Jurassic Coast Voted the Most Beautiful Place to Walk in the UK

October 11th, 2022

We’re delighted to announce that the Jurassic Coast has been voted the most beautiful place to go for a walk in the UK. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, beat a number of iconic holiday destinations to the top spot, including Giants Causeway and Hadrian’s Wall. Of course, we’re not surprised given the incredible scenery found along the Dorset coast. There truly is something for everyone, whether you’re an avid hiker or prefer a leisurely afternoon stroll.

We’re so lucky to have easy access to a range of Jurassic Coast walks from our holiday park in Swanage. Here we explore the research findings and share some of our preferred routes.

stair hole lulworth cove

Best Walk in the UK

A national holiday cottage agency commissioned research into the most beautiful walks in the UK. Over 2,000 people were invited to submit their favourite hiking trails, with entries spanning far and wide. The top 10 featured a range of destinations, including England’s Highest Mountain, Scaffel Pike, Loch Ness, Ben Nevis and The Lizard Peninsula. Despite these worthy contenders however, it was the Jurassic Coast that came up trumps to take the crown.

Entrants cited stunning coastal views as the main reason they like walking along the Dorset section of the Jurassic Coast. They liked exploring natural landmarks such as Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door and perusing the picturesque coastal towns that line the route.

According to the survey, more than three quarters of holidaymakers enjoy going for a walk on holiday – in fact the quality of nearby walking routes is one of the major considerations when choosing the getaway destination. Of those that participated, the majority prefer walking by water and 38% like their route to include a stop at a country pub! The ideal walking distance is a very respectable 7.5 miles, with most preferring a gentle pace. On average, staycationers go on 4 walks during a weeklong break.

durdle door jurassic coast

Walking Holidays in Dorset

We’re unsurprised by the results, given the large numbers of hikers we welcome to our holiday park each year. Ulwell Holiday Park is widely considered the perfect base for a walking holiday in Dorset. our accommodation and facilities are geared up for people looking to spend time in the great outdoors.

From our grounds, it’s just a short walk to the South West Coast Path, where you can venture in either direction to explore Studland Bay, Durlston Country Park, Dancing Ledge or further if you’ve got the energy. Guests looking for something less strenuous can drive to Worbarrow Bay, KimmeridgeLulworth Cove or Poole and enjoy shorter walk from there.

Ulwell Holiday Park is the perfect destination for a walking holiday in Dorset at any time of years – but we think it’s especially great in October and November. The crowds of summer have gone, so you can enjoy a range of scenic autumn walks at a slower pace. There’s plenty of cosy country pubs that you can incorporate into your route – we like the Square and Compass, the Bankes Arms and the Smuggler’s Inn. It’s also one of the peak times for wildlife watching.

walking studland bay

Hiking the Jurassic Coast

We look forward to welcoming you to our dog friendly holiday park close to the Jurassic Coast for a walking holiday this year. If you haven’t visited us before, take a look at our wide range of self-catering accommodation and camping and touring pitches online. We have a fantastic onsite bar and restaurant, well-stocked shop, modern amenities block as well as an indoor swimming pool and children’s play park. The park boats stunning views of the surrounding Purbeck Hills and is just a short walk from the town centre and beach.

Book your stay and enjoy a variety of scenic walks from Ulwell’s well positioned grounds. Check availability online or call and speak to one of our friendly reception team.

walking durlston country park

What our guests say

  • A lovely quiet site

    Andy Blackwell

    A lovely quiet site, nice warm amenities with good sized shower cubicles, shop not open yet as it’s too early but the local pub is ideal. Staff were very friendly and helpful. If you’re reasonably fit you can walk into Swanage but the bus service is great so why would you want to. Overall a very nice break, we will be back.

  • Super swimming pool

    Joseph Molford

    Fantastic site, we have had a brilliant holiday. Super swimming pool and changing facilities. Site really handy to get to Swanage and Studland. Will definitely return. Thanks to all the staff for a lovely holiday.

  • Excellent quality caravan site

    Peter Skrobacz

    Excellent quality caravan site, top quality, small and friendly, location fantastic. Been visiting Ulwell for over 25 years now and every year is special.

  • An amazing week at Ulwell

    Jenny H

    We have just returned back from our weeks stay at Ulwell Holiday Park with our 2 small children and dog. It was an absolute brilliant week! The site has everything you need, and more! A lovely comfy pub on site for drinks and a bowl of chips, a small shop, swimming pool, large play are with park, and the bus stops right outside.. what more could you want

  • Easter break

    Mit

    We have just returned after a brilliant Easter break. Couldn’t fault anything at all and we didn’t want to leave. We didn’t visit the pub but the shop is stocked with local produce and essentials. The facilities are great and the location convenient. Our van was spotless and had everything we needed. We will definitely be back

All reviews

4.5

We are currently at an amazing 4.5 score at TripAdvisor, based upon 200+ reviews from verified guests.

Latest reviews

Proudly associated

Over the years the family has developed the park to award-winning standards and in a style which compliments its surroundings.

  • Camping and caravanning
  • British Holiday & Home Parks assocation
  • Poole Tourism
  • Visit Britain
  • premier park 2020 logo
  • Ulwell Holiday Park AA Rating

Finding us

BY ROAD

From Bournemouth via the Sandbanks chain ferry and following the B3351 into Swanage.

From Wareham using the A351 into Swanage, turn left along the seafront towards Studland.

BY BUS

The park is situated on the main bus route from Bournemouth to Swanage.

GPS

1 ° 58’ 16” West, 50° 37’ 34” North

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