Jurassic Coast

In December 2001, 95 miles of East Devon and Dorset coastline were awarded World Heritage Site status, ranking the Jurassic Coast alongside the Grand Canyon and Great Barrier Reef as one of the natural wonders of the world. It covers 95 miles of truly stunning coastline from East Devon to Dorset, with rocks recording 185 million years of the Earth's history. World Heritage status was achieved because of the site's unique insight into the Earth Sciences as it clearly depicts a geological ‘walk through time' spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. The age of the coastline ensures fantastic fossil hunting opportunities, with the beaches around Charmouth and Lyme Regis providing the ideal location. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, together with the Lyme Regis Museum and Dinosaurland in Lyme Regis, give advice and run regular guided fossil collecting walks. This is the best and safest way to get started.

The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site is England's first natural World Heritage Site - it is known as The Jurassic Coast.

Why not explore the Dorset Jurassic Coast by boat, an enviable opportunity to view the area's impressive cliff formations and sheltered beaches from the sea. A pack of leaflets detailing circular walks along the Jurassic Coast have been produced by the National Trust. They include easy-to-follow circular walks of varying length and routes suitable for less able visitors or people with pushchairs.

Visit the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, with displays featuring the famous coastline and its fossils or the Jurassic Coast Gallery at the Dorset County Museum. Also, celebrate the award-winning Jurassic Coast themed Chelsea Flower Show entry at the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, which won a silver gilt in 2006 for its innovative design.

Useful Links

Jurassic Coast

Dorchester Dinosaur Museum

Abbotsbury Subtropical gardens