Golden Cap Dorset
Iconic golden-topped hill on the Jurassic Coast, offering breathtaking views and rewarding hikes.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Golden Cap Dorset
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic golden-topped hill on the Jurassic Coast, offering breathtaking views and rewarding hikes.
"The views from Golden Cap are absolutely spectacular, a must-see on the Jurassic Coast!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
🚗 Parking Options
Langdon Hill car park (DT6 6EP) is a good starting point. National Trust members park free.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Summit of Golden Cap
Highest point on the Jurassic Coast
Breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. A true reward for the climb!
Jurassic Coastline Views
Coastal path
Witness dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and the vast expanse of the English Channel. A photographer's dream!
Fossil Hunting Opportunities
Charmouth and Lyme Regis beaches
Explore beaches famous for ammonites and other prehistoric treasures. A fascinating activity for all ages!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Golden Cap Adventure
+1Essential Gear for the Hike
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
🚗 Parking Options
Langdon Hill car park (DT6 6EP) is a good starting point. National Trust members park free.
💰 Cash for Parking
Some car parks require cash payment, so bring coins.
🌊 Coastal Path Exploration
The South West Coast Path offers stunning routes. Be aware of cliff edges and potential falls.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The paths can be steep and uneven. Good walking shoes are essential for a comfortable hike.
🚗 Parking Options
Langdon Hill car park (DT6 6EP) is a good starting point. National Trust members park free.
💰 Cash for Parking
Some car parks require cash payment, so bring coins.
🌊 Coastal Path Exploration
The South West Coast Path offers stunning routes. Be aware of cliff edges and potential falls.
🔍 Fossil Hunting Fun
Explore Charmouth and Lyme Regis for ammonites. Remember to check tide times! +1
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the summit are incredible. Don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking panoramic views from Golden Cap, calling it a must-visit for its stunning Jurassic Coast scenery. The challenging but rewarding hike is a highlight for many, though some find the parking fees and steepness of the final ascent a bit daunting. Overall, it's highly recommended for its natural beauty and invigorating outdoor experience.
"I found the closest car park to be Langdon hill car park.
Postcode DT6 6EP.
Its a pay and display car park, national trust members are free.
The walk to the golden cap is around 25 minutes with some walk through a forest.
The last steps up to the Golden cap are steep, but there's not too many of them.
You can also walk to the golden cap along the south west coast path.
Its worth going, as the views are amazing, and there's a large sandy area at the top, where there's plenty of room for a few people to sit."
R J
"So if you are on the road heading to Dorchester take the right hand turn straight after felicity's, call in btw, the local wine is delicious, anyway go right it ain't signposted but you will get to a catpark. It costs around 3 pounds. You need actual cash. Coins. But from there you can do the golden cap and the wood walk. It takes about an hour and is around 5500 steps. It is upsy in one place but worth the effort."
tom browning
"Fantastic views, if heading to or from Charmouth reccomend making a small diversion from the coastal path and visiting St Gabriels Church on the way down"
Roger Unwin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Golden Cap is accessible by car, with several National Trust car parks nearby, such as Langdon Hill (DT6 6EP). You can also reach it via the South West Coast Path.
Langdon Hill car park is a popular choice, offering a direct route to the summit. It's a pay-and-display car park, free for National Trust members.
Yes, you can walk from Lyme Regis to Golden Cap along the South West Coast Path, though it's a longer hike.
While direct public transport to the summit is limited, local bus services can get you to nearby towns like Charmouth or Bridport, from where you can start your walk.
The postcode for Langdon Hill car park, a common starting point, is DT6 6EP.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Golden Cap itself is free to access. However, parking at the National Trust car parks incurs a fee, unless you are a National Trust member.
As an outdoor natural attraction, Golden Cap is accessible at all times. Car parks may have specific operating hours.
No, tickets are not required for Golden Cap. It's a natural landscape open to the public. Parking fees apply at designated car parks.
Visitors should be mindful of the natural environment and potential hazards like cliff edges. Always stay on marked paths.
The main paths can be steep and uneven, making full accessibility challenging. Some viewpoints may be reachable with assistance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The walk from Langdon Hill car park takes about 25 minutes, with some forest sections and a steep final ascent to the summit. Other routes are available along the coast path.
The climb from Langdon Hill car park is approximately 25 minutes. Longer walks along the coast path can take several hours.
The views are spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of the Jurassic Coast, the English Channel, and the surrounding countryside.
While Golden Cap itself is a viewpoint, the nearby beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis are renowned for fossil hunting. +1
Facilities like toilets and a pub are available at Seatown, near the base of Golden Cap.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with the 'golden hour' providing stunning hues.
The summit offers sweeping panoramic views. The coastal path leading up to it also provides dramatic cliff and sea vistas.
Drone usage may be restricted in National Trust areas. Always check local regulations and guidelines before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant coastal details.
Look out for paragliders near the cliffs, dramatic wave action, and the unique geological formations of the Jurassic Coast.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a visit to the nearby Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to learn about the local fossils, which can make the fossil hunting experience even more engaging for younger explorers. Remember to pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and ensure children are supervised closely, especially near cliff edges.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Ramblers
+1Explore the circular walks that connect Golden Cap with charming villages like Seatown and West Bay. The varied terrain, from rolling hills to steep ascents, provides an excellent workout. Don't forget to check the weather forecast and pack accordingly for a safe and enjoyable hiking experience.
+1📸 Photographers
+1Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the vastness of the landscape and telephoto lenses to focus on distant coastal features or wildlife. Keep an eye out for paragliders soaring near the cliffs, adding a dynamic element to your shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Jurassic Coast
The area is particularly famous for its fossil finds, with ammonites and belemnites being common discoveries. Towns like Lyme Regis and Charmouth are hubs for fossil hunting, offering guided walks and museums dedicated to the prehistoric past. It's a chance to connect with a time long before humans walked the Earth and perhaps even find your own piece of history.
Beyond fossils, the coastal path offers incredible walking opportunities, with Golden Cap providing one of the most rewarding viewpoints. The diverse landscapes, from rolling hills to rugged cliffs, make it a paradise for hikers and nature lovers. Remember to check tide times if you plan to explore the beaches for fossils or enjoy the shoreline.
+1Hiking and Walking Trails
For those seeking a more extensive adventure, the South West Coast Path provides numerous options. You can embark on longer circular walks, such as the West Bay to Golden Cap route, or connect with other coastal villages like Seatown and Charmouth. These longer hikes offer continuous breathtaking views of the Dorset coastline.
+1It's crucial to wear appropriate footwear for these walks, as the terrain can be uneven and sometimes muddy. Bringing water and snacks is also advisable, especially for longer treks. The effort is always rewarded with unparalleled views from the summit, making it a truly memorable experience.
Coastal Hazards and Safety
Always stick to marked paths and be mindful of your surroundings. The South West Coast Path is well-maintained, but some sections can be challenging. If you're exploring the beaches, pay close attention to tide times, as the sea can rise quickly and cut off access.
In case of emergency, always dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard. Heeding safety advice ensures that your visit to Golden Cap is enjoyable and safe for everyone.
Social
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