Old Harry Rocks Jurassic Coast

The chalk stacks rise straight out of the sea like the prow of a sinking ship. Old Harry Rocks is the star of the Jurassic Coast near Swanage, and frankly, the walk to get there is almost as good as the destination itself.

You're looking at three dramatic white limestone formations - Old Harry himself, his wife, and a detached stack - carved out by millions of years of erosion. The cliffs behind them are proper towering, and on a clear day you can see across to the Isle of Wight. The best views come from the Purbeck Heritage Coast path, which approaches from the clifftop car park. Allow a good hour for the walk if you're taking it slow and stopping for photos, which you will.

This works best for walkers and geology types who actually want to understand what they're looking at. Kids will be entertained for the walk itself - the path is straightforward, never dull - but they might find the rocks themselves a bit static after twenty minutes. Bring proper shoes; the coastal path can be muddy and uneven in patches.

The rocks are free to view and accessible year-round, though winter storms can shift the cliffs and occasionally close sections of the path. Spring and autumn are ideal - fewer crowds than summer, better light than winter.

Staying at Ulwell Holiday Park, just 2.4 miles away, puts you perfectly placed. Swanage Bay View Holiday Park is slightly further out but equally convenient for combining this with other Jurassic Coast attractions. The rock formations sit at the eastern end of this geological sequence, making them a natural starting point for exploring Dorset's cliffs.