Go Car-Free! 25 things to do on the X54 Jurassic Coaster

Try your first car-free holiday while using Durdle Door Holiday Park as a base. The seasonal X54 bus route stretches from Poole to Weymouth along the Jurassic Coast, and Durdle Door is right in the middle! Go car-free!

1. Weymouth is a glorious Edwardian style beach resort. Punch and Judy and donkey rides, amusements and children’s activities galore on the golden sandy stretch of beach.
2. Nothe Fort is part of Weymouth’s military history, and sits on its own peninsula guarding the bay with a simply breaktaking view over Weymouth bay and beyond. Nothe Gardens make a lovely place for a stroll and picnic.
3. Sea Life Centre, Weymouth is home to penguins, sealions, and fish from all over the world. A fab water play park will be a huge hit with children.
4. Walk among willow trees in Preston. The Springhead pub is super dog friendly and puts on an annual summer sausage and cider festival.
5. See the Osmington White Horse – no need to get off the bus for this, you’ll see it from the road. Keep your eyes trained on the rolling green hills and you’ll be sure to spot it.
6. Winfrith Newburgh is a picturesque village lined with thatched cottages. Notably, its award winning local shop and post office is also a refill centre meaning you can pick up many goods packaging-free. Winfrith also has a lovely riverside walk going past the old dog pound.
7. Jump off the bus at Winfrith to walk to The Sailor’s Return pub. Set in the quiet, peaceful village of East Chaldon, the whitewashed thatched pub is a real hidden gem serving great food and local drinks.
8. Durdle Door – needs no introduction! The limestone arch is going to provide the perfect backdrop to your summer holiday pics this year.
9. Walk a section of the South West Coast Path
10. Lulworth Cove is a stunning horseshoe shaped pebble beach. Uncommercialised and the perfect stop for a picnic while you watch the local fishermen bringing in their daily haul.
11. Lulworth is where you’ll find The Boat Shed café, right on the seafront at Lulworth Cove. Well recommended!
12. Fossil Forest, just a short walk along the coastal path from Lulworth Cove, is a fabulous opportunity to see where prehistoric trees once stood. Newly restored steps provide great access to the view point.
13. Walk further along the Lulworth Firing Ranges to Mupes Bay – virtually inaccessible most of the year, this secluded beach is absolutely stunning and little-known, making it a quiet spot year-round.
14. Walk even further along the dramatic coastline to Warbarrow Bay and the abandoned village of Tyneham for a step back in time to pre-war village life. This is a long walk but will be unforgettable!
15. Wool is a gateway to the rest of the country with a train station in its midst. It’s the most convenient train station for Durdle Door, offering routes to and from London Waterloo and Weymouth. Go car-free and travel by train to Durdle Door for extra eco-friendly points!
16. Bovington Tank Museum (connects seasonally to X55 from Wool station)
17. Monkey World (connects seasonally to X55 from Wool station)
18. Walk along the Saxon walled town of Wareham. The walls walk takes you along the perimeter on huge grassy mounds, erected to keep out enemies!
19. Wareham Quay is a gorgeous place to stop for an ice cream and feed the resident ducks. You can catch a leisurely boat trip to Poole Quay or Brownsea Island from here.
20. From Wareham, connect to the Purbeck Breezer bus service to Swanage via Corfe Castle and Langton Matravers.
21. Go further to Dancing Ledge for a sea water pool dug into the old stone quarry.
22. Poole Dolphin Centre shop til you drop!
23. Poole Lighthouse theatre is the cultural centre of the arts in Poole. Catch a show or the latest film.
24. Poole Quay and marina – see where the luxurious Sunseeker yachts are made.
25. Poole Old Town and museum are a lovely walk along the high street, via the original LUSH shop.

You can find the bus route and timetables here, as well as further ideas of things to do along the route.

View our fantastic holiday accommodation options at Durdle Door Holiday Park.