England's first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching 95 miles along Dorset and East Devon. Features 185 million years of geological history, dramatic coastal cliffs, fossil hunting, and stunning beaches.
The Jurassic Coast is England's first and only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretching 95 miles along the coastline of Dorset and East Devon from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in the west to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in the east. The designation reflects the coast's extraordinary 185-million-year geological sequence, in which cliff faces expose successive rock strata from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods — the entire Mesozoic Era visible in a single coastal walk. Walking eastward along the coast physically travels forward in geological time by millions of years per mile. The coast's most visited geological landmark is Durdle Door near Lulworth Cove in Dorset — a natural limestone arch formed by the sea eroding through a headland, creating a graceful opening framing views of Portland and the Isle of Purbeck. Lulworth Cove itself, a circular bay almost enclosed by white limestone cliffs, is formed by the same differential erosion process. Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the principal fossil hunting destinations: ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaur bones, and plesiosaur fragments regularly erode out of the Lower Jurassic Blue Lias cliffs, particularly after winter storms. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides free advice on fossil hunting techniques and tide safety. The South West Coast Path National Trail covers the entire length of the Jurassic Coast, offering clifftop walking with dramatic views. The Jurassic Coast is largely a natural open landscape without admission charges; car park and amenity costs vary by location. Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end, chalk stacks separated from the Purbeck cliffs by the sea, provide one of the most dramatic coastal compositions in England.
Good to know
- Hours
- Open 24/7
- Best for
- nature lovers, fossil hunters, photographers, hikers, families
Location
Jurassic Coast, Dorset
50.7184, -2.9377 View on map
Highlights
- Durdle Door natural limestone arch near Lulworth — the coast's most photographed geological feature
- Fossil hunting at Charmouth and Lyme Regis — ammonites and marine reptile fragments erode from the Blue Lias cliffs after storms
- Old Harry Rocks chalk sea stacks at the eastern end near Swanage — a dramatic coastal composition visible from the clifftop
- Lulworth Cove — a circular bay almost entirely enclosed by white limestone, explaining differential coastal erosion visually
- South West Coast Path — the national trail covering the full 95-mile length with clifftop views of the geological sequence
Tips for visiting
- Visit Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove for iconic photo spots
- Go fossil hunting at Charmouth and Lyme Regis beaches
- Walk sections of the South West Coast Path
- Check tide times before exploring beaches and cliffs
When to visit
Fossil hunting is most productive from November to March when winter storms erode fresh material from the cliffs. Summer offers the most comfortable conditions for clifftop walking and beach visits but brings heavy crowds at Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove. Early morning in summer avoids the worst congestion.
Accessibility
The Jurassic Coast is primarily accessed via clifftop paths and beaches that are generally not accessible for wheelchair users due to rough terrain and steep gradients. Lyme Regis town centre and seafront are largely accessible. The Lulworth car park provides viewpoints over the cove but the beach path is steep. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is accessible.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to find fossils on the Jurassic Coast?
Charmouth beach, particularly after winter storms, provides the most productive fossil hunting on the coast. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre advises on safe areas and techniques. Lyme Regis is also excellent. Collecting loose beach material is legal; hammering into cliff faces is illegal and dangerous.
Is Durdle Door free to visit?
Walking to Durdle Door via the South West Coast Path from either Lulworth Cove or West Lulworth is free. The car park at Durdle Door charges a daily fee. The steeply descending path to the beach below the arch requires reasonable fitness and appropriate footwear.
How long does it take to walk the full Jurassic Coast?
Walking the full 95-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path along the Jurassic Coast section typically takes 6-8 days for experienced long-distance walkers. Most visitors explore individual sections of 3-10 miles as day walks from car parks or coastal villages.