01 Jurassic Coast Complete Guide
**The Jurassic Coast: A Complete Guide to England’s Prehistoric
Coastline**
*Stretching 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in
Dorset, the Jurassic Coast became England’s first natural World
Heritage Site in 2001. This remarkable stretch of coastline exposes 185
million years of geological history through its dramatic cliffs, hidden
coves, and fossil-rich beaches. For Anglophiles with even a passing
interest in natural history, this is one of Britain’s most
extraordinary destinations.*
Why It’s Called the Jurassic Coast
Despite its name, the Jurassic Coast actually spans three geological
periods: the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous. Walking from west to
east along the coast is like traveling forward through time. The oldest
rocks at Exmouth date back 252 million years to the Triassic period,
when this area was a scorching desert. By the time you reach the white
chalk cliffs of Old Harry Rocks near Studland, you’re looking at rocks
formed just 66 million years ago in warm, shallow seas.
The name ‘Jurassic Coast’ was chosen because the Jurassic period
rocks—those formed between 201 and 145 million years ago—are the
most famous and fossil-rich sections. This is where Mary Anning made her
world-changing discoveries in the early 19th century, and where visitors
still find ammonites, belemnites, and occasionally something far more
significant.
The Must-See Landmarks
Durdle Door
This natural limestone arch is perhaps the most photographed spot on the
entire Dorset coastline. Formed when the sea eroded through a band of
Portland limestone, Durdle Door rises majestically from the waves with a
pebble beach curving beneath it. The walk down from the car park
involves a steep set of steps, but the view is worth every one of them.
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch the
best light for photographs.
Lulworth Cove
Just a mile east of Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is a near-perfect
horseshoe bay formed by coastal erosion. The cove demonstrates textbook
geology: the sea broke through the resistant Portland limestone band,
then rapidly eroded the softer clays behind, creating this beautiful
sheltered bay. The Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre provides excellent
context for understanding the geological forces at work.
Old Harry Rocks
At the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, these dramatic chalk stacks
stand sentinel at Handfast Point near Studland. Old Harry himself is the
tall stack closest to the mainland, while his ‘wife’—a stack that
collapsed in 1896—left behind a stump still visible at low tide. These
chalk formations were once connected to The Needles on the Isle of
Wight, visible across the water on clear days.
Golden Cap
At 191 metres, Golden Cap is the highest point on the entire south coast
of England. The summit is crowned with golden-coloured greensand that
gives the cliff its name, and on clear days, the views stretch from
Portland Bill to Start Point in Devon. The walk to the top from the
National Trust car park at Langdon Hill takes about 30 minutes and
rewards hikers with one of the finest panoramas in southern England.
Fossil Hunting
The beaches between Lyme Regis and Charmouth offer the best fossil
hunting on the Jurassic Coast. After storms and cliff falls, new fossils
are constantly being exposed. Ammonites—the coiled shells of ancient
marine creatures—are the most common finds, ranging from
thumbnail-sized specimens to examples larger than a dinner plate.
For the best experience, join a guided fossil walk led by experts from
the Lyme Regis Museum or Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. These walks
teach you what to look for, where to look safely, and crucially, how to
distinguish genuine fossils from similar-looking rocks. The guides share
fascinating stories of significant discoveries and explain the ancient
ecosystems that left these traces behind.
Important safety note: never dig into the cliffs or approach the cliff
base, as rockfalls are common and unpredictable. Stick to searching
among the loose rocks and pebbles on the beach, and always check tide
times before setting out.
Best Towns and Villages Along the Coast
Lyme Regis, with its historic Cobb harbour featured in Jane Austen’s
Persuasion and the film of The French Lieutenant’s Woman, makes an
ideal base for exploring the western end of the Jurassic Coast. The town
has excellent restaurants, characterful pubs, and that wonderful
small-town British seaside atmosphere that’s becoming increasingly
rare.
Swanage offers a more traditional bucket-and-spade resort experience,
with a Victorian pier, sandy beach, and the added attraction of the
Swanage Railway—a heritage steam line running through the Purbeck
countryside to Corfe Castle. West Bay, now famous as the filming
location for Broadchurch, provides dramatic cliff scenery and some of
the freshest fish and chips on the coast.
Planning Your Visit
The Jurassic Coast is accessible year-round, though spring through
autumn offers the best weather for coastal walks and beach visits.
Winter storms can be spectacular to watch from safe vantage points and
often reveal new fossils, but check forecasts carefully.
Allow at least three to four days to properly explore the highlights.
The South West Coast Path runs the entire length of the Jurassic Coast
for those wanting a more immersive experience—walking the Dorset
section takes about a week at a comfortable pace.
Accommodation options range from boutique hotels in Lyme Regis to
camping near the beaches. Book well ahead for summer visits,
particularly during school holidays when the coast becomes extremely
popular with British families.