White Nothe

Standing atop these dramatic white chalk cliffs, the whole of Weymouth Bay spreads below like a vast amphitheatre. White Nothe rises 160 metres from the sea near Dorchester, offering one of Dorset's most spectacular coastal viewpoints without the crowds that plague Durdle Door further east.

The cliff-top walk here is properly rewarding - a decent scramble that'll take about an hour each way from Ringstead Bay car park. Families with teenagers will love it, though I wouldn't attempt it with small children given the steep drops and crumbling chalk edges. The path can get slippery when wet, so proper walking boots are essential.

What sets White Nothe apart is the geology on display. The layers of chalk and limestone tell millions of years of story, and fossil hunters often strike lucky along the beach below. Serious walkers can continue along the South West Coast Path towards Weymouth, though that's a full day's commitment.

Timing matters here. Early morning or late afternoon light transforms the white cliffs into something almost ethereal. Summer weekends bring the biggest crowds, but it never feels overcrowded like other Jurassic Coast hotspots. From holiday parks like Haven Seaview or Waterside at Bowleaze Cove, it's an easy drive for a half-day adventure that'll leave everyone properly impressed.