Thorncombe Beacon
Thorncombe Beacon is a clifftop peak on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, situated between Eype and Seatown. The South West Coast Path runs right along the coastline up to the clifftop at Thorncombe Beacon. The hill is owned by the National Trust and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast.
Due to its prominent location and views across Lyme Bay, it was one of a chain of beacon sites along the south coast of England. This was used to warn of the approach of the Spanish Armada in 1588. In 2009, archaeologists found evidence which suggested the Doghouse Hills next to the look out point was West Dorset’s oldest settlement. There were finds dating back to 2500BC, when it would have been as much as 1 mile inland.
As well as the South West Coast Path, there are also footpaths from Chideock, Eype Down and Eype up to Thorncombe Beacon and it makes a nice circular walk from either Highlands End Holiday Park in Eype and Golden Cap Holiday Park in Seatown.
This clifftop landmark is part of our West Dorset ‘Three Peaks’ Challenge, which is a circular 9.3 mile route that takes in 3 of the highest points in West Dorset – Thorncombe Beacon, Golden Cap and Colmer’s Hill.
Where to find Thorncombe Beacon
Thorncombe Beacon
1.7 miles from Highlands End and Eype Beach
3.0 miles from Golden Cap
5.2 miles from Graston Copse
24.8 miles from Sandyholme
Similar things to see and do
Trinity Hill Nature Reserve
Trinity Hill Nature Reserve is a tranquil and diverse wildlife haven located in East Devon, near the town of Axminster.
Maiden Castle
Maiden Castle is the largest Iron Age hill fort in Europe and covers an area of 47 acres.
Pamphill Bluebell Wood
A spectacular woods with bluebells around April/May each year
Badbury Rings
An iron age hillfort popular with walkers and with great views of the Dorset countryside
Tout Quarry Sculpture Park
A sculpture park and nature reserve in an old abandoned quarry - a great free place to visit
Eggardon Hill
A 2,500 year old hillfort with some of the best views anywhere in Dorset
Hambledon Hill
An iron-age hillfort with spectacular views across North Dorset
The Marshwood Vale
A beautiful area of deep Dorset countryside, surrounded by iron age hillforts