For London tourists looking for a tranquil and scenic escape from the hustle and bustle of inner city life, the coastline of south England is a treasure trove of stunning coastal havens and hidden gems. Read on for our top destinations for a picturesque coastal day trip outside of London.
The Jurassic Coast, Dorset
Peaceful, rolling countryside and calm, cerulean waters await on the Jurassic Coast. This captivating five mile stretch of historic coastline along southern England presents a fascinating, almost continuous sequence of rock formations dating back as far as the Mesozoic Era. A true wonder to behold, it was the first natural place on earth to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its intense beauty and international geological significance.
Durdle Door, Dorset
In all its splendor and serenity, it’s really no surprise why Durdle Door is the most photographed and iconic landmark in Dorset. This natural limestone arch takes its name from the old English word thirl, which means to pierce or drill, due to it being formed around 10,000 years ago when the power of the waves eroded the rock and forged a hole through its middle.
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Lulworth Cove is renowned for its stunning panoramic views, crystal clear azure waters, and fascinating geological intrigue. Formed by the combined forces of the sea and a river swollen by melting ice at the end of the last Ice Age, this unassuming cove has so much to offer.
Other Landforms
As well as the big ticket rock formations, other unique landforms also feature on the Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Crumple, a jaunty cliff face created when the Europe and Africa tectonic plates collided, and Stair Hole, a hole in the Portland limestone which has slowly produced a circular sea cove with time.
The Sussex Heritage Coast, Sussex
Spanning six miles of stunningly scenic coastline from Eastbourne to Seaford, the Sussex Heritage Coast is a flawless, undeveloped National Trust area featuring iconic landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and plenty of heritage. It is the longest stretch of undeveloped land on the south coast and was the first Heritage Coast established to protect and conserve the best stretches of undeveloped coast in England.
Beachy Head, East Sussex
Standing at 530 feet high and boasting incredible views across the English Channel, the iconic white chalk cliffs of Beachy Head are the highest point along the south coast and the highest chalk sea cliffs in Britain. Due to them facing southward, these imposing cliffs are subjected to severe southwest gales which maintains their iconic, sheer edge.
Visitors who venture inland slightly will soon reach the quaint, quintessential village of East Dean. With charming pubs surrounding a beautifully manicured green, a thriving community of artists, and a perfect base location for avid birdwatchers, there is so much to see and do in East Dean after you have drunk your fill of the stunning landscapes and sea views offered by Beachy Head.
Seven Sisters, East Sussex
Seven Sisters is the ultimate scenic destination for those with a love for picturesque landscapes and stunning nature walks. Featuring globally significant habitats and iconic white cliff coastlines, a trip to Seven Sisters is a tranquil and memorable way to enjoy the beauty of the Sussex Heritage Coast.
A huge range of trails and footpaths span the park across hundreds of miles of protected woodland, stretching from remote countryside to the sandy southern beaches of Sussex. From the yellowhammer to the kingfisher, Seven Sisters boasts an impressive array of wildlife to be spotted through the seasons. Kayaking and paddle boarding is also available during the summer months.
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