Guide to exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
Guide to exploring Dorset’s Jurassic Coast
The UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast is famous the world over as a geologically significant landmark that showcases 185 million years of the Earth’s history. Stretching for 95 miles from Exmouth, Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, the rugged coastline is a fossil hunters paradise.
With so many miles to explore, there’s a lot to see and do in this historic area, especially if you’re short on time. So, let us guide you through our must-see spots on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
Beautiful beaches
Weymouth’s curved sandy bay is popular with holidaymakers and watersports fans. With kiosks, Punch and Judy, pedalos and fairground rides, there’s plenty of fun to be had for the whole family.
Extremely popular in summer, the idyllic Lulworth Cove is a beautiful spot to visit for swimming, sunbathing, sailing and walking. Walk along the beach to Fossil Forest to see fossilised tree stumps in the rocks and to the western side of the cove is Stair Hole with its dramatic folding rocks.
Also on the Lulworth Estate is the iconic and highly photographed, limestone arch of Durdle Door which attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year. If you’re in the area and you’ve never been, it’s a must-see. Just make sure to get there early!
You may recognise the towering golden cliffs of West Bay from ITV drama Broadchurch starring David Tennant. The layers of sand reveal falling sea levels from 175 million years ago. Wander around the traditional fishing village and enjoy a walk along the cliffs, admiring the breath-taking sea views.
Swanage is a vibrant seaside town with a wide sandy stretch of beach and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants (and a chippy or two!).
Made even more famous by the film of the same name, Chesil Beach stretches 18 miles from Portland to West Bay. As a shingle barrier, it’s not so good for sunbathing but the area is a haven for an array of marine and bird life. Watching the sun set over the ocean here is a spectacular sight as the sky bursts into amber and orange hues.
Fossils galore
Lyme Regis is a fossil hunter’s treasure trove. It was on its shores in the early 19th century that 12-year-old Mary Anning found a complete Ichthyosaur skeleton.
Charmouth is another top fossil hunting destination. The cliffs of Charmouth have regular landslides, revealing hidden fossils – most commonly ammonites and belemnites. Remember not to get too close to the cliffs!
With sections of limestone extending into the bay and plenty of rock pooling opportunities, Kimmeridge Bay is a fascinating landscape to explore, particularly for avid fossil hunters. Visit The Etches Collection at The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life to admire Steve Etches’ huge collection of marine reptile fossils found in the area.
Wildlife spotting
If you’re a nature lover, you’re spoilt for choice with locations to wildlife watch as the entire Jurassic Coast landscape is bursting with biodiversity.
Fleet Lagoon, Chesil Beach, Portland and Poole Harbour (including Brownsea Island) are world class nature reserves where you can admire rare plants and butterflies with a thriving population of migratory birds. On Portland you may see brightly billed puffins which breed in the cliffs, Fleet Lagoon is known for long-beaked dunlins, sanderlings and wading waterfowl and Chesil Beach is home to a rare colony of terns. Poole Harbour is an important breeding site for avocets and spoonbills.
Durlston Country Park, above Swanage, is a popular place for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Head to a lookout point to see guillemots and you may even spot a dolphin or two! Dolphins are also spotted regularly in Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour!
The cliff-top grasslands of the Jurassic Coast are home to a variety of butterflies, including the rare Lulworth skipper, which flies among beautiful wildflowers in the summer. When hiking along the cliffs, keep an eye out for the pretty green-winged orchid.
Explore by water
From the water, you’ll be treated to a spectacular view of the Jurassic Coast’s dramatic cliffs and fascinating geological layers. Why not take a boat or rib ride along the coast or try a guided kayaking tour? Paddleboarding is also a fun way to explore!
Stay Safe!
It is of course important to stay safe when visiting the beach and exploring coastal areas.
The RNLI recommend choosing a flagged and lifeguarded beach. For swimming and bodyboarding, you should stay between the red and yellow flags and for surfing and paddleboarding, go between the black and white chequered flag. If the red flag is flying, it is too dangerous to enter the water.
When swimming, you should acclimatise to the water to avoid cold water shock. Also beware of rip currents and high waves. If you know you will be out in the water for a while or you’re a not a confident swimmer, wear a buoyancy aide. If you do struggle, the RNLI encourages people to ‘Float to Live’ which involves floating on your back, controlling your breathing and then calling for help or swimming to safety. Carry your phone in a waterproof pouch so you can call the coastguard on 999 in an emergency.
Beware of the risk of landslides and rock falls following severe weather and rough sea conditions. When walking along the cliffs, stick to official routes, look out for signs and stay away from the edge.
If you’re heading to the beach, don’t sit too close to the cliffs and take note of what time the tide comes in and goes out so that you don’t get cut off.
Move to Dorset to have the magnificent Jurassic Coast on your doorstep. With over 30 years’ experience in the local property industry, we have extensive knowledge of the area and its idyllic landscape. Contact our friendly, expert team or pop into one of our Dorset offices to have a chat.
Added: 31st July 2022
