This year marks 25 years since the Jurassic Coast became England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we’ve got 10 fantastic ways for you to explore its beauty and history.
The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles between Studland in Dorset and Exmouth in Devon. Its uniqueness places it on a world map of other natural World Heritage Sites including the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Canyon and Galápagos Islands.
The rocks and fossils along the Jurassic Coast are millions of years old – from a time when Dorset lay beneath a warm tropical sea filled with huge marine reptiles. It is the only place in the world where you can see and walk through 185 million years of geological time covering the Triassic, Cretaceous and Jurassic periods.
Here’s our top picks for the best things to see and do on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
1. Go on a Jurassic Coast fossil hunt
Number one on the list of things to do on the Jurassic Coast has to be fossil hunting.
Whether you join a guided tour or go it alone, it’s easy to find a fossil on the beaches at Lyme Regis and Charmouth – once you know what you’re looking for! These are the beaches which famous fossil collector and palaeontologist Mary Anning used to search for fossils on. Some of the fossils she discovered are now on display at the Natural History Museum in London.
If you’re a complete beginner, Lyme Regis Museum and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offer organised fossil walks which will take you to the best beaches for your chance of finding Ammonites, Belemnites, Crinoids and more.
2. Take a boat trip along the Jurassic Coast
One of the best ways to see the Jurassic Coast’s rocks and cliffs is from the sea. There are lots of sightseeing boat trips to choose from, where you can literally see the different layers of rock and how they have moved over millions of years into the formations you see today.
Lyme Bay RIB Charter at West Bay © James Loveridge Photography
You can hop onboard a boat trip to view some of the Jurassic Coast’s most famous landmarks including Durdle Door, Old Harry Rocks, Portland Bill and the West Bay cliffs.
3. Walk the South West Coast Path
We’re really lucky to have the South West Coast Path national trail along the whole length of the Jurassic Coast. So, if walking is your hobby of choice, it’s really simple to walk along the coastline as it’s signposted for the whole distance with an acorn symbol.
Along the way you’ll pass lighthouses, iconic rock formations, huge cliffs, hidden caves and even castles!
Durlston Country Park and Castle © Harbour Media
If you want to walk the whole length of the Dorset section of the Jurassic Coast, it will take around 7 days to complete, averaging 13 miles a day. But you can easily walk shorter sections for day trips, using buses, trains or boats to get back to your starting point.
The South West Coast Path website has lots of ideas for planning your walks, including interactive route maps showing ascents and descents.
4. Try out a watersport on the Jurassic Coast
If you want to get up close to the coast and you’re feeling active, why not have a go at paddleboarding, kayaking or coasteering?
Not only will you get a completely different perspective from sea level, you’ll also be making memories that will last a lifetime.
Paddleboarding at Old Harry Rocks © Fore Adventure
Our experienced tour guides will show you the best places to visit, along with supplying all the equipment you need for the perfect day on the water.
5. Climb to the top of Golden Cap
Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England, measuring 191 metres (627 feet) tall. It’s a steep climb up, but the views from the top are definitely worth the effort.
National Trust car parks are located at Langdon Hill and Stonebarrow Hill, or you can walk along the South West Coast Path from Seatown Beach where there is a pub and parking.
6. Have a beach day on the Jurassic Coast
If you’re seeking some relaxation during your visit to Dorset, a day at the beach is exactly what you need.
Whether you’re looking for a natural beauty with rocky coves or a traditional seaside resort, there’s loads of beaches to choose from.
Lyme Regis, West Bay, Weymouth and Swanage all offer sandy beaches, with lots of facilities such as cafés, ice-cream kiosks, beach shops and nearby parking.
If you’re seeking a more rugged coastline with less crowds, head for Hive Beach, Seatown Beach or Eype Beach.
7. Visit a Jurassic Coast icon
The Jurassic Coast is packed with iconic landmarks that’ll have you reaching for your camera.
Pulpit Rock at Portland Bill © Paul Williams
Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks and Pulpit Rock are awe-inspiring rock formations which are famous around the world. It goes without saying that these locations are very popular and get busy during the summer, so if you get the chance to visit off-peak, there’ll be a lot less people to get in the way of your holiday photos!
8. Go to a fossil museum
If you want to see what sort of creatures used to live in Dorset millions of years ago, a visit to our fossil-filled museums is a must.
At the Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge, there’s a new girl in town. Big Sara – a real Allosaurus skeleton – has just arrived. Along with the ‘Sea Rex’ and lots of other fossils found in the local area, some of which have been classified as new species, this museum is small but mighty.
Follow in Mary Anning’s footsteps at Lyme Regis Museum to find out about the fossils which she discovered on the local beaches, some of which were world-firsts! The Museum is built on the site of Mary’s former home, and contains an interactive geology gallery, cabinet of curiosities and lots more.
9. Climb to the top of a lighthouse
For a unique Dorset experience and to test your head for heights, you can climb the 155 steps up to the top of Portland Bill Lighthouse.
© Richie's Incredible Britain
Your tour guide will explain the history of the lighthouse and its importance for guiding ships through safe waters. From the top, you’ll get fantastic views of Portland Bill as well as Pulpit Rock.
10. Go rockpooling on the Jurassic Coast
Kimmeridge Bay is the best place in Dorset to go rockpooling and along with sea creatures you might also get to see large ammonite fossils inside the rocks at the shoreline.
While you’re here, be sure to stop by the Wild Seas Centre at the end of the Bay (which is open from April to October). If you’re lucky, they’ll be running one of their Rockpool Rambles during your visit, where one of their expert wardens will help you discover and identify the local seashore wildlife.
25th Jurassic Coast Anniversary events
Throughout 2026, there will be lots of events celebrating what makes the Jurassic Coast so special and unique.
Head over the Dorset Coast Forum website to find out more.
Book your getaway to the Jurassic Coast
Now that we've inspired you to visit the Jurassic Coast, you'll want to find the perfect place to stay during your holiday.
Dorset has a huge range of accommodation options - from seaside hotels and homely B&Bs, to lively holiday parks, self-catering cottages, campsites and pubs - there is holiday accommodation for all budgets and requirements.
You can search and book your accommodation via our website, so what are you waiting for, book your next getaway today!
