Fitness & Wellness on the Jurassic Coast

Fitness Retreats for Busy People

Home to incredible beaches, miles of rolling countryside, and some of the UK’s most iconic coastal views, the Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places in the country to immerse yourself in nature. And while its unique geology is often the main attraction, it’s also becoming a go-to destination for fitness and wellness retreats.

Exmouth, sitting at the western gateway to the Jurassic Coast, is the perfect base. With access to both coast and countryside, it offers an unbeatable mix of seaside air, wild trails, and open space to reset. From beach workouts and scenic hikes to cold water dips and mobility sessions, a retreat on the Jurassic Coast blends movement, rest, and nature in a way that’s both grounding and energising.

Whether you’re looking for a UK fitness retreat, a coastal adventure, or simply a weekend to recharge, this stretch of coastline delivers the kind of peace and perspective that only nature can offer.

A bit of background

The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles along the south of England and is the UK’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Running from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, it captures 185 million years of nature’s history through its unique cliffs, fossil-filled beaches, and incredible terrains and landscapes. If you venture to the western end near Exmouth and Lyme Regis, the rocks here date back to the Triassic period, which was between 200 and 250 million years ago.

But the Jurassic Coast isn’t just for those seeking out a piece of history. Today, it attracts swimmers, hikers, runners, and anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the outdoors. Its natural beauty is matched by its accessibility – it’s just a few hours by train from London – making it ideal for busy professionals and city dwellers who want to recharge without a long-haul journey.

Exmouth, one of our key Jurassic Coast retreat locations, sits at the western end of the Jurassic Coast. It has long been a gateway to outdoor adventure, from watersports on the River Exe and coastal trails overlooking the cliffs, to CrossFit Pi in nearby Woodbury – our go-to for indoor training. The town is also home to some of our favourite chefs and hosts, which makes it not only a beautiful place to be based for a few days, but also a functional spot for running active, community-led retreats.

Above all, what makes this region so special is its ability to blend remoteness and calm with so many active options. You can be climbing sea cliffs one minute, swimming in sheltered coves the next, then enjoying a chef-prepared meal with the group a few hours later. The Jurassic Coast really is the epitome of activity and nature, and where each season offers something slightly different.

Sustainable Jurassic Coast Travel

One of the many benefits of visiting the Jurassic Coast is how accessible it is how accessible it is from London without needing to take a flight, or drive long distances. As a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, preserving it is a shared responsibility – and getting there sustainably is a great place to start.

Trains from London reach Exeter (for Devon retreats) or Weymouth (for Dorset retreats) in under three hours, making it a viable weekend destination for anyone looking to escape the city and breathe in some sea air. From there, local buses and taxis can take you the rest of the way, and most towns along the coast are walkable once you’re settled.

If you’re based near Exmouth, the town itself is compact and easy to navigate on foot or by bike, with coastal trails and beach paths right on the doorstep. You can also use local services like ferry boats across the estuary, or take the scenic Exe Estuary Trail by bike – an almost entirely flat and traffic-free 26 mile route, offering car-free ways to explore the surrounding nature reserves and villages.

As with all our retreats, we encourage group travel, shared lifts, and train journeys where possible. As well as being better for the planet, it also kicks off the community feel before you even arrive.

Why Choose a Fitness Retreat on the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast lends itself to different types of movement, great views, and as much time outside as possible. It could be a beach workout, a sea swim, a trail run along a clifftop path, or a restorative mobility session as the sun sets.

This particular stretch of UK coastline offers unparalleled pockets of nature that it’s impossible to not make the most of them. You’ll explore sandy beaches, fossil-rich cliffs, and beautiful winding estuary trails – all within reach of charming seaside towns and villages. It’s a retreat that combines nature with a healthy dose of fitness and challenges that will leave you feeling strong and recharged.

Outside of the movement sessions, the Jurassic Coast is simply a stunning place to spend time. Whether you’re enjoying fresh local seafood, trying out a sunset swim, or chatting around the dinner table with others just like you, you’ll return home stronger and more connected to both yourself and the nature that’s right on our doorstep.

The Best Time to Visit THE JURASSIC COAST

The Jurassic Coast coast enjoys a milder climate than much of the UK, making it a brilliant destination for fitness and wellness retreats throughout most of the year. However, we are still in the UK, so the weather can be unpredictable. That said, each season brings something different, so here’s what to expect depending on when you go.

  • From spring through early autumn, Devon is at its best. April to June offers cooler mornings and fresh trails, while July to early September brings longer, warmer days perfect for coastal hikes, outdoor swims, and sunrise sessions on the beach. This is the peak season for active getaways, especially if you want to make the most of being outdoors all day. Just remember: this is the south coast of England, not the south coast on the Mediterranean, so a waterproof layer and some flexibility with plans will go a long way.

  • The summer months draw the biggest crowds, with families and holidaymakers heading to the beaches. While Exmouth overall has plenty of space to roam, the trails and beach towns get much busier during weekends and school holidays. That said, the sea is warmer, the skies are brighter, and it’s peak season for sea swimming,  so it’s worth battling the crowds.

  • These shoulder months can be ideal if you’re looking for a getaway without the summer crowds. March often brings the first taste of spring with clear air and emptier trails and beaches, while October offers those beautiful autumn lights and colours. November is quieter, and perfect for a long weekend escape if you’re happy with mixed weather and a slower pace.

  • The winter months in Devon tend to be quieter, with fewer tourists and a more local feel. While it’s not peak retreat season, you’ll still find plenty of outdoor adventures if you’re brave enough to face the elements. Coastal walks and cold sea dips are available all year round, after all. If you like your getaways peaceful, this might be your time.

The Best Things to Do on the jurassic coast

Hiking and Coastal Trail Running

The South West Coast Path offers some of the most scenic and varied coastal hiking and running in the UK. You’ll take in incredible cliffs, hidden coves, and wide open views of the sea, as well as the famous landmarks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Some of our favourite stretches include the loop from Budleigh Salterton to Otterton, and the golden cliffs between Sidmouth and Branscombe. Whether it’s a walk, hike or run, there’s something for every level. For the dedicated runners, the Jurassic Coast plays host to an ultra challenge every year and is a key event in the south west fitness calendar. 

Cold Water Dips & Sea Swims

Visitors to the Jurassic Coast are lucky enough to have a range of sea swimming spots to choose from. And taking a dip into the ocean for a spot of cold water swimming is one of the most authentic ways to experience the Jurassic Coast. There are scenic coves and natural rock pools, as well as sandy family-friendly beaches, giving you plenty of options for a quick dip or proper swim. Some key spots include:

  • Lulworth Cove and Man of War Beach: ideal for scenic swims, with turquoise waters and dramatic cliffside backdrops.

  • Dancing Ledge: a unique sea pool carved into the rock.

  • Studland Bay and Swanage Bay: perfect for families or first-timers, with calm, shallow waters and excellent facilities.

  • Chesil Cove, Lyme Regis, and Charmouth West: known for clean, clear waters and rich marine life, so great options for open water swimmers.

For those new to cold water, it’s always recommended to seek guidance and safety tips – plus warm-up protocols to make sure your body is equipped for the water and it’s not a shock to the system.

foraging

A foraging walk through the coastal woodlands and estuaries of East Devon is a great way to balance the activities and training with something slower-paced and still immersed in nature. Led by a local expert, you can forage for everything from wild garlic and herbs to sea vegetables and shellfish. You’ll learn how to identify, harvest, and cook with nature’s most overlooked ingredients, then return to the house to enjoy a foraged feast together.

Stand-Up Paddleboarding & Kayaking

The Jurassic Coast isn’t just for walking, running and swimming – you can explore by kayak and paddleboard, too. You’ll experience the landscape from a completely different perspective. We partner with trusted local providers, so there are always options for those who want to add a water-based adventure to their retreat.

FAQs

  • Our Jurassic Coast retreat is structured around daily training, recovery, and connection. Each day includes a mix of structured sessions – from fun beach conditioning workouts to in-gym strength and skill development at CrossFit Pi. With six training sessions across three days, you’ll work through olympic lifting, gymnastics, skills sessions and competition-style workouts. Outside of training, you’ll enjoy chef-prepared meals, plenty of downtime to rest and connect, and the chance to experience the natural beauty of the area at a relaxed pace. It’s a purposeful weekend built to help you train hard, recover well, and reset.

  • This retreat is best suited to those with some experience of CrossFit or functional fitness training. Across the weekend, you’ll work on key skills commonly seen in competitions – think barbell cycling, gymnastics, and engine work – and put them into practice under fatigue during coached workouts. We’ll be training at CrossFit Pi in Woodbury, a spacious and well-equipped gym with a welcoming community. If you’re comfortable with the basics and keen to level up, this retreat will challenge you in all the right ways.

  • Packing for a Jurassic Coast retreat means getting ready for structured training, outdoor workouts, and plenty of good food and downtime. Here’s what we recommend:

    Training Essentials

    • Flat-soled training shoes, plus lifting shoes if you use them

    • Your usual activewear for both indoor and outdoor workouts 

    • Swimwear for optional dips in the sea

    • Hand protection: tape, chalk, moisturiser or callus file if you typically use them

    • A second pair of shoes for outdoor training (e.g., for the beach workout)

    • Flip flops or sliders for post-workout comfort

    • Comfortable layers for evenings

    • A sweatshirt and jacket

    • Sunscreen, sunglasses, refillable water bottle, and any personal fitness gear

    • Reusable water bottle

  • Our Jurassic Coast Fitness Retreat runs for 3 nights, which is the perfect amount of time to escape the city, train with intention and soak up the coastal air without feeling rushed. It’s a fun, structured weekend with just the right amount of downtime built in, so you’ll head home feeling stronger, calmer, and recharged.

EXPLORE MORE ON OUR BLOG