Where to Stay on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, UK

Looking for the best Jurassic Coast Hotels? Here are some of my favourite places to stay in Dorset for your perfect break on the UK coast. 

There’s something about Dorset that I just love. Ocean views, hidden coves, and the infamous Durdle Door along with so much beautiful UK countryside, it’s the perfect place to visit in the UK. 

We’ve visited Dorset many times and loved every second of our trips there. There’s so much to see as well, from towns like Weymouth and the pretty Isle of Portland to the larger cities of Dorchester. 

So, if you’re planning to visit the Jurassic Coast, here are the best places to stay.

Weymouth and the Isle of Portland

Since I’ve already mentioned these two places, you may have guessed that I have a bit of a soft spot for them. I love Weymouth. This was the first place we ever visited on our first trip to Dorset, and there’s something about the town that I fell in love with. 

There’s a lot to do in this area. It’s only a short drive away from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and many of the other famous sights along the Jurassic Coast. There’s also a lot to see in the town itself. You’ll find a cute harbour, a fort, several beaches, and much more. 

Then, the nearby Isle of Portland is just as fantastic with an impressive lighthouse which you can climb to the top of, a huge rock which you can also climb on top of, and several fantastic museums. 

It’s a great place to base yourself for a trip to Dorset. Here are some of the top hotels in Weymouth and Portland.

1. Gloucester House

Location: The Esplanade

Perfect for: Beachfront views

Budget: £££

Gloucester House is a charming boutique bed and breakfast, a 13-minute walk from Weymouth Harbour and a stone’s throw from Weymouth’s award-winning beach. This bed and breakfast is also a short walk from attractions like Weymouth Marina, Sandsfoot Castle, and Radipole Park and Gardens. 

At Gloucester House, you can choose from double, twin, quadruple, and king rooms. Every room has a stylish modern interior with an ensuite bathroom, TV, and drawers. 

The king rooms also feature a small balcony area with a table and chairs overlooking the beach, and every booking includes a full English breakfast cooked to order.

✅ Check prices and book a room at Gloucester House

2. Braemar 

Location: Waterloo Place

Perfect for: Budget backpackers

Budget: £

Budget backpackers looking for an affordable place to stay in a great location should stay at Braemar.

Weymouth town centre and harbour are just a 15-minute walk from this budget-friendly hotel, and the local train station is a mere 5 minutes away. 

At this beautiful grade II listed Georgian building, you’ll also have easy access to the promenade and beach (2 minutes away). Regarding rooms, Braemar offers three types of clean and modern double rooms. 

All three rooms have ensuite bathrooms with showers, large beds, TVs, and free WiFi. You can enjoy a buffet-style breakfast in the shared dining area in the mornings.

✅ Check prices and book a room at Braemar

3. Oaklands Guest House

Location: Glendinning Avenue

Perfect for: A romantic getaway

Budget: £££

Originally an Edwardian residence, this gorgeous recently renovated hotel brilliantly combines a contemporary and eclectic feel with original Edwardian features. Oaklands Guest House offers well-equipped double and king rooms, as well as luxury suites. 

The rooms and suites feature stylish interiors, ensuite bathrooms with showers and toiletries, cupboards, and free WiFi. This 4-star B&B also offers complimentary breakfast and access to an in-house bar and lounge.

The hotel will also kindly prepare a packed lunch for your Jurassic Coast adventures. Popular attractions near Oaklands include Radipole Park and Gardens (0.7 miles), Weymouth Beach (1.4 miles) and Sandsfoot Castle (1.7 miles).

✅ Check prices and book a room at Oaklands Guest House

Purbeck Peninsula

If I were to pick my second favourite part of the Jurassic Coast and Dorset, it would be the Purbeck Peninsula. This gorgeous part of the UK is home to some stunning natural beauty as well as one of the most impressive castles in England – Corfe Castle. 

It’s still a very reasonable distance from Lulworth and Durdle Door as it’s located on the opposite side of the landmarks to Weymouth. You’ll also have easy access to Poole, Sandbanks, the beautiful Blue Pool, Lulworth Castle, Peveril Point and the stunning Old Harry Rocks. 

It’s another great base for a trip to Dorset, particularly if you love combining history with nature. Here are a few of the best places to stay on the Purbeck Peninsula.

4. Gretenham B&B

Location: Stafford Road

Perfect for: Visiting Swanage Bay

Budget: ££

Gretenham B&B is a charming Edwardian townhouse located approximately 300 metres from Swanage Bay and its scenic coastline. Popular activities in Swanage include hiking, sailing, and diving. The Downs are also only 230 metres away! 

Surrounded by other Edwardian houses, the area around the B&B is beautiful. You’ll have access to local cafes, bars, and pubs.

You can enjoy the coast during the day and settle for traditional British pub grub at night. Inside, this B&B has a contemporary style mixed with antiques that reflect its history and well-appointed suites. The king suite features a king bed, ensuite, seating area, and bathtub.

✅ Check prices and book a room at Gretenham B&B

5. The Priory Hotel

Location: Wareham

Perfect for: Exploring the Dorset countryside

Budget: ££££

This luxury hotel is nestled in 4 acres of lush Dorset countryside alongside the River Forme. It is a 7-minute walk from the ancient market town of Wareham and its 9th-century walls. The Priory Hotel is in a prime location for exploring Corfe Castle, Hartland Moor National Nature Reserve, and Monkey World. 

Meanwhile, Swanage Bay, Lulworth Cove, and Studland Beach can be reached by car in 20 minutes. 

As far as accommodation goes, this hotel is spectacular. The lush surroundings, an on-site restaurant serving world-class food, and boutique rooms with gorgeous ensuite bathrooms and garden views combine beautifully to offer you a truly luxurious stay.

✅ Check prices and book a room at The Priory Hotel

6. Purbeck Shepherd Huts

Location: Worth Matravers

Perfect for: Unique accommodation

Budget: ££

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay in the Purbeck Peninsula, look no further than Purbeck Shepherd Huts. This quirky accommodation option offers the most amazing shed-like huts, complete with fully equipped kitchens, fireplaces, private bathrooms, seating areas, and double beds.  

Despite their size, they are surprisingly spacious. Regarding location, Purbeck Shepherd Huts are located in Worth Matravers, a village famous for its cliffs, limestone cottages, and ponds. The area regularly appears on postcards of the Isle of Purbeck and is a popular hiking, biking, and photography destination.

Better yet, Corfe Castle is 4 miles away, and Swanage Bay is 4.5 miles away. 

✅ Check prices and book a room at Purbeck Shepherd Huts

Dorchester

Located between Poole and Bridport, Dorchester is a historic market town. It’s much further away from the coast than the other destinations on this list but, just because it’s a little further inland, doesn’t mean it’s any less of a wonderful place to stay on the Jurassic Coast. 

The town has a lot going for it. You can explore its rich history which dates back to Roman times (and its Roman Town House is worth a visit). A lot of the history in Dorset is related to literature as well, in particular Thomas Hardy, who used the town as inspiration in his novels. 

You’ll find yourself quite close to Weymouth and an easy driving distance from Abbotsbury and Durdle Door. Plus, the nearby Maiden Castle, one of the largest Iron Age hill forts in Europe, is also well worth a visit.

If you’re considering spending some time in Dorchester, here are 3 of the best hotels.

7. The King’s Arms

Location: High East Street

Perfect for: The Centre of town

Budget: ££

The King’s Arms is a 4-star hotel situated in the heart of Dorchester. Therefore, this hotel is convenient for the city’s central attractions, cafes, pubs, and restaurants. Dorchester West train station is only 690 metres away, and Dorset Museum & Art Gallery is only a 2-minute walk away.

Meanwhile, Bowleaze Cove and its beautiful beach are only an 18-minute drive away. The King’s Arms Hotel has a restaurant, a terrace, private parking, and several types of bedrooms/suites.

Every room has a private bathroom with a walk-in shower, wardrobe, and desk, and the hotel’s suites also feature bathtubs and seating areas.

✅ Check prices and book a room at The King’s Arms

8. Waterfield House B&B

Location: Bradford Peverell

Perfect for: Staying on the river

Budget: £££

If you’d prefer to stay just outside Dorchester along the River Frome, Waterfield House B&B is a solid choice. You’ll find the B&B in Bradford Peverell, an 8-minute drive from the town centre. 

This area is renowned for its lush countryside and wildlife, such as kingfishers, egrets, and herons, which can be spotted outside Waterside House. The B&B offers two room options: a Waterside Room and a King Room.

Both bedrooms have large beds, ensuite bathrooms, and river views. However, the Waterside Room also has a balcony. The property serves a full English breakfast daily, too!

✅ Check prices and book a room at Waterfield House B&B

9. Westwood House

Location: High West Street

Perfect for: Booking organised activities 

Budget: £££

This hotel sits inside a historical 4-story building on an elegant Georgian street in Dorchester town centre. It offers double bedrooms and deluxe suites, and you can enjoy an award-winning full English breakfast in the morning.

The rooms are beautifully furnished. Each has a comfortable bed, an ensuite with complimentary toiletries, a TV, WiFi, and a small seating area. Regarding location, you’ll be steps away from Rochester’s best shops, restaurants, and attractions. 

Better still, Dorset’s picturesque countryside is only a 10-minute drive away. However, Westwood House’s biggest draw is the array of activities available. You can book cycling, windsurfing, fishing excursions, and more through the hotel.

✅ Check prices and book a room at Westwood House

Lyme Regis

This area is known for its fossils, so if you’re interested in prehistoric history, you’ll love it here. Lyme Regis is one of the best places to search for fossils in the UK, its beaches are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site that stretches the coast. 

As well as the fossil-filled beaches, you’ll also find a beautiful harbour which has been featured in a lot of films and literature, several museums, and a quaint town centre with cobblestone streets, little shops, and a great selection of restaurants. 

10. Room At The Inn

Location: Broad Street

Perfect for: Affordable luxury

Budget: ££

Room At The Inn is a lovely hotel located on Lyme Regis’s main street inside a building that’s over 400 years old. It prides itself on offering luxurious bedrooms in a central location at an affordable price.

Lyme Regis Front Beach and the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum are less than a 5-minute walk from the property. You’ll also find yourself surrounded by local shops and restaurants. 

As good as this hotel’s location is, it’s the rooms you’ll love most, especially the Deluxe Double. This room has an en-suite bathroom with a walk-in shower, a beautiful fireplace, and elegant furnishings. 

Room At The Inn also has a cosy traditional pub!

✅ Check prices and book a room at Room at the Inn

11. Rock Point Inn

Location: Broad Street

Perfect for: Sea views

Budget: ££££

This stylish hotel offers fully furnished modern bedrooms with epic sea views a stone’s throw away from Lyme Regis Front Beach (a 2-minute walk away). When you’re not walking along the beach or exploring the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum (10 minutes away), tuck into a traditional English meal at the hotel’s pub.

Other notable tourist attractions near Rock Point Inn include King George’s Field, Seaton Beach, and Seafield Gardens.

As for the rooms, Rock Point Inn has beautiful King, twin, and double rooms with panoramic sea views, wardrobes, TVs, ensuite bathrooms, and desk space. Complimentary toiletries and breakfast are also included in your stay. 

✅ Check prices and book a room at Rock Point Inn

12. Kersbrook Hotel

Location: Pound Road

Perfect for: Private parking

Budget: £££

If you’re looking for a hotel with free private parking in Lyme Regis, the 18th-century Kersbrook Hotel is an excellent choice. This hotel is only a 10-minute walk from the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, an 11-minute walk from Lyme Regis Front Beach, and a 9-minute walk from Langmoore and Lister Gardens.

You can also easily access the town shops, pubs, and restaurants. Inside Kersbrook Hotel, you’ll find charming bedrooms with a delightful country feel. 

Rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, double beds, and TVs, and the deluxe rooms feature a fireplace and sea views. Breakfast is included daily, and you’ll also have access to an on-site bar and lounge.

✅ Check prices and book a room at Kersbrook Hotel

Where Do I Recommend Staying on the Jurassic Coast?

Overall, if you’re looking for beautiful history, stunning natural scenery, and some of the most beautiful coastal areas in the UK, you have got to visit the Jurassic Coast. It’s a completely wonderful part of the world and one of my favourite places to spend a long weekend break. 

When it comes to where to stay, if you’re visiting Dorset for the first time, I’d recommend basing yourself in either Weymouth or the Purbeck Peninsula. You’ll find yourself close to the main attractions of the region and within easy driving distance of plenty of wonderful attractions. 

If you’re interested in literature or want to stay on the Jurassic Coast on a budget, I’d head to Dorchester. Going slightly inland can help cut the costs of your stay quite significantly, especially during peak times. 

Lastly, if you’re looking for pretty beaches and are into paleontological importance, I recommend Lyme Regis.

Either way, you’re sure to have the best time in Dorset. I know I have every time I’ve visited because it’s such a beautiful region of the UK. So, I hope you have the best time on the Jurassic Coast. 🙂

Planning a trip to Dorset? Check out my favourite things to do in the area.