If Dorset is in your travel itinerary and you’re looking for some action-packed exploration, visit the world famous Jurassic coast. An iconic heritage site with ancient landscape and geological features, it is also a wildlife haven that unravels a fascinating history and enchanting experience for the visitors.
Jurassic coast is a predominant part of the South West England which is widely known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly attractions. With millions of years of history concealed, Jurassic coast draws visitors from all over the world every year. You can discover the marvel of geology while getting intrigued by the secrets and natural treasures in the coast that would otherwise take a lifetime to experience!
Right when you step in and have the first glimpse at the coast, you can already feel its distinct history and alluring character that make it the best destination for nature lovers and adventurers.
While visiting Dorset during your holiday break, don’t forget to plan your trip carefully and include all the best things to do on the Jurassic Coast. To make your planning a bit easier, this guide provides you with all the necessary details like where is the Jurassic Coast, when to visit it, and what are the best places to visit along the coast. Have a read!
What is the Jurassic Coast?
The world-known Jurassic coast is a vast 95 miles stretch of coastline in Southern England, located between Old Harry Rocks in Dorset and Exmouth in East Devon.
The coast is named after the marvellous Jurassic rocks and fossils found there, which offer the story of pre-historic Mesozoic Era. The coastline will take you back 250 million years ago through visible traces of environmental and geological features, like the Old Harry Rocks which are chalk stacks lined up and the uncommon rock layers of Kimmeridge Bay.
Owing to the presence of fossils and ingenious rocks, the Jurassic Coast is also referred to as Cretaceous and Triassic fossils too. With incredible geology being the prime attraction of the coast, it is also a profound place in the Earth with coastal walks aligned across rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.
To have a lifetime experience with your family or loved ones across the Jurassic Coast in England, try hiking. It offers breathtaking views of the coast at every step. And, if you are lucky enough to spend some more time there, enjoy the unforgettable Jurassic coast activities, discovering fossils or making a splash at the rock pools!
Where is the Jurassic Coast located?
Before you decide exploring the history and geographic distinction of Jurassic coast from London or anywhere in England, let’s us get you to its exact location.
The Jurassic coast is situated on the south coast of England and is a 95 mile stretch of coastline, spanning from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset.
To anyone wondering where is the Jurassic Coast located and wish to visit it sooner can first take a 3-hour train ride from London Waterloo to Weymouth or Bournemouth. They need to then take buses (Jurassic Coaster buses) to the coast and travel through the towns. Alternatively, if you are local tourist or feel it’s more convenient, drive from London to Bournemouth or Poole and enjoy a scenic drive of 2 hours along the coastline.
Tourists travelling from different parts of the continent need to take flight to the Bournemouth Airport, the closest to the Jurassic coast.
Why is it considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
It goes without saying that the Jurassic Coast is a treasure trove in England. It is full of magnificent rocks, landforms, and fossils, everything with the pristine sea in the backdrop that makes it one of the stunning places to visit in Dorchester.
By taking discovery walks along the Jurassic Coast length, you can unravel the rich and distinct paleontological reserves. Along the coastline situated between Exmouth and Studland Bay, witness gorgeous sea cliffs adjoining serene harbour towns and coves offering picture-perfect views.
All these geographical exquisiteness coupled with mighty seashores and sheltered bays make the Jurassic Coast a too magnificent sight to experience.
Inevitably, for all the outstanding natural wonders that the Jurassic coast holds, it is declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. With abundance of ecological treasures and quaint views, Jurassic coast in the UK boasts the title of natural World Heritage Site – the first one in England.
What is the geological history of the Jurassic Coast?
The geographical history of Jurassic Coast spans approximately 185-200 million years that include extraordinary rock formations in continuous sequence, from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, which made up the Mesozoic Era.
Historical discoveries revealed that the coast was once a desert, which evolved into a tropical sea and swampland as the sea levels rose. The Jurassic coast fossils of the inhabitants, including various sea animals like lobsters, sharks, etc., and also Pliosaurs, the mega-predators of the oceans, were preserved in the rocks.
These now stand as dramatic coves, rock lands, and cliffs made of yellow sandstones, golden limestones, and grey clays, especially in the West Dorset.
It was said that these rocks were laid under the shallow sea up to the middle of the Jurassic period, which spans from 200 to 164 million years ago. After that, between 164 and 145 million years ago, the rocks on the coast around Weymouth and Portland were formed.
The red rocks present in the Jurassic coast, at the cliffs of East Devon, are origins of deserts between 252 and 201 million years ago i.e., during the Triassic Period. The fossils from these regions are exemplary glimpse of how evolution of life took place after the extinctions in the Permian Period.
What are the best places to visit along Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast, as the name says, is not just about tranquil sea beaches and picturesque coastal views. There are several small and stilly towns you can visit to find out more about the coast.
Now that you know where is the Jurassic Coast and how to visit, it’s time for you know the inherent places to visit along the coast to make your trip unforgettable and fulfilling.
Let’s have a look at the most stunning Jurassic Coast attractions and what make them a must-visit for you.
• Lyme Regis
It is one the most interesting towns to tick-off during your Jurassic Coast holidays. It is the highest fossil-rich place out of all in the coast and also the home to infamous Mary Anning, known for her incredible discoveries through fossil hunting.
If you are intrigued to get more of hunting stories and findings, visit the Lyme Regis Fossil Museum or Dinosaurland, the exemplary fossil museum that preserves over 16,000 fossils including many enormous dinosaur skeletons.
If you are roaming in Lyme Regis, indulge in fresh seafood and enjoy a quiet moment while soaking up the soothing views.
• Old Harry Rocks
Hike a trail to the Old Harry Rocks, a miraculous three chalk formations standing magnificently on Handfast Point on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset.
While there are a variety of trails, we recommend taking the trail from the most startling point, the South Beach Car Park located in Studland. This unique Jurassic Coast walk will lead you through scenic fields and vast spreads of grasslands, offering you charming sights of the Studland Bay. On hiking to the top of cliff, you can have the scenic view of Old Harry Rocks.
• Kimmeridge Bay
Go for the best rock pooling or snorkelling experience at Kimmeridge Bay. Located in a marine Special Area of Conservation, it is a dominant part of the Jurassic Coast. Its surrounding areas have also been featured on a BBC documentary, Attenborough and the Giant Sea Monster, showcasing the discovery of the colossal skull of a Pliosaur from the cliffs.
The Wild Seas Centre is a major attraction that encourages travellers of all age groups to explore Kimmeridge Bay. If you are fortunate enough, you can visit any of their exhibitions or small events that they run throughout the year. Take your children to rockpool ramble or try snorkel trail if you are visiting during summer to learn about the amazing marine life in the bay.
• Durdle Door
Park your car in the designated caravan site and get to the Durdle Door, one of the most dramatic and photographic sites of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
Located in the south at the Lulworth Estate, it is a stunning arch of natural limestone on a beach, formed due to continuous erosion by powerful waves that excavated the center of a gigantic rock. That’s why the name – Durdle, which implies ‘to pierce’ or ‘to drill through’.
To experience the best out of the Durdle Door beach which is also pebbles and shingles beach, take a walk along the steep hilly path from the Holiday Park. Don’t forget to carry your walking shoes as flip-flops are not really useful for this walking trail.
• Lulworth Cove
One of the main Jurassic Coast attractions and also a true natural wonder is Lulworth Cove. It is a semi-circular bay with a small avenue to the sea. You can park your car at a short distance in the visitor centre in the nearby village and take leisurely stroll to the beach.
Lulworth Cove makes the list of most travellers on the coast because of its breathtaking scenery and sterling blue waters. You can have a fun time with your family by trying watersports, going rock-pooling, coasteering, or simply relaxing under the sun.
• Charmouth
Witness one of the most awe-inspiring views at the Jurassic Coast at Charmouth, a sandy and quaint beach where you can even find fossils. For the magnificent scenery, trek to the top of the Golden Cap. With Portland beyond, you can enjoy the alluring views of the rolling countryside and Lyme Regis.
Charmouth is known for its village culture, friendly locals, shops, cafes, and pubs, which will make it the liveliest part of your Jurassic Coast holidays.
What Things to Do on the Jurassic Coast?
If you are a vacationer visiting England, know where is the Jurassic Coast located, and decided to visit it, we bring some exciting information for you.
The Jurassic coast isn’t just about geological discoveries and exquisite natural views. Make your visit adventurous by doing some of the exhilarating activities around the Jurassic Coast.
1. View the Jurassic Coast from the water
To have the best view of the Jurassic Coast, get to the sea. You can have the most iconic views of the spectacular cliffs, layers of geological rocks, and other iconic landmarks of the site, like Old Harry Rocks and Durdle Door.
There are many facilities of boat rides or rib rides available at the coast so that you can easily go kayaking in the soothing waters while having the striking views of the Jurassic Coast.
2. Hiking the South West Coast Path
Take an undisturbed and refreshing walk along the South West Coast Path, which is situated between Minehead in Somerset and Poole Harbour in Dorset. Famous as the longest national trail in the UK, it is the most immaculate and tranquil beach on the Jurassic Coast for a walk.
Based on your walking speed, you can cover just one or a few sections of the South West Coast Path. For a little more adventure, hit the rugged cliff paths around the Portland Bill or simply wander across the coastal paths in the Isle of Purbeck.
3. Find fossils on the Jurassic Coast
Discovering fossils and learning about their rich histories must be on your list! Visit the Jurassic Coast for fossil hunting tours and have great fun with your kids while unearthing a piece of history on the beaches of Lyme Regis.
To gather further interesting facts and discoveries, visit Lyme Regis Museum, which has galore of fossils and information on the popular fossil hunter, Mary Anning. The museum also offers interactive fossil walks to make your exploration more informative.
4. Walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs
Sounds thrilling, right? No doubt, the Jurassic Coast is a living history walk offering an experience of the lifetime.
While taking a tranquil walk along the scenic coast, you can literally find pieces of evidence of historic times when dinosaurs used to prevail and roam around. Visit the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints, an isolated property in Worth Matravers with over 100 fossilised tracks preserved in a flat rock layer.
5. Dino days out on the Jurassic Coast
Whether you are a dinosaur fan or your kids are, experience some amusing time at the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, where you can see huge life-size replicas of dinosaurs. You can touch some real fossil displays of dinosaur teeth, heads, eggs, and poos too, having some real fun!
What is The Best Time to Visit the Jurassic Coast?
The best time to visit the Jurassic Coast depends on your travel preferences but usually summer months are favourable for outdoor activities like coastal walks, hiking, rockpooling, and fossil hunting in the beach.
Otherwise, the Jurassic coast climate make it’s a year-around destination for travellers across the world, and each season has a distinct charm to offer. While you can go fossil hunting on the picturesque beaches of Lyme Regis or Charmouth during winters, the pleasant weather between the months of April and September make it ideal for beach walks, kayaking, and cliff climbing.
Explore and Discover the Magic of the Jurassic Coast!
Now that you know where is the Jurassic Coast situated and what makes it an exceptional wonder, what are you waiting for? Adventure’s calling you at the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site!
From intriguing fossil hunting and mighty sea views to serene walks at charming coastal towns, the Jurassic Coast is a true haven of natural history and geology to explore. It’s time for you to start planning your lifetime adventure to the Jurassic Coast by train or whatever suits you. Whether you’re a nature lover, avid traveller, history buff, or just looking for a tranquil escape, the Jurassic Coast is the right destination.
If it’s about finding an amiable accommodation near the jurassic coast to make your exploration relaxing and stress-free, consider booking your stay at Sleeping Bear Hotels at Dorchester. With comfortable and spacious rooms, flexible check-in/check-out, and lucrative amenities at affordable costs, we offer reliable and soothing stays to every guest! We allow pets, too. So, book your stay and plan an amazing holiday trip to Jurassic Coast!
