Old Harry Rocks
Destination UK

Kayaking out to Old Harry Rocks on the Jurassic Coast

Posted on
July 16, 2019

My husband has kayaked out to Old Harry Rocks with Kian a few times now, but I have always been left in charge of the small people.

Last week was our 14th wedding anniversary and when he asked what I wanted to do, it was top of my wish list.

We booked a half day Old Harry Rocks Tour with Fore Adventure, who are based in Middle Beach car park in Studland Bay.

The tour starts on the beach, with an introduction to the tandem kayaks and how to use them safely by our guide for the day, Josh.

The bay is shallow and sheltered, so the perfect location to learn how to kayak.

We hugged the coastline as we kayaked out to Old Harry Rocks, with Josh pointing out interesting things to see both under and above the water, with plenty of nesting birds and their chicks to see.

The water was calm and clear until we rounded the huge chalk stacks, where on the sea facing side of the coastline, we headed towards Swanage, which was a bit harder going as we faced more choppy seas.

We paddled up as far as Parson’s nose chalk stack and ate at sample of fresh seaweed before turning around and to head back towards Old Harry Rocks, where we got to get out of our kayaks and explore.

Old Harry Rocks

It is quite slippery underfoot, but looking at the chalk arches and stacks up close, is fascinating.

Jurassic Coast Arch

Josh pointed out fault lines which contain flint and gives the rocks a pinkish tinge in places.

Josh told us all about the history of the rocks, including how they were named – apparently after the devil, although many think it’s after the infamous Poole pirate, Harry Paye.

Old Harry Rocks

The half day kayak tour takes around 3 hours and sees you kayak for around 4.5 miles in total.

Old Harry Rocks Kayak

Fore Adventure provide a wet suit, floatation aid, helmet, jacket, the kayak and a tour guide. I highly recommend that you wear sturdy wet shoes, so you can confidently navigate the area around Old Harry Rocks.

A half day Old Harry Rock Tour from Fore Adventure costs £50 per person and is suitable for adults and children aged 12+.

For those with younger adventurers, they also run a 2 hour tour for £35 per person which is suitable for those aged 8+ – find out more at www.foreadventure.co.uk

Trip map created using Wanderlog, for itineraries
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25 Comments
  1. Reply

    Treasure Every Moment

    July 16, 2019

    Oh wow what a fun adventure! The Jurassic Coast is such a beautiful coastline, so where better to kayak?! 🙂

  2. Reply

    Liona

    July 16, 2019

    What an adventure and so beautiful. I would love to do this someday.

  3. Reply

    Steph

    July 16, 2019

    I love this, I really want to try Kayaking now!

  4. Reply

    Angela Milnes

    July 16, 2019

    This sounds awesome. I had never heard of the Jurassic Coast before. I loved kayaking as a child.

  5. Reply

    What Mum Loves

    July 16, 2019

    Congratulations on your anniversary! You chose such a fun way to celebrate it. Love the views, too x

  6. Reply

    Claire

    July 16, 2019

    I absolutely loved kayaking as a kid but I’ve not done it in years.
    I think if I was it would have to be somewhere like this, what incredible views. Your pictures come to life!

  7. Reply

    Rebecca Smith

    July 16, 2019

    Sounds like a fantastic experience! Congratulations on your anniversary

  8. Reply

    Rhian Westbury

    July 16, 2019

    Kayaking sounds like a lot of fun, especially to celebrate an anniversary. Looks like you had a great time.

  9. Reply

    kumamonjeng

    July 16, 2019

    The view in the Jurassic Coast is stunning and doing kayaking here is brilliant. I have never tried kayaking before and love to try it once.

  10. Reply

    Valerie

    July 17, 2019

    I’ve never been to the Jurassic Coast but photos like these make me want to go. It looks beautiful, and that looks like a great place for beginners to start kayaking.

  11. Reply

    Kat&Phil

    July 17, 2019

    What a stunning landscape!! Looks like the perfect place to kayak. Thanks for the inspiration!

  12. Reply

    serin quinn

    July 17, 2019

    It looks so beautiful! I really need to see more of this part of the world!

  13. Reply

    Newcastle FamilyLife

    July 17, 2019

    I have never been kayaking before, it bet it was a lovely experience. It looks like you had a nice day for it x

  14. Reply

    Nayna Kanabar

    July 17, 2019

    This sounds like a lovely day out and so much fun .

  15. Reply

    Myrah Duque

    July 17, 2019

    England is so filled with great surprises! My daughter loves kayaking, so this would be a thrill for her. What great photos.

  16. Reply

    Kirsty

    July 17, 2019

    I love going kayaking, what a unique way to celebrate your anniversary. It looks like you had a good one.

  17. Reply

    Jasmine Hewitt

    July 17, 2019

    Congratulations on your anniversary. kayaking is a great way to celebrate

  18. Reply

    amara_brown

    July 18, 2019

    Great Pictures . Thanks for sharing

  19. Reply

    Charli Bruce

    July 18, 2019

    What a great way to celebrate your anniversary! I would love to do something like this but have a self-inflicted fear of water that I keep on letting get worse.

  20. Reply

    Alexandra Cook

    July 18, 2019

    Looks like you found a great spot to enjoy kayaking! I haven’t been to this place but interesting destinations like this are definitely on our list!

  21. Reply

    Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too

    July 20, 2019

    What a wonderful way to celebrate your wedding anniversary. A beautiful place to visit, so much to learn about the area

  22. Reply

    Jennifer

    July 20, 2019

    It sounds and looks amazing. We love the Jurassic Coast, it’s stunning.

  23. Reply

    Aparna verma

    July 22, 2019

    Kayaking is love. I live in Mumbai India and have never got any chance to try kayaking. But now I am planning to go Himachal Pradesh with my fellow friends and there we are surely gonna try this adventurous water sport. Thanks for sharing such interesting post. Cheers!!!!

  24. Reply

    Lara jarvis

    July 22, 2019

    I’ve been wanting to visit this coast for so long, your photos are incredible – who knew such beautiful views existed along our coast. This looks like a brilliant place to celebrate xx

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KARA GUPPY
Bournemouth

Are we nearly there yet? is a new online blog run by me, Kara Guppy, and is named as such thanks to my daughter Eliza who always asks that very question when we are less than 5 minutes up the road heading off on our adventures. You may know me from my other family blog chelseamamma.co.uk