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Best Jurassic Coast Walk for Views: Tyneham Range to Worbarrow Bay Circular (4.6 Miles)

If you’re looking for a Dorset Jurassic Coast walk with huge views, a beach stop and a little adventure for kids, this route is an absolute winner.

We did this as a family last weekend on one of those perfect Dorset winter days - crisp, cold, and beautifully clear - and honestly, the views were some of the best we’ve seen on the coast.

Even better? It’s totally doable with children. This route is just 4.6 miles with 246m of elevation gain, and our 5-year-old completed it without needing a carry (which is always the ultimate family-walk benchmark!

At a Glance: Tyneham Range to Worbarrow Bay Walk

Distance: 7.35km (4.6 miles)
Elevation gain: 246m
Time: 2–3 hours (depending on beach/Tyneham village stop)
Starting point: Car park at the top of Tyneham Range
Terrain: Coastal paths, grass tracks, some steep uphill/downhill sections (Worbarrow is very steep and can be slippery!)
Best for: Families, coastal views, beach exploring, winter walks
Dog friendly: Check access rules (this is MOD land and restrictions apply at times)
Pushchair friendly: No (uneven paths and hills)

Why We Love This Walk

This walk has everything you want in a Jurassic Coast route:

A huge sweeping viewpoint early on (instant wow moment)
Worbarrow Bay as a proper beach stop for snacks and exploring
A fascinating detour through Tyneham village - the deserted village that feels like stepping back in time
A good bit of uphill at the end that makes you feel like you’ve earned your coffee (or packed snacks!)

The Route: What to Expect

1) Start at the Car Park at the Top of Tyneham Range

We started from the car park at the top of Tyneham Range and followed the Tyneham Range path. It’s a great start because you’re quickly rewarded with high ground and some of the best panoramic views on the whole walk.

2) The Magnificent Viewpoint Over Worbarrow Bay

This is the point where you’ll want to stop, take a deep breath and get your camera out.
From this sweeping viewpoint you can see:

Worbarrow Bay stretching out below
Across towards Chapman’s Pool to the left
And right across the coastline towards Lulworth and even Portland on a super clear day

There was one specific viewpoint where it felt like the whole Jurassic Coast opened up in front of us — the kind of view that makes you stop mid-sentence.

3) Down to Worbarrow Bay for a Beach Stop
After soaking up the views, the route heads down towards Worbarrow Bay, which is ideal for families because it creates a natural “destination” partway through.

We stopped here for:

Snacks
Beach exploring
Rock hunting
And a bit of running around to burn off energy before the next section

On a cold winter day it was still totally worth it - and honestly, the bay in the winter sunshine looked spectacular.

4) Continue to Tyneham: Dorset’s Deserted Village

From the beach, the route takes you across to Tyneham, the historic village that was evacuated during WWII and never fully returned to normal village life due to the land being used for military training.

It’s genuinely fascinating and well worth a wander:

Abandoned cottages
The small church
Information boards
And plenty for children to spot and explore

It feels like a mini adventure within the walk.

5) Final Climb Back Up to the Car Park

The last part is a steady hike uphill back to the car park, and this is the section you’ll feel most in your legs.

But it’s also where you get more stunning coastal views behind you — and it’s a brilliant confidence boost for kids who make it to the top (ours was very proud!).

Food & Coffee Tip: Salt Pig Coffee Van

There is a Salt Pig coffee van at Tyneham, which is a great bonus… but the hours can be hit and miss.

So we’d absolutely recommend:

Bringing your own snacks
Packing a picnic lunch
Taking water (especially for children)
And maybe bringing a flask if you’re doing it on a chilly day

If the van is there, it’s a lovely treat to stop at before the final hike up the hill to the car park.

Family Tips for This Walk (From experience!)

If you’re planning to do this route with children, here are our honest tips:

Layers matter – the top viewpoints get windy, even on sunny days
Bring snacks – Worbarrow Bay is the perfect snack break spot
Plan for exploring time – Tyneham is too interesting to rush
Good shoes – especially in winter when the paths can be muddy
Give kids mini-missions – “find a smooth stone,” “spot a ship,” “count steps”
Expect tired legs on the final uphill – but it’s manageable, especially with breaks

Is This Walk Worth Doing in Winter?

100% yes.
If anything, winter is one of the best times to do it because:

The air is clearer (views are incredible)
It’s quieter
You don’t overheat on the hills
And the coastline looks dramatic and stunning

We did it on a crispy, clear winter day and it felt like we could see forever.

Final Thoughts: One of the Best Jurassic Coast Walks for Views

If you want a walk that gives you the wow-factor Jurassic Coast views, plus a beach stop and a unique detour through Dorset history, this route is an absolute must.

It’s one of those walks that feels like a proper family adventure - and the fact it’s only 4.6 miles makes it feel very achievable, even with younger children.

If you do it, let us know; and don’t forget to take your time at Worbarrow Bay and Tyneham. They’re both worth the stop.

FAQs: Tyneham & Worbarrow Bay Walk

How long is the Tyneham to Worbarrow Bay walk?
The route is 7.35km (around 4.6 miles).

How hard is the walk?
It’s moderate, mainly due to the 246m of elevation gain and the uphill return. Most children who enjoy walking should manage it with breaks and snacks.

Is this walk suitable for children?
Yes. Our 5-year-old completed it without needing a carry, and the beach stop + Tyneham village make it much more engaging for kids than a standard hill walk.

Is Tyneham village open all year?
Tyneham is on MOD land, so access can be restricted at times depending on military training schedules. Always check before you go.

Can you park at Tyneham?
Yes, there is parking at/near Tyneham, but we started from the car park at the top of Tyneham Range for the best views and full route experience.

Are there toilets on the route?
No, so it’s best to plan ahead and assume there may be limited options, especially in winter.

Is the route dog friendly?
It can be, but MOD access restrictions apply, and there may be livestock at times. Check the local signage and MOD opening information.

What should I bring?