Golden Cap
Chideock, United Kingdom
The highest cliff on England’s south coast, topped with golden sandstone. The steep climb from the car park at Seatown takes about an hour.
At 191 m, Golden Cap is, according to the National Trust, the highest point on the south-west coast of England. It takes its name from a band of golden greensand near the summit. Large boulders lie at the foot of the cliff, and after storms fossil collectors find ammonites and belemnites in the Blue Lias. The hill is owned by the National Trust and is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
From Seatown the coast path leads to the summit in about 40 minutes; from the Langdon Hill car park the National Trust suggests one to two hours, and the summit is signposted from there. Sturdy shoes are advisable. If you prefer somewhere quieter, you can take a circular walk of about 2.2 km in Langdon Wood, or an easy 2.7 km loop on Stonebarrow Hill with views of the coast. Check the tides if you walk on the beach.
- Nearest town
- Chideock, United Kingdom
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 50.7234, -2.8410
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Highlands EndCampsite5 km from Golden CapTentsCaravansMotorhomes
- West Bay Holiday ParkMotorhome stopover5 km from Golden CapTentsMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Washingpool Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover6 km from Golden CapMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Timber Vale Caravan ParkMotorhome stopover7 km from Golden Cap · 153 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityWaste disposal
- Monkton Wyld Holiday Farm ParkCampsite9 km from Golden CapTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Andrewshayes Holiday ParkCampsite17 km from Golden CapTentsCaravansDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Golden Cap?
Golden Cap is in Chideock, United Kingdom, at GPS 50.7234, -2.8410. It is about 6 km from West Bay.
Can you camp near Golden Cap?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Golden Cap Holiday Park, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 67 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Golden Cap?
Golden Cap is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Jurassic Coast: Lyme Regis to Old Harry.
What is there to see near Golden Cap?
Places worth a stop nearby: Chesil Beach (19 km), Cerne Abbas Giant (28 km), Durdle Door (41 km) and Lulworth Cove (43 km).
When is the best time to visit Golden Cap?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)