Discover the Jurassic Coast
Guide to the best places to Visit on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.
The 95 mile stretch ‘Jurassic coast’ from Dorset to Devon is famed for its unique geology from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods (250 to 65 million years ago!). In 2001, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing alongside areas such as the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon!
Below is a curated list of some of the best ‘Jurassic Coast’ experiences in Purbeck:
Places ... to Explore to Learn to Discover
Durlston Country park is a gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Located near beautiful Swanage, there are lovely coastal walks with stunning limestone sea cliffs as well as a visitor centre at Durlston castle.
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Durlston Country Park and Castle, Swanage
Museum containing amazing fossils from the Jurassic coast. The finest single collection of late Jurassic age fossils, all found by Dr Steve Etches in the Kimmeridge Bay.
Location: Kimmeridge, BH20 5PE
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Location: Kimmeridge, BH20 5PE
Etches Collection Museum
Featuring some of the most important geology on the Jurassic Coast, the area is rich in ammonites, reptile and shell fossils. Fossil collecting is restricted to within the bay, and hammering is not allowed, but fossils often wash up on the shore. Care is needed as the cliffs are prone to rockfalls.
Access is around half a mile south west of Kimmeridge village, via a toll road.
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Kimmeridge Bay
In 1997, a quarry owner discovered over a hundred dinosaur footprints, a remaint from a herd of Brachiosaurus dinosaurs that gathered near a lagoon near to what is now Langton Matravers. Reburied to preserve them, the National Trust took over the site in 2013 and
the dinosaur footprints are now open to the public.
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Keates Quarry Dinosaur Footprints
This area is rich in upper Jurassic ammonites, reptile and shell fossils. Although hammering the bedrock and cliffs isn't allowed, fossils do wash up on the shore. Fossil collection is not permitted - if found, take a photo! The cove is hard to access , suffers from regular rock falls, and is best to visit in summer when the sea is calm. This site is not recommended for children.
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Chapman's Pool
A pretty coastal walk along the Jurassic coast starting from Langton Matravers.
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Dancing Ledge, Jurassic Coast Walk
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are probably the most famous landmarks of Dorset’s Jurassic coast. With stunning geology, coastal walks, beaches and visitor centre. The area, along with Lulworth Castle form part of the Lulworth estate. There is so much to see we have dedicated a whole page to this area!
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Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
Coastal walk with breathtaking views of the famous chalk stack landmarks.
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Old Harry Rocks Walk
Fun and Activities
Swanage Jurassic Circular Cruise
- Swanage or Poole -
A spectacular boat trip with City Cruises Poole.
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A spectacular boat trip with City Cruises Poole.
Read more about the Jurassic Coast ...
Lots more information about the Jurassic Coast can be found on the Jurassic Coast Trust Website, a great resource for those interested in learning more about this stunning area.
