Discover the Jurassic Coast from Valley Farm Holiday Cottages

The Jurassic Coast, a 95-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site in East Devon and Dorset, unveils 185 million years of Earth’s history through dramatic cliffs, fossil beaches, and hidden coves.

Based at Valley Farm Holiday Cottages in Kilmington – Devon’s twice-named “Best Village” – you’re ideally placed amid Axe Valley charm, with thatched pubs, Miller’s Farm Shop, and six circular walks from your door.

Just minutes from the sea, explore these nearby treasures, each a quick drive away and listed from closest to furthest.

Seaton

6.1 miles / 15 minute drive

This charming seaside town beckons with its sweeping pebble beach, where fossil-hunters unearth ancient treasures amid gentle waves. Ride the nostalgic Seaton Tramway through lush countryside to Colyton for a scenic journey back in time.

Nature lovers wander the serene Seaton Wetlands, spotting rare birds amid whispering reeds. Families delight in the town’s vibrant playgrounds and seaside amusements. Hike the dramatic South West Coast Path for breathtaking cliffs and hidden coves, or relax with a dip in the calm waters.

Lyme Regis

6.5 miles / 14 minute drive

Discover Lyme Regis, known as the “Pearl of Dorset”, where fossil-rich beaches invite treasure hunts along golden sands. Stroll the iconic Cobb, the historic curved harbour wall immortalised in literature, shielding the town from stormy seas.

Explore the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium’s vibrant underwater world, teeming with local sea life. Unearth prehistoric wonders at Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and delve into history at the Lyme Regis Museum, home to Mary Anning’s treasures. Grind grains at the charming Lyme Regis Town Mill, a working watermill beside bubbling streams.

Join annual thrills: the Fossil Festival in May, Regatta & Carnival Week in August, and Jazz Festival vibes. Savour seafood feasts in quaint inns, then gaze at starry skies. This vibrant town blends adventure and elegance, perfect for a full day.

Charmouth

7.3 miles / 13 minute drive

Uncover Charmouth, Dorset’s Jurassic Coast treasure, where fossil-strewn beaches spark endless discovery along dramatic shores. Dive into the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, a hub of prehistoric exhibits and expert insights into ancient seas.

Thrill-seekers soar through Tunnel Tree Tops, an exhilarating treetop adventure with zip lines and aerial challenges amid whispering woodlands. Join guided fossil walks to unearth ammonites and ichthyosaurs right from the waves, led by local palaeontologists.

For panoramic vistas, trek to Stonebarrow Hill, rewarding with sweeping views over Charmouth Beach, rugged cliffs, and Lyme Bay’s endless horizon.

Beer

9.8 miles / 20 minute drive

Nestle into Beer, where time-worn cliffs cradle a timeless village vibe. Wander the charming high street, lined with thatched cottages and independent shops bursting with local crafts and treats.

Savour award-winning ales and hearty Devon fare in cozy pubs like the Dolphin or Anchor Inn, their firesides alive with seafaring tales. Or go for a beer in Beer at the Barrel of Beer. Gaze at the pebbled beach, alive with colourful fishing boats bobbing on turquoise waves—perfect for crabbing or sunset strolls.

Thrill at Pecorama’s whimsical model railways and gardens, or venture into the echoing Beer Quarry Caves, ancient Roman stone quarries whispering of hidden history.

Seatown

11.5 miles / 19 minute drive

Discover Seatown, Dorset’s secluded Jurassic Coast haven, where rugged cliffs cradle a tranquil pebbly beach—ideal for fossil hunts and lazy seaside lounging amid whispering waves.

Embark on invigorating walks along the South West Coast Path: ascend to Golden Cap, the south coast’s highest point, for sweeping panoramas over Lyme Bay, or meander to secluded Thorncombe Beach, a dramatic clifftop lookout.

Refuel at The Anchor Inn, a Palmer’s Brewery gem perched beachside, serving award-winning ales, fresh seafood, and hearty pub grub with cliff-top views from its sun-kissed garden.

Branscombe

11.4 miles / 23 minutes

Uncover Branscombe, Devon’s idyllic Jurassic Coast village, stretching elegantly through verdant valleys to dramatic cliffs. Wander the shingle beach, a fossil-hunter’s paradise where ancient ammonites glint amid crashing waves and secluded coves.

Explore National Trust gems: the quaint 18th-century Old Bakery with its wood-fired oven, the clanging Forge, and the water-powered Manor Mill – step back to rural heritage amid blooming gardens.

Hike the invigorating coastal paths for sweeping sea views at Hooken Landslide, or meander woodland trails at Margells. Refuel at The Masons Arms pub with craft ales from Branscombe Vale Brewery and fresh Devon seafood.

West Bay

15 miles / 25 minute drive

West Bay is one of Dorset’s Jurassic Coast icons, where golden sands meet towering orange cliffs immortalised in Broadchurch. Hunt fossils along the pebbled shores or surf the gentle waves, then unwind with invigorating watersports at Bay Paddleboards – stand-up paddleboard lessons gliding over turquoise bays.

Rejuvenate in the wood-fired bliss of The Seaside Sauna Haus, steaming with sea views and Nordic serenity. Refuel on crispy fish & chips from iconic kiosks like Rachel’s, savoring seaside staples beachside.

Embark on adrenaline-fueled Lyme Bay RIB Charter cruises, zipping past the dramatic sandstone cliffs. Dine at Rise Cafe Bar for craft cocktails and coastal vibes.

Sidmouth

15.6 miles / 29 minute drive

Sidmouth is Devon’s elegant Regency gem on the Jurassic Coast, where red sandstone cliffs frame a pristine pebble beach perfect for serene seaside strolls along the esplanade.

Ascend Jacob’s Ladder for breathtaking views over Lyme Bay, or hike invigorating coastal paths on the South West Coast Path to Peak Hill’s panoramic ridges. Meet gentle residents at The Donkey Sanctuary, wandering lush meadows amid braying friends.

Wander Connaught Gardens’ subtropical splendor, or cruise Exe Estuary with Stuart Line Cruises. Savour cream teas in quaint tearooms and fresh seafood in historic pubs. August’s FolkWeek explodes with dances and shanties.

Burton Bradstock

16 miles / 25 minute drive

Discover Burton Bradstock, a pretty village with 13th & 14th Century cottages and a wild shingle beach – Hive Beach – stretching endlessly for fossil hunts, dog walks and sunset dips in Lyme Bay’s gentle waves.

Indulge at Hive Beach Cafe, savouring fresh lobster rolls and crab salads. Retreat to the chic Seaside Boarding House for coastal glamour and acclaimed restaurant dishing up seasonal Dorset delights.

Wander tranquil walks along the River Bride and quench your thirst at The Three Horseshoes, a thatched pub pouring local ales amid crackling fires. Try paddleboarding off the beach or if visiting the area with children, go to the Jurassic Fun Centre for bowling or swimming.

Durdle Door & Lulworth Cove

41.5 miles / 1 hour 5 minute drive

A trip to the area isn’t complete without a visit to Dorset’s most iconic landmarks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, where turquoise waters lap at a perfect horseshoe bay and a dramatic limestone arch frames the sea like nature’s portal.

Lounge on Lulworth Cove’s pebble beach, dipping into crystal-clear shallows for invigorating swims, or embark on the iconic coastal path hike – climbing cliffs for jaw-dropping views of the iconic Durdle Door arch.

Spot seals and seabirds from meadows, or picnic in the shadow of Lulworth Castle. Savour cream teas in quaint village cafes.