Free

The Jurassic Coast offers a multitude of options for those looking for a no-cost (or very low-cost) day out. As nature takes centre stage here, many of the absolute best experiences on the Jurassic Coast won’t cost you a penny.

Parking for Pennies

There are many places on the Jurassic Coast where you can park your car for exceptionally low rates. Worth Matravers in Purbeck has a village car park with an honesty box where the suggested donation is £2 per day – that’s the sort of change you can find lurking between sofa cushions and represents serious value, considering the World Heritage Site views and coastal walking trails on offer nearby, not to mention the phenomenal (and free) Spyway Dinosaur Footprints a short amble away.

Still in Purbeck, Tyneham village also has an honesty box with a £2 per day parking fee. Be sure to check the Lulworth Ranges Firing Times before planning your visit, and once there enjoy the sumptuous walk to and geological marvels on show at nearby Worbarrow Bay, whilst exploring the fascinating trapped-in-time village itself.

If visiting out of season, be sure to check the latest Parking offers – for instance, East Devon District Council often run special parking rates on coastal car parks in Sidmouth, Exmouth and Seaton in the lead-up to Christmas.

Enjoy a Picnic with a Million-Dollar View

Whilst the coast contains a bevy of superb Food & Drink options for eating out, sometimes the most satisfying meal is one you’ve cooked at home and brought with you for the day.

If dining al fresco on your trusty picnic rug, we can recommend the views at Charmouth, where you’ll have the beach and sea on one side and a pretty river and little bridge on the other. As a bonus, you can combine your picnic with a spot of Fossil Hunting, one of the coast’s best Activities and one that is absolutely free – just use your eyes!

Connaught Gardens in Sidmouth is another magnificent picnic spot, resting atop Jacob’s Ladder and affording spectacular views of the town’s towering Triassic cliffs to either side. The gardens have multiple flat grassy areas for rug-spreading, and there is step-free access to the beach via a zig-zagging concrete pathway. Combine a picnic with a walk on Sidmouth seafront and you’ve got yourself one of the best Jurassic Coast days out available at zero cost.

These Boots are Made for Walking

Walking is free as we all know, and thankfully our World Heritage Site offers a world-class version of it to match any age, ability level and desired walking duration.

Browse our selection of walks to start building your itinerary – perhaps a walk from West Bay to Seatown and back could be tempting, or the stunning Hooken Undercliff that joins Beer and Branscombe in Devon. The world of walking is truly your oyster here, or maybe we should say ammonite!

Free to Explore

Some of the coast’s most noteworthy Attractions are free to enter. Start with Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, where you can see David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon up close and get your own fossil finds identified by the Centre’s expert wardens.

Nearby West Bay Discovery Centre is an award-winning local Attraction that takes visitors on a fascinating tour through the history of this coastal village. There are always new exhibitions and activities happening here so be sure to pop in and see the latest.

Further east, the Wild Chesil Centre between Weymouth and Portland is a wildlife haven and offers plenty of interesting fodder for animal and mineral lovers alike.

Virtually Free

And finally, if you’ve crashed back at home at the end your visit, or you’re dreaming about your next Jurassic Coast expedition, be sure to browse our website and fill your (walking) boots – check out our Fossil Finder for all things palaeontological, browse our Ideas & Inspiration section for themed and seasonal treats, and see our What’s On guide for everything that's coming up.