South West England , England

7 Hours Full Day Tour of West Dorset

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About this experience

Discover the ancient designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is West Dorset. Visit the pearl of Dorset (Lyme regis) and embrace its rich heritage and incredible scenery. You can hunt for fossils in Lyme or at our next destination in Charmouth. You'll also get to have a look around the heritage centre where impressive fossils are displayed. We will then visit one of the counties best located pubs where you can have a drink and get some lunch before exploring the ancient feel of Symondsbury. We will then visit the seaside resort of West Bay. to finish the day. Full day out in a small scale tours from 2 to 7 people with local tour guide.

Available options

7 Hours Full Day Tour of West Dorset

Pickup included

What's included

Entrance fees to all locations

Local tour guide

Air-conditioned vehicle

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

First up is the seaside town of Lyme Regis, dubbed the "pearl of Dorset". The Cobb can be dated back 700 years and is the site of filming for "The French Lieutenant's Woman". The town is also the centre of Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast and was the home of Mary Anning (and her dog!), the leading pioneer in Palaeontology.

Just down the road is the village of Charmouth. Here we will visit the Heritage Centre which has multiple fossil displays followed by our very own fossil hunting session. You may find your very own dinosaur!

Next stop is lunch*. If it's not too busy we will be stopping at The Anchor Inn, Seatown. This gorgoeous little smugglers inn and village nestles into the cliffs with Golden Cap (the highest point on the south coast) to one side and Thorncombe Beacon (offering stunning views of the entire Jurassic Coast) to the other. The pub is famous for its fresh seafood and cliff-top bar.

*Cost of lunch not included.

Once we are all fed and watered, we will depart for the quaint village of Symondsbury. Home of Symondsbury Estate (with art gallerys, cafe, shops, pigs and goats!), the local landmark of Colmer's Hill, and the spooky carvings in the holloway of Hell Lane.

Explore the spooky carvings in the holloway of Hell Lane.

Lastly, enjoy a gentle stroll around Bridport Harbour, AKA West Bay. Those from the UK will recognise it as the filming location for Broadchurch. Walk along the breakwater for views of the impressive Eastcliff.

What's not included

Food and Drink

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important note - The remaining time will be allotted for the travel time from pick up until drop off

Meeting point

Dorchester South Train Station

Important notes

Present ticket and identification (of just the customer who made the booking) to tour guide upon pickup or meet point.

About South West England

South West England is a region known for its stunning coastline, rolling countryside, and rich history. From the dramatic cliffs of the Jurassic Coast to the charming villages of the Cotswolds, it offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 155 km from Dorset to Devon. It features dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches, and stunning coastal scenery.

Nature Full day or multi-day Free to explore, some attractions may charge

Stonehenge

Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of the most famous landmarks in the UK and attracts millions of visitors each year.

Historical 2-3 hours £20-£25

The Roman Baths

The Roman Baths in Bath are a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing. The site includes the bathhouse and a museum displaying artifacts.

Historical 2-3 hours £25-£30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cream Tea

A traditional British treat consisting of scones, clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea. It's a must-try in the South West.

Dessert Vegetarian

Cornish Pasty

A savory pastry filled with beef, potatoes, onions, and swede. It's a staple of South West cuisine.

Lunch Contains gluten and dairy

Popular Activities

Hiking Cycling Surfing Spa treatments Beach lounging Cream tea Museum visits Historic site tours

Best Time to Visit

June to August

The summer months offer the warmest weather and the longest daylight hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. However, it is also the busiest time of year.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: English
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Pound Sterling (GBP)

Time Zone

GMT (UTC+0) or BST (UTC+1) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

South West England is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and friendly locals. However, it's always important to take basic precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use licensed taxis or app-based services
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services

Getting there

By air

Bristol Airport • 12 km from Bristol city center
Exeter Airport • 7 km from Exeter city center

By train

Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids

By bus

Bristol Bus Station, Exeter Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are a cost-effective way to travel between towns and cities. Services are frequent and cover most major routes.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Bristol City Centre Exeter City Centre

Day trips

Cotswolds

Approx. 100 km from Bristol • Full day

The Cotswolds is an area of outstanding natural beauty, known for its picturesque villages, rolling hills, and historic landmarks.

Exmoor National Park

Approx. 80 km from Exeter • Full day

Exmoor National Park is known for its rugged coastline, rolling hills, and diverse wildlife. It's a great destination for outdoor activities and nature lovers.

Festivals

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta • August Exeter Festival of South West Food and Drink • October

Pro tips

Visit the Jurassic Coast for stunning coastal scenery and fossil hunting
Explore the Cotswolds for picturesque villages and rolling hills
Try a traditional cream tea for a taste of South West culture
Visit historic sites like Stonehenge and the Roman Baths
Experience the region's vibrant arts and culture scene in cities like Bristol and Exeter