Jurassic Coast

Covering 95 miles, from Orcombe Point in east Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is an unprecedented place where the history from millions of years is lying beneath your feet. In 2001, the coastline was listed as one of the UNESCO’s natural World Heritage sites due to it being one of the most significant Earth Science locations in the world.

The sheer beauty of the coastline that makes this place so special. At 18 miles long, Chesil Beach, with the Fleet Lagoon behind it, is probably the single largest feature of the coastline. The entire length is made of pebbles that gradually increase in size from pea sized at West Bay to cobbles at Portland. Other famous landmarks include Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, and the stacks at Ladram Bay, all shaped by nature and well worth seeing.

History

This is the only place in the world where the geology, exposed in cliffs for all to see, is a near-continuous sequence of rocks revealing 185 million years of the Earth’s history. A walk along the coast is like taking a ‘walk through time’, through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of geological time.

As storms erode the cliffs a variety of fossils are revealed, with one of the largest finds in recent years being a fearsome pliosaur, a monster beast measuring up to 16 metres in length that would have roamed the seas 150-million years ago. The fossilised skull is now on permanent display at the Dorset Museum in Dorchester

Fossil hunting is great fun but keep well away from the base of the cliffs as cliff falls can take place at any time of year. The safest and most rewarding way of trying it yourself is by joining an experienced guide, which you can do at Lyme Regis and Charmouth. 

Fun Facts

• The Jurassic Coast was the UK’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• The Jurassic Coast is a whopping 95 miles long.
• The name “Jurassic Coast” derives from the fact that it uncovers history from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods.
• Geologists regards the area as one of the most significant educational sites in the world.

Ways to see the Jurassic Coast

The B3157 coast road is a particularly scenic route between Weymouth and Bridport. You can travel on the Jurassic Coaster buses which will take you primarily along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset between Poole and Lyme Regis. The X53 bus departs from Weymouth and travels East to Axminster (above Lyme Regis), where you can stop off at places such as Abbotsbury, Burton Bradstock, Bridport and West Bay. The X51 travels West towards Poole, passing the famous Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Take a look at more stops and the relevant timetables here.

People have been visiting this part of the country and enjoying all it can offer for centuries. And if you enjoy walking, the South West Coast Path covers all 95 miles, so you will not miss a thing!

What to see and do on Dorset's Jurassic Coast

Swan InnAbbotsburyVurlands Animal Farm & Egg Cup TearoomsBridportFirst Buses - Jurassic CoasterWeymouthCoastline CruisesWeymouthCove House InnPortlandFat BadgerWeymouthJurassic Fun CentreBridportLulworth Castle & ParkLulworthLulworth Cove InnLulworthPurbeck BreezerPooleSea Fishing PoolePoolePortland Bill Lighthouse & Visitor CentrePortlandDeli on the QuayPoole