and Andy was a fantastic guide. He was knowledgeable, organized, and did a great job explaining the geology and history throughout the day. My biggest complaint had absolutely nothing to do with the tour itself—it was the people on it. Andy gave very clear instructions, but people still didn’t listen. We left the pier about 30 minutes late because people wandered off, and then at the end of the day two groups showed up 30 minutes late to the meeting spot. Personally… I wish we had just left them behind. When you book a tour, be on time. It’s not fair for everyone else to lose an hour of their day because a few people couldn’t follow simple directions. Andy handled it with far more patience than I would have. I really appreciated that this tour worked for different activity levels. At Durdle Door, you could stay at the upper viewpoint, hike down to the lower viewpoint, or, if you didn’t want to hike at all, take the bus over to Lulworth Cove early. The hike down is steep with uneven stairs, so keep that in mind. Most people stopped at the lower viewing platform, but I’m a pretty quick hiker, so I made it all the way down to Durdle Door and even got to stick my feet in the water before heading back up. Totally worth it! We spent about an hour there, and there are restrooms available. The bus came back to pick us up and took us to Lulworth Cove. Again, you had options. You could hike along the coastline or head straight into town. I chose the hike, and I’m so glad I did. The views were incredible, and Andy pointed out the different geological formations along the way. After the hike, there was still enough time to go down to the beach, grab some ice cream, and do a little shopping. Corfe Castle was our last stop. I wish we had just a little more time there, but we still had enough time to hike up through the castle ruins, enjoy the views, and make it back down before leaving. One tip: I would skip The Greyhound if you’re looking for lunch. Almost everyone from the tour seemed to head there, so it was packed. Instead, walk a little farther to The Fox Inn. We ordered the Steak Frites, the Ham & Cheese Sandwich, and Diet Cokes, and they got our food out super fast. We had plenty of time to eat without feeling rushed. Overall, I absolutely loved this excursion. Beautiful scenery, a great guide, and enough flexibility that everyone could enjoy the day at their own pace. Just do Andy (and everyone else on the bus) a favor… if he gives you a meeting time, be back on time.
Uninformed tour Guide
The tour operator did a good job tell ing things about the tour but failed to find out information about the stops. When we got to the castle at 3:30 we were informed the catle closed early for a wedding. Had he done his due diligence and kept informed from the castle we could have left the first stop an hour earlier, we sat arour for about an hour just waiting to leave for the castle, and had an hour to explore the castle.
