England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of coastline spanning 185 million years of Earth's history. Fossil hunting at Charmouth, the natural arch of Durdle Door, the tombolo beach of Chesil, the limestone stacks of Old Harry Rocks, and Lyme Regis (birthplace of Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter) are all highlights of this extraordinary coastline.
The Jurassic Coast is England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 95-mile (153-kilometre) stretch of coastline running from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Studland in Dorset. Its significance lies in the geology: the cliffs expose a nearly continuous stratigraphic sequence spanning three geological periods — Triassic (252–201 million years ago), Jurassic (201–145 million years ago), and Cretaceous (145–66 million years ago) — revealed by the action of the sea. Walking eastward along this coast is, in effect, travelling 185 million years forward through geological time. Lyme Regis on the Devon–Dorset border is the coast's most celebrated town and the home of Mary Anning (1799–1847), who discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton at the age of 12 and made discoveries that fundamentally shaped early palaeontology. Fossil hunting on the beaches below the blue Lias cliffs at Lyme Regis and Charmouth remains one of the most accessible and rewarding experiences of its kind in Britain, particularly after storms reveal new material from eroding cliff faces. Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch linked to the shore by a narrow tombolo, is one of England's most photographed coastal features; the beach below is popular for swimming in summer. Chesil Beach, a 29-kilometre barrier beach connecting Abbotsbury to Portland, is composed of flint pebbles sorted by size from west to east — a natural phenomenon that allowed experienced fishermen to know their location in fog by the pebble size underfoot. Old Harry Rocks at the eastern end are spectacular chalk stacks offering views across to the Isle of Wight on clear days.
Good to know
- Best time
- April-September; fossil hunting best after winter storms
Location
50.6204, -2.2938 View on map
Highlights
- Durdle Door natural arch
- Chesil Beach
- Lyme Regis fossil hunting
- Old Harry Rocks
- Charmouth beach fossils
- Corfe Castle
Tips for visiting
- Hire a fossil hunting guide in Lyme Regis for the best finds
- The South West Coast Path runs the full length
When to visit
April through September offers the best conditions for beach visits, swimming, and cliff walks. Fossil hunting is most productive in winter and early spring when storms reveal new material from eroding cliffs. July–August brings the heaviest visitor concentrations to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove; arriving before 10AM is essential.
Accessibility
Most Jurassic Coast beaches involve steep cliff paths or uneven pebble surfaces challenging for wheelchair users. Lyme Regis town centre and the Marine Parade seafront are relatively flat and accessible. Charmouth beach is accessible from the car park via a level path. Durdle Door beach is not accessible for wheelchair users due to the steep clifftop path.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to go fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast?
Charmouth and Lyme Regis beaches are the most productive and well-serviced for fossil hunters. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers free guided fossil walks during school holidays, and Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis is rich in ammonites and ichthyosaur bones.
How do visitors reach Durdle Door?
Durdle Door is reached on foot via a clifftop path from the car park at Lulworth Cove (approximately 1.5 miles each way). There is no road access to the beach. The path involves steep descent and ascent to reach the shore.
Can visitors swim at Durdle Door?
Swimming is popular in the cove below Durdle Door in summer; the water is clear and relatively sheltered. No lifeguard service is present. The descent to the beach is steep, and conditions can be hazardous in rough seas.