Jurassic Coast in Local Attractions

The Jurassic Coastline is a 95-mile stretch of coastline located on the south coast of England and is a World Heritage Site. This remarkable coastal area boasts a rich history of geological and palaeontological significance, making it a popular destination for tourists and scientists.

The coastline spans from Old Harry Rocks at Studland to Exmouth in East Devon. It is renowned for its diverse range of geological features, including cliffs, bays, stacks, and beaches, all home to an abundance of fossils from the Jurassic era, some over 180 million years old. In this era, dinosaurs roamed the earth, and many marine creatures lived in the sea.

The Gateway Towns are ideal access points to the Jurassic Coast; they provide a complete range of services which support the conservation and management of the World Heritage Site. Each of the towns is a destination in its respect. Beer, Bridport, Budleigh Salterton, Charmouth, Exmouth, Lyme Regis, Portland, Seaton, Sidmouth, Swanage, Wareham, West Bay and Weymouth

One of the most famous locations along the Jurassic Coastline is Lyme Regis, known as the birthplace of palaeontology. Here, Mary Anning, a self-taught palaeontologist, made many significant discoveries, including the first ichthyosaur and plesiosaur fossils. Her work helped to change the scientific understanding of the earth's history and evolution of life. Today, visitors can explore the Mary Anning Museum, dedicated to her life and work, and go on guided fossil walks along the beach.

Another highlight of the Jurassic Coastline is the Durdle Door near Lulworth Cove, a natural limestone arch carved by the sea over millions of years. This iconic landmark is a popular visitor spot and offers breathtaking coastline views.

The Jurassic Coastline is a place of natural beauty and a geological treasure trove, offering a unique insight into the earth's history. It is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and educational groups, who can learn about geology, palaeontology, and the diverse range of plant and animal life that has lived along the coast over millions of years.

There are also many visitor centres and museums which provide additional information about the Jurassic Coast.

• Beer Quarry Caves
• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
• Chesil Beach Centre
• Dorset County Museum, Dorchester
• Dorset Wildlife Trust Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge
• Durlston Country Park
• Fairlynch Museum, Budleigh Salterton
• Philpot Museum, Lyme Regis
• Portland Bill Visitor Centre Portland
• Museum Sidmouth Museum
• Studland Visitor Centre, Knoll Beach
• Swanage Heritage Centre

 For more information on the Jurassic Coast, you can obtain the Jurassic Coast leaflet from either Swanage or Wareham Tourist Information Centres or visit the Jurassic Coast website at: jurassiccoast.org