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Jurassic Coast

The spectacular Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon is England's first natural World Heritage Site. This unique stretch of coastline has joined the ranks of the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon as one of the wonders of the natural world - and it's right here on the Dorset coast! Why not view our stunning video footage of the Dorset Coastline, truly amazing!

The site was granted its status for its outstanding geology, which represents 185 million years of earth history in just 95 miles, covering from Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bay on the Dorset coast. It displays not just superb Jurassic, but older Triassic and younger Cretaceous rocks too. Come and take a 'walk through time' along Dorset's dramatic coastline and enjoy all the stunning natural features, exceptional views and wide range of activities on offer.

World Famous for Fossils!

The beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the best places to hunt for fossils! Here ammonites, belemnites and even bones from ichthyosaurs are continuously being revealed as the cliffs erode - even a recent discovery of a pliosaur - a 2.4m long sea monster's skull dating 150million years ago.

Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and join a guided fossil hunting walk from here or from the Lyme Regis Museum, the safest and best way to hunt for fossils. Just east of Lulworth Cove is the extraordinary ancient fossil forest and in this area dinosaur footprints and trackways have been discovered. You can see Dorset fossils exhibited at the Dorset County Museum.

Chesil Beach, the Fleet and Portland
Chesil Beach is one of the finest barrier beaches in the world, made up of 17 miles of pebbles and shingle. The beach and the Fleet Lagoon behind it is a fascinating place to visit and a haven for wildlife. At the end of the Chesil Beach sits the 'Isle' of Portland where you'll find wonderful views of Weymouth and beyond, the Portland Bill Lighthouse and the Stone Sculpture Parks.

Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Other 'must see' locations along the Jurassic Coast include Stair Hole, the perfect horseshoe shaped Lulworth Cove and the beautiful arch of Durdle Door, one of Dorset's most recognisable features. The Heritage Centres at Lulworth Cove and Durlston Country Park have excellent information displays and offer guided walks.

There are so many ways to enjoy the Jurassic Coast - find out more from visitor centres and local museums, walk the South West Coast Path, hop on and off the Jurassic Coast bus (Coastlinx 53), take a boat trip from one of the harbours, join a guided walk, take your dog on the beach or simply find a spot to sit back and enjoy the spectacular views!

There are many places to stay on the Jurassic Coast, take a look at where you can stay on Dorset's historic coastline. Visit www.jurassiccoast.com for further information on the Jurassic Coast including places to visit, events and activities. 

You can find more information on World Heritage Sites in South West England, including the Jurassic Coast, the City of Bath, Cornish Mining and Stonehenge and Avebury, as well as the North Devon Biosphere and English Riviera GeoPark UNESCO sites, by visiting www.worldheritagesouthwest.org.uk.