EYPE · JURASSIC COAST · WEST DORSETWhere the world
slows down.
A UNESCO World Heritage coastline with ancient cliffs, hidden beaches and extraordinary walks — straight from the garden gate.
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Distance: right here
England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site inscribed for its outstanding geological value. At Eype, the golden cliffs are dramatic, the beach unspoilt, and the coastal path connects you to some of the most extraordinary scenery in Britain.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
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Distance: 1/3 mile
A beautiful secluded beach situated on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, with dramatic cliff views and excellent fossil hunting. Untamed and wild, Eype Beach is one of England’s best-kept secrets and is a short, peaceful walk from the cottage gate.
SCENERY · CLIFFTOP WALKS · FOSSILS
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Distance: ½ mile
With famous amber cliffs you'll recognise from Broadchurch, West Bay has a lively harbour, colourful ice cream huts and freshly-caught seafood. An easy walk along the coast path.
HARBOUR · FOOD · ICE CREAM
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Distance: 2 miles
The finest walk from the cottage — over the clifftops to Thorncombe Beacon, down to the stunning beach at Seatown and - after a pit-stop at the award-winning Anchor pub - a challenging hike up Golden Cap, the south coast’s highest point.
BEST WALK · SCENERY · FOOD
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Distance: 9 miles
The jewel of the Jurassic Coast; fossil hunting on the beach, the famous Cobb, independent shops and some truly excellent places to eat.
FOSSIL HUNTING · SHOPS · FOOD
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Distance: 30 miles
Dorset's most iconic landmark — a natural limestone arch above impossibly clear water. Take in Chesil Beach and Weymouth along the way for a perfect full day out.
ICONIC · PHOTOGRAPHER’S DREAM
FIVE THINGS TO DO "We could have stayed for weeks and still not seen everything."
1. Walk to Golden Cap at sunrise
One of the finest short walks in England. Views from the summit stretch to Devon one way, Portland Bill the other. Set off early and you'll have it to yourself.
2. Spend the morning in Bridport
Famed for its art and antiques quarter, the nearby market town of Bridport makes for a brilliant few hours of pottering and mooching and there are some great places to eat.
3. Go fossil hunting around Lyme Regis
The cliffs at Lyme regularly reveal ammonites and belemnites: there are some excellent guided fossil walks that make for a great day out.
4. Take a full day to Durdle Door
Drive via the famous Chesil Beach, stop for fish and chips in Weymouth and end at one of England's most striking and beautiful natural landmarks.
5. Do absolutely nothing
Wander down to Eype beach with a picnic and spend the day watching the waves or reading a book. Some of the best days here are the ones where you never make it further than the end of the lane.
WHERE TO EAT 1. The Anchor Inn, Seatown
DESTINATION GASTROPUB · ON THE BEACH Two miles from the cottage, truly one of the best pubs on the coast with an atmospheric interior and seasonal menu. Local produce, fresh seafood. Book ahead.
2. The Hive Cafe, Burton Bradstock
BREAKFASTS · SEAFOOD · ON THE BEACHDelicious food with the waves metres away. A simple pleasure that stays with you. Book or arrive early — there is a very good reason for the queue. English breakfasts are fuller than full and the seafood is exceptional.
3. Soulshine, Bridport
SEASONAL · SUPPER CLUBS · RELAXEDRun by former River Cafe chefs, the focus at this outstanding cafe is on local produce and seasonal ingredients. Stop in for breakfast before scouring the antique shops or book for a relaxed dinner.
4. Dorshi, Bridport
SHARING PLATES · TAKEAWAYLocally sourced ingredients with East-Asian inspiration. The dumplings are legendary. Perfect for a long, unhurried dinner.
5. Rise, West Bay
CAFE-BAR · GOURMET BURGERS RISE never fails to please with its menu of gourmet burgers, “drinking bites” and extensive breakfast options. It’s friendly and reliably good so make sure you book.