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Why we love the Jurassic Coast

Welcome to dinosaur territory. Over 200 million years old, the Jurassic Coast’s beaches and rocks are strewn with ancient fossils and footprints – yours to discover on walks, bike rides and picnics. So rich are these paleontological treasures, that the coast has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with an abundance of fossil-hunting tours and museums too.

But that’s not all. This 95-mile (152km) coastline – which stretches between Exmouth and Studland Bay on the southern shore of England – is where mighty sea cliffs meet quaint harbour towns and wildlife-filled coves. There are countless ways to explore: from kayaking between the chalk-white towers of Old Harry Rocks and swimming in West Bay’s clear waters, to watching the sunset over the sea from Portland Bill Lighthouse.

Wherever you venture, here’s what to look out for, and the best places to stay.

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

Hire a kayak or hop on a boat cruise to explore these chalk-white rock towers, which stand tall in the English Channel.

Set your sights on Old Harry Rocks

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Person in canoe navigating coastline with cliffs in the background
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Connected to mainland Dorset by Chesil Beach, this tiny island has pretty coastal walks and an impressive lighthouse museum.

Head to the Isle of Portland

VisitBritain/Tom Carter

Woman standing on a rock stack looking out to sea at sunset
Portland

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

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Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

Curving over the waves, this natural stone arch sits just off a pretty shingle beach – and can be reached on foot from Lulworth Cove.

Discover Durdle Door

VisitBritain/Pawel Libera

Dorset

A couple walking on the clifftop in Dorset
Durdle Door

With spectacular views across Purbeck, this millennia-old castle hosts food festivals, live music and outdoor movies galore.

Go time-travelling at Corfe Castle

VisitBritain/National Trust/Paul Healy

Man leaning on gatepost, looking out to views of castle
Corfe Castle

Hire a kayak or hop on a boat cruise to explore these chalk-white rock towers, which stand tall in the English Channel.

Set your sights on Old Harry Rocks

foreadventure

Person in canoe navigating coastline with cliffs in the background
Old Harry Rocks, Dorset

Connected to mainland Dorset by Chesil Beach, this tiny island has pretty coastal walks and an impressive lighthouse museum.

Head to the Isle of Portland

VisitBritain/Tom Carter

Woman standing on a rock stack looking out to sea at sunset
Portland

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Plan your trip to Chesil Beach

liam.jnd

Chesil Beach
Chesil Beach, Dorset

Curving over the waves, this natural stone arch sits just off a pretty shingle beach – and can be reached on foot from Lulworth Cove.

Discover Durdle Door

VisitBritain/Pawel Libera

Dorset

A couple walking on the clifftop in Dorset
Durdle Door

With spectacular views across Purbeck, this millennia-old castle hosts food festivals, live music and outdoor movies galore.

Go time-travelling at Corfe Castle

VisitBritain/National Trust/Paul Healy

Man leaning on gatepost, looking out to views of castle
Corfe Castle

Places to stay on the Jurassic Coast

Weymouth and Purbeck

The Jurassic Coast’s easternmost region, Purbeck puts you within easy reach of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, while Weymouth is a lively seaside hub.

East Devon

With its pretty towns and villages such as Sidmouth, Seaton and Beer (yes, Beer!), East Devon offers seaside B&Bs, hotels and holiday rentals galore.

Lyme Regis

From a stroll along the South West Coast Path, to high adrenaline watersports on the sea, this seaside resort has it all. Tuck into tasty local produce or try your hand at crabbing at its harbour.

Explore nearby

Step into nature with tufty-haired ponies, wild countryside and a labyrinth of bike trails.

VisitBritain/Raul Alex Caramizaru

Girl, in a white skirt, walking beside a Highland cow

A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

British Airways i360

Brighton

Female yoga class taking place on the viewing platform of British Airways i360 Viewing Tower

An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

VisitBritain/Hazel Parreno

Picadilly Circus underground station

Getting to the Jurassic Coast

Road trippers love the region’s coastal routes and clifftop viewpoints, but it’s easy to explore by public transport too. The likes of Weymouth, Axminster and Exmouth have good rail links, with onward connections by bus – while Swanage Railway’s heritage steam and diesel trains call at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross. The local network of electric car charging points is ever-growing.

Getting around

By bus

It’s simple to get around by bus: the Purbeck Breezer and Jurassic Coaster offer hop-on-hop-off services, while the rest of the coast is well-linked, too.

By boat

For a relaxing tour of the Jurassic Coast, book a cruise. They depart from the likes of Exmouth and Swanage, spotting wildlife and sights along the way.

By foot or bike

Instead of a short walk or cycling trip, why not plan a multi-day adventure? If you’re travelling with bags, let a luggage service transport them from A to B.

Want to know more?

Find all the latest travel advice, insider tips and thrilling days out on the Jurassic Coast’s official website.