Showcasing 185 million years of history across 95 miles of coastline, the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast is one of a kind. Stretching between East Devon and Dorset, it is home to some of the most beautiful, varied and geologically and historically significant coastline in the world.
If you are staying in the South West, it’s likely that you’ll want to visit the UNESCO Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. Beginning in Exmouth in East Devon and ending 95 miles later at Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, the coastline here is a living museum. Recording 185 million years of activity and life through its incredible rocks, fossils and landforms and proudly showing off some of the most beautiful scenery in the country, it really is a hugely special part of the world.
Whether are you looking forward to lazing on golden sand beaches, hunting for dinosaur fossils by the shore, scaling some of the highest cliffs in the South, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters or another of your favourite activities, there is something for everyone along the Jurassic Coast. To fuel your imagination and feed your excitement, here are our 15 highlights of the Jurassic Coast for you to consider during your much-anticipated holiday:
The 15 Best Places to Visit on the Jurassic Coast
Chapman’s Pool
One of the Jurassic Coast’s more off-the-beaten-track bays, Chapman’s Pool will appeal to those looking to shirk the crowds. With no facilities, no lifeguard cover and no nearby parking, this beautiful cove has romantic seclusion in abundance and is well worth the effort to get there.
Charmouth
The seaside village of Charmouth has a special allure. Backed by towering cliffs, lined with multi-coloured beach huts and lapped by cool waters, this coastal haven is most known for its abundance of fossils that can be found along its shore, commonly including ammonites and belemnites.
Chesil Beach
Whether you want to walk, think, play, mingle, relax or simply admire the views, there’s no better place than Chesil Beach. An 18-mile-long stretch of shingle extending from West Bay to Portland, it is one of the country’s most iconic natural landmarks.
Corfe Castle
The National Trust-managed Corfe Castle is one of the most formidable survivors of the English Civil War. Partially destroyed in 1646 by Parliamentarians, its ruins stand proud overlooking the Purbeck District and are a favourite amongst all generations for exploration.
Durdle Door
Perhaps the most famous of the Jurassic Coast’s natural landmarks, Durdle Door never fails to captivate. An enormous limestone arch, Durdle Door’s rippling bridge stands vertically out of the sea and provides an unrivalled backdrop for walks, picnics and sea dips.
Golden Cap
Believed to be the highest point on the South Coast of England, Golden Cap is a worthy challenge for ramblers. Affording 360-degree panoramas, on clear days the top of the cliff rewards the keen with views across Lyme Bay all the way to Dartmoor.
Kimmeridge Bay
Accessible via a toll road or the South West Coast Path national walking trail, the magnificent Kimmeridge Bay is part of a Marine Special Area of Conservation. Claiming some of the best rock pooling opportunities and safest snorkelling in Dorset, it’ll definitely win over water-babies.
Lulworth Cove
The sheltered bay of Lulworth Cove has long captured attention for its unique geology - formed by the joint forces of the sea and melt ice at the end of the last Ice Age. A real paradise for lazy days by the water, it provides an idyllic backdrop unlike anywhere else.
Lyme Regis
Dubbed the “Pearl of Dorset”, the picturesque town of Lyme Regis was first mentioned in the Domesday Book. With its historic Cobb and harbour, string of seafood bistros and ice cream shops, and fossil-yielding beach, it’s a place that will quickly work its way to the top of your holiday list.
Man O’War Beach
Not far from Durdle Door, the dog-friendly Man O’War Beach is a sand and pebble beach loved for its handsome aesthetics, backed by a curving sweep of vegetation-clad cliffs and blanketed by turquoise seas. Summer mornings and evenings are particularly dreamy here, once the crowds have departed.
Old Harry Rocks
The Old Harry Rocks are three giant chalk formations in the sea at Handfast Point. Standing at the eastern edge of the Jurassic Coast, they make for especially photogenic subjects for photographers and also appeal to seasoned kayakers for a striking destination to paddle to.
Poole Harbour
The largest natural harbour in Europe, Poole Harbour is always the site of much activity. Popular for sailing, coastal walks, birdwatching, kitesurfing and more, adventurers are well-catered for, whilst in the town, pubs, restaurants, cinemas, shops, museums, galleries, and more await in abundance.
Portland Bill
Found at the southernmost tip of the Isle of Portland, a small promontory that juts out from the mainland into the sea, Portland Bill is a beautiful highlight of the Jurassic Coast. One of the best ways to enjoy the views here is to climb to the top of the Portland Bill Lighthouse during a guided tour.
West Bay
Recently stealing the show with its appearances in ITV’s hit drama, Broadchurch, the gorgeous West Bay is another of our Jurassic Coast highlights. Home to a traditional fishing village, imposing golden cliffs and a popular beach café, it has all the makings of a firm favourite for all generations.
Weymouth
Whether you can’t wait to experience the highlights of the resort or the chilled vibes of the beach, Weymouth will not disappoint. With a Blue Flag award-winning beach and a whole treasure trove of activities and attractions in the town, it’s little wonder it’s one of Europe’s top beach destinations.
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