jurassic coast visit

The ultimate guide to England’s Jurassic Coast

Aug 1, 2022 • 10 min read

The gorgeous cliffs and rock formations of the Jurassic Coast were formed hundreds of millions of years ago © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Take a step back in time – some 185 million years back in time – along the wild and rugged Jurassic Coast in Southwest England .

England ’s only natural World Heritage Site, this 95-mile portion of the coast has a name that indicates its geological significance. Running from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset , its unique rock formations and fossil-rich cliffs amaze visitors from all over the world. And if rocks aren’t your thing, the pristine beaches, charming seaside towns and wide-ranging adventure experiences appeal to just about every kind of traveler.

Here’s all you need to know about visiting the Jurassic Coast, and the best things to do on this beautiful stretch of sand and sea.

What is the Jurassic Coast?

To understand what makes the Jurassic Coast so special, we need to rewind a bit. Well, more than a bit: think 252 million years.

The rocks along this stretch offer an almost complete record of the Mesozoic Era (roughly 250 to 65 million years ago). They’re visible traces of the enormous environmental changes that played out over the millennia, starting with the Triassic Period (252 to 201 million years ago), when this part of Great Britain was a baking desert and the shifting of the earth’s crust deposited layers of sediment on top of each other. Moving west along the coast, you’ll find rocks formed during the Jurassic Period (201 to 145 million years ago), when the water rose to form a tropical sea.

When the sea levels fell and then rose again during the Cretaceous Period (145 to 66 million years ago), the older rocks were buried beneath newer sandstone and chalk, preserving them until millennia of erosion carved this geological layer cake into the remarkable landscapes we can see today. Fossils of creatures long extinct have also been preserved among the cliffs’ many strata, with more continually being revealed as erosion from wind and waves continues to do its thing.

The extraordinary geology is the main attraction of the Jurassic Coast

All along the coast, this incredible history takes shape – literally – in the form of unusual rock formations and beautiful bays. The best-known attraction is Durdle Door , a 200ft-tall limestone arch over the sea linking two remote beaches, and one of Devon’s most popular spots . It’s best viewed from the coast path as you walk over the cliffs from Lulworth Cove, a perfect semi-circle of sea enclosed within bright-white chalk cliffs.

Other geological highlights of the coastline include Old Harry Rocks, chalk stacks that line up with the Needles on the Isle of Wight ; the unusual rock layers of Kimmeridge Bay; and Chesil Beach, an 18-mile barrier beach linking the Isle of Portland with the mainland and forming a wildlife-rich brackish-water lagoon at the Fleet.

The towering golden cliffs at West Bay were used as a backdrop for the popular ITV series Broadchurch , while the picturesque harbor and quaint seaside town at Lyme Regis are the heart of Dorset’s fossil-hunting history.

In East Devon , don’t miss Orcombe Point Geoneedle in Exmouth, which marks the beginning of the World Heritage Site, or the distinctive red sandstone sea stacks in Ladram Bay.

Take a walk along the South West Coast Path

Running uninterrupted for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail , taking in the full 95 miles of the Jurassic Coast along the way.

Depending on your speed, you can walk the whole route in about 10 days, or choose one or two sections for a shorter coast walk. Try the Golden Cap circular walk to climb the highest point on the south coast of England; hit the wild and rugged cliff paths around Portland Bill; or wander the coastal paths around the Isle of Purbeck, where you can explore disused quarries and unique wild-swimming spots.

Look for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth

Lyme Regis became a world-famous fossil hunting destination when Mary Anning discovered a near-complete ichthyosaur, a large marine reptile, here around 1836. Today, it’s still a popular spot for fossil collectors, with new finds being discovered all the time. Look out for the “Ammonite Pavement” on Monmouth Beach, when low tide exposes a rock shelf containing hundreds of fossils.

Walk along the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth to spot fossils lying among the shingle. Be careful, though: the beach can sometimes be cut off at high tide, and the cliffs are dangerous in places, especially after rain. Amateurs are advised to book a guided fossil-hunting tour rather than go it alone; these can be booked through the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre .

Make a splash at Kimmeridge Bay’s rock pools

The sweeping curve at Kimmeridge Bay is part of a Marine Special Area of Conservation, making it an excellent location for snorkeling and scuba diving. But you can also explore this rich marine life on the beach itself.

The bay’s distinctive geometric rock shelves and ledges are littered with rock pools at low tide. Don’t miss the Wild Seas Centre, a small, free museum on the slipway, to learn a little more about the local marine life.

Cool off with a spot of wild swimming

Along the Jurassic Coast, experienced wild swimmers will find a wealth of exciting pools and hidden coves to plunge into. Chapman’s Pool and Worbarrow Bay offer remote beaches that can only be reached by walking. For something a little different, head to the tidal pool at Dancing Ledge, a man-made swimming pool that was blasted into a natural rock shelf in the 19th century for the enjoyment of local schoolchildren.

Snorkel with seahorses in Studland Bay

Studland Bay, just beyond the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, is one of the only known breeding sites for both the spiny and short-snouted seahorse, making it one of the UK’s best snorkel sites. Since the tiny creatures are masters of disguise, patience is key and is often rewarded with sightings, particularly during summer. Approach slowly and take care not to disturb the seahorses or their habitat.

Hop aboard the historic Seaton Tramway

Take a ride back in time on board the Seaton Tramway, a network of narrow-gauge heritage trams running through the Axe Valley in East Devon. As well as a taste of history, these colorful open-top trams offer brilliant views of the River Axe estuary and Seaton Wetlands nature reserve. Keep an eye out for local birds and wildlife, including kingfishers, herons, foxes and little egrets.

Get the adrenaline pumping with a water-sports adventure

Boasting a mix of sheltered bays and more exposed beaches with great surf, the Jurassic Coast is the perfect destination for adventure. Thrill-seekers should try coasteering at Lulworth Cove for an adrenaline-pumping way to explore the cliffs and rocks. Or hop on a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) at Lyme Bay or Weymouth for a fast-paced tour of the seafront.

Old Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are impressive backdrops for a spot of sea kayaking – though amateurs would be advised to book a guided tour as currents can be challenging. For a gentler ride, Weymouth Bay, Studland Bay and Portland Harbour are more sheltered spots – and ideal for paddleboarding.

You can also try your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing or sailing lessons at locations along the coast (try Portland or Poole), or take a boat tour from any of the larger harbors for something less hands-on.

The best times to visit the Jurassic Coast

Summer offers the best chance of nice weather for beach days and water sports on the Jurassic Coast, as well as a busy program of festivals and events to entice tourists of all interests. Note that since this is the busy season, popular spots like Bournemouth Beach and Durdle Door can be very crowded, especially during the summer school holidays.

While summer can sometimes be too hot for hiking, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are ideal for coastal walks. Spring is especially lovely, with an array of wildflowers scattered across the grassy headlands and in woodlands. These are also the best times of year to spot both wildlife and fossils.

Numerous food and seafood festivals run along the coast throughout spring and summer. One of the biggest is SEAFEAST, the Dorset Seafood Festival , held on Weymouth’s colorful harborside in September.

Winter is overlooked by most tourists, but if you brave the unpredictable British weather you’ll find there’s still plenty to do. Seals come ashore to breed during the autumn and early-winter months, so keep an eye out when walking (briskly) along the coastal paths.

How to get to the Jurassic Coast

The closest international airports are at Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton, although most visitors from overseas will likely fly into one of the larger London airports.

If you’re renting a car on arrival, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Bournemouth or Poole. From either of these towns, it’s easy to start a road trip along the coast, calling at whichever villages and attractions take your fancy.

Taking public transport from London to the Jurassic Coast is easy

South Western Railway runs a service from London Waterloo to Weymouth that takes just under 3 hours. From Weymouth, you can use the X53 and X54 Jurassic Coaster buses from First Bus to travel to most towns between Poole and Axminster.

The train from London also stops at Bournemouth and Poole, which place you closer to the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast. From here, you can use the Purbeck Breezer services to reach Studland and the Isle of Purbeck.

The best way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car

The easiest way to explore the Jurassic Coast is by car, but bear in mind that some of the more remote destinations are accessed by narrow country lanes and may have limited parking.

Many of the busier towns, such as Weymouth and Bournemouth, operate park-and-ride services during summer. Use these to avoid getting caught in seaside traffic in the town centers.

The Jurassic Coast also has an extensive public transport network for those who want to explore without a car. Bus services are fairly frequent and call at most of the major destinations. The Jurassic Coaster buses (First Bus X52, X53 and X54) run between Axminster and Poole, while the Purbeck Breezer (More Bus) services connect Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage, Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck.

There are many accommodation options on the Jurassic Coast

With 95 miles of coastline to explore, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing a place to stay on the Jurassic Coast.

The largest town around, Weymouth is well connected to the delights of the coast in both directions, making it a good base for exploring the area. Numerous beachfront hotels are close to all the bars and restaurants of the lively town center, while families might want to consider the popular Waterside Holiday Park and Spa on the town outskirts. For those on a budget, the clifftop campsite at nearby Eweleaze Farm boasts some excellent views.

The quaint seaside town of Swanage is ideally poised for exploring Studland Bay and the entire Isle of Purbeck, with accommodation options ranging from a YHA hostel to cosy B&Bs. In nearby Studland, luxury boutique hotel The Pig on the Beach is known for its top-quality restaurant and dazzling sea views.

Towards the eastern end of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is another popular seaside town with a range of hotels and accommodation options, while Sidmouth offers up the grandeur of a Victorian seaside resort.

For something a little different, try glamping at Durdle Door or in a Lyme Regis beach hut . Fans of quirky history will likely enjoy the Smuggler’s Inn at Studland, a cosy boutique inn and pub which was once a hangout for an infamous local smuggling gang.

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Jurassic Coast

Why we love the Jurassic Coast

Welcome to dinosaur territory. Over 200 million years old, the Jurassic Coast’s beaches and rocks are strewn with ancient fossils and footprints – yours to discover on walks, bike rides and picnics. So rich are these paleontological treasures, that the coast has been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, with an abundance of fossil-hunting tours and museums too.

But that’s not all. This 95-mile (152km) coastline – which stretches between Exmouth and Studland Bay on the southern shore of England – is where mighty sea cliffs meet quaint harbour towns and wildlife-filled coves. There are countless ways to explore: from kayaking between the chalk-white towers of Old Harry Rocks and swimming in West Bay’s clear waters, to watching the sunset over the sea from Portland Bill Lighthouse.

Wherever you venture, here’s what to look out for, and the best places to stay.

VisitBritain/Andreas Lostromos

Go hunting for fossils

Ichthyosaur bones, swirling ammonites, bullet-shaped belemnites – what treasures lie under your feet? Fossils are often found on the beaches between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, putting 200 million years of history at your fingertips. Consider joining a guided tour: when it comes to spotting and identifying your finds, an expert eye is invaluable.

Unleash some pedal power

Saddle up! The fantastic National Cycle Network runs right through the region: Route 2 hugs the seafront between Studland and Exmouth, while Route 26 links up Weymouth and Dorchester. An e-bike will boost your leg power, while mountain bikes are ideal for off-road adventures in the Purbeck Hills. Cycle hire is available in all the main towns.

Find your perfect hike

From short-but-sweet strolls around harbours and beaches, to long-distance trails across clifftops and forests, the Jurassic Coast is rich in rewarding rambles. Maybe you’ll climb Golden Cap’s sea-breezy peaks or hike the South West Coast Path between Old Harry Rocks and Exmouth? There are several wheelchair-accessible routes too, such as Durlston Country Park’s Woodland Trail.

Hang out by the harbour

For rich history, great food and plenty of seaside fun, head to the Jurassic Coast’s towns and villages . Each has their own unique charms, such as Lyme Regis’s fascinating fossil shops and museums, Seaton’s heritage tram and nature reserve, and Weymouth’s long beach and lively harbour. Summer is always a buzzing time, with theatre shows, festivals and funfairs.

Spy dolphins and puffins

Keep an eye on the waves: dolphins are often spotted on this wild coastline , especially between spring and autumn. According to experts, Lyme Bay is home to a pod of white beaked dolphins, while bottlenose, rissos and common dolphins frequent the waters too. Book a wildlife cruise for the best chance of seeing them, alongside puffins, cormorants and razorbills.

VisitBritain/Tom Carter

Step into the unknown

If you’re craving adventure, you’ll be spoiled for choice on the Jurassic Coast – from scuba diving on shipwrecks around Weymouth and Portland, to windsurfing, paddleboarding and kayaking through hidden coves. For nimble-footed explorers, there’s abseiling and coasteering on the Purbeck peninsula – or why not try ‘cliff camping’ for a night of pure adrenaline?

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

Old harry rocks, dorset.

Hire a kayak or hop on a boat cruise to explore these chalk-white rock towers, which stand tall in the English Channel.

foreadventure

Connected to mainland Dorset by Chesil Beach, this tiny island has pretty coastal walks and an impressive lighthouse museum.

Chesil Beach, Dorset

Stretching for 18 miles (29km), this shingle beach is ideal for long walks and sunny picnics, and even has its own nature reserve.

Durdle Door

Curving over the waves, this natural stone arch sits just off a pretty shingle beach – and can be reached on foot from Lulworth Cove.

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Corfe Castle

With spectacular views across Purbeck, this millennia-old castle hosts food festivals, live music and outdoor movies galore.

VisitBritain/National Trust/Paul Healy

Dorset Adventure Park

Get wet and muddy on a wild day out at the Dorset Adventure Park near Corfe Castle.

Lyme Bay Rib Charter speedboat tours

The best way to see the Jurassic Coast is from the water, with the popular Lyme Bay Rib Charter speedboat tours.

Lyme Bay Rib Charter

Coasteering in Dorset

See the Jurassic Coast up close, by scrambling across it, climbing up it and jumping off it, with a spot of coasteering.

Jurassic Watersports

South Coast Jet Ski

For an unforgettable tour of the Jurassic Coast, jump on a jet ski with South Coast Jet Ski in Poole.

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Burngate Stone Carving Centre

Have a go at stone carving at Burngate Purbeck Stone Centre and take home a Jurassic Coast souvenir with a difference.

Russell-Cotes house and gallery

Visit one of the last Victorian houses to be built in England, the magnificent Russell-Cotes East Cliff Hall in Bournemouth.

Russell-Cotes Art Gallery and Museum

The Forester

You can’t get more traditional than the thatched-roofed country pub, The Forester, in Donhead St Andrew, Dorset.

One of Dorset’s favourite restaurants, the Bib Gourmand The Green, in Sherborne, proudly sources local food for its menu.

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Powderham Castle

Visit the splendid Powderham Castle, south of Exeter, which is home to the Earl of Devon. It has been in the Courtenay family for over 600 years and guests can tour the house and grounds.

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Tiverton Castle

Visit the historic 12th century Tiverton Castle in Devon and tour the house and grounds.

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Museum of Jurassic Marine Life

See monsters from the deep and prehistoric predators in this amazing fossil collection on the Jurassic Coast.

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Dunkirk Filming Locations

Discover the real-life filming locations of Dunkirk, as the Jurassic Coast stood in for Dover in the hit movie.

Rubyz Cabaret Comedy Club

Join Foxy de Silver and her girls for a great night out at her popular Bournemouth drag comedy club, Rubyz.

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Bournemouth Air Festival

Look to the sky for Britain’s biggest free air festival, in Bournemouth, and enjoy a memorable day out.

Adam McVey/BCP Council

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

Head to the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival, which dubs itself a festival 200 million years in the making.

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Grab your mat and join in with a spot of free Park Yoga in Bournemouth, Swanage, Weymouth and other venues on the Jurassic Coast.

Poole boat cruises

See the Jurassic Coast from the water, with one of the many boat trips from Poole

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Lyme Regis bookshops

Visit lovely Lyme Regis and peruse one of the Jurassic Coast seaside resort’s popular bookshops.

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Featured things to do

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Island highs

Love a long walk? Follow the South West Coast Path around the island of Portland, for 13 miles (21km) of stirring sea views and wildflower-strewn cliffs.

Starry nights

On warm summer evenings, Lulworth Castle, Corfe Castle and Durlston Country Park host outdoor cinema and theatre shows in their magnificent grounds.

Festival Fever

September is festival time! Seafeast brings BBQ lobster and live music to Weymouth’s seafront, while Swanage Folk Festival celebrates traditional dancing and songs.

The summer crowds are long gone, but Durdle Door and Chesil Beach are still breathtaking: wrap up for a seaside stroll, before a toasty fish-and-chip supper.

Places to stay on the Jurassic Coast

Weymouth and purbeck.

The Jurassic Coast’s easternmost region, Purbeck puts you within easy reach of Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, while Weymouth is a lively seaside hub.

With its pretty towns and villages such as Sidmouth, Seaton and Beer (yes, Beer!), East Devon offers seaside B&Bs, hotels and holiday rentals galore.

From a stroll along the South West Coast Path, to high adrenaline watersports on the sea, this seaside resort has it all. Tuck into tasty local produce or try your hand at crabbing at its harbour.

Explore nearby

Step into nature with tufty-haired ponies, wild countryside and a labyrinth of bike trails.

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A quirky seaside city filled with diverse cuisine, vintage shopping and adrenaline fuelled adventure.

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An unmissable destination for travellers, London is a melting pot of history, culture and green spaces.

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Getting to the Jurassic Coast

Road trippers love the region’s coastal routes and clifftop viewpoints, but it’s easy to explore by public transport too. The likes of Weymouth, Axminster and Exmouth have good rail links, with onward connections by bus – while Swanage Railway ’s heritage steam and diesel trains call at Corfe Castle and Harman’s Cross. The local network of electric car charging points is ever-growing.

Getting around

It’s simple to get around by bus: the Purbeck Breezer and Jurassic Coaster offer hop-on-hop-off services, while the rest of the coast is well-linked , too.

For a relaxing tour of the Jurassic Coast, book a cruise. They depart from the likes of Exmouth and Swanage , spotting wildlife and sights along the way.

By foot or bike

Instead of a short walk or cycling trip, why not plan a multi-day adventure? If you’re travelling with bags, let a luggage service transport them from A to B.

Want to know more?

Find all the latest travel advice, insider tips and thrilling days out on the Jurassic Coast’s official website.

The 12 Best Things to Do Along England's Jurassic Coast

England’s Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile-long stretch of coastline that dates back hundreds of millions of years. It has some of theoldest rock features on Earth, including wave-beaten sea arches, fossilized forests, even dinosaur footprints. Beautiful as well as ancient, colossal cliffs rise from the sea, waves crash against vast columns of rock, and the water is an otherworldly turquoise blue. A magnet for walkers, adventurers, and nature lovers, the coastline can be explored on foot, by bus, car, boat or even kayak, while staying in thatch-roofed pubs and bed and breakfasts owned by welcoming locals.

Hunt for Fossils

Millions of years ago, the Jurassic Coast was a huge tropical sea teeming with marine life, and plenty of it remains today in the form of fossils, which can be found all over the beaches between Lyme Regis and Charmouth. Spend even a short time looking and you might come across a perfectly spiraling ammonite, or a rock full of pretty, star-shaped sea-lilies.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Center organizes guided fossil walks year-round and has exhibitions and staff who can point out what to look for. The Lyme Regis Museum also runs fossil walks, as does local geologistChris Pamplin. If you’d rather venture out on your own, make sure to follow the Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct , and don’t stand or sit under cliffs as erosion can cause landslides.

Visit Lulworth Cove

Sheltered and picturesque, Lulworth Cove has been a tourist destination since Victorian times. It’s one of the best, and busiest places on the Jurassic Coast for a family day out. There’s plenty to do, whether you want to relax on the pretty beach, enjoy a pint in one of the old pubs or take the steep path from the car park for a bird’s eye view of the Durdle Door sea arch, half a mile west of the cove. The Lulworth Rangers run activities throughout the year, from coasteering to rock pooling and even bat safaris.

The visitor center has some informative displays about the cove’s geology, a shop selling gifts and foodie products, and a cafe. It’s also where to find out about the tide times, hiking trails, and wildlife that has been spotted recently in the area. For a less crowded experience, avoid weekends.

Have a Coastal Adventure

The Jurassic Coast is a superb destination for coastal activities. The rock-strewn coastline is full of ledges, caves and tunnels, making it one vast adventure playground. Many unique features can only be seen from the water—fossilized trees between the rocks at Stair Hole , ammonites half a meter wide at Lulworth.

Several companies organize outdoor activities in the area. One of the best is Jurassic Coast Activities , whose guides have plenty of local knowledge. As well as kayaking and coasteering trips (which require a minimum of two people), they offer windsurfing, kitesurfing, and paddleboard lessons, and have an equipment hire center at Bowleaze Cove.

Take a Look at the Cerne Giant

The Cerne Giant is a 60-meter-high chalk figure carved into the hillside above the Dorset village of Cerne Abbas. Naked (and with some very conspicuous anatomy), the famous landmark is thought by some to be a 2,000-year-old fertility symbol, while others believe it was created just a few hundred years ago. The mystery is set to be solved in 2020 when the giant is due to be carbon dated. For the best view, head to the viewing point and car park. There are lovely walks in the area, and the village of Cerne Abbas has several old pubs.

Look Around Lyme Regis

The most vibrant town on the Jurassic Coast is Lyme Regis . Charming and arty, it has indie shops and artisan cafes plus an excellent museum, where you can learn the story of Mary Anning , the intrepid fossil hunter who made astonishing finds in the area. The town beach is a sheltered spot for kayaking and paddle boarding. Walk along the Cobb, the 450-year-old harbor wall built to protect the town from raging winter storms, which is a great spot for taking photos.

Behind the seafront, the Town Mill is also worth a visit. Restored by residents, the 700-year-old watermill is now a working flour mill, offering tours, baking courses, and selling its own flour. Old buildings have been turned into shops, studios for a silversmith and potter, and there’s also a cafe and friendly micro-brewery .

Tour an Historic Brewery

Beer lovers visiting the Jurassic Coast have plenty to get excited about. The area boasts not one but two historic breweries, both of which open their doors to the public, offering tours, tastings, and more.

Founded in 1777, Hall and Woodhouse has been making their Dorset-inspired beers, which you can find in pubs all over the Jurassic Coast, for centuries. They run two-hour tours of their brewery in the village of Blandford St. Mary. Visitors get to see all aspects of the brewing process, and a complimentary beer at the end.

Palmers Brewery in Bridport has been operating from the same thatch-roofed building since 1794. If you're interested in the history of brewing, then their tour is a must—much of the original equipment is on display, and some of it, like the copper brew kettle, is still in use today. Tours run from April to October, and you'll need to book in advance.

Try the Local Seafood

Nearly 50 different types of fish and shellfish can be found in the waters off the Jurassic Coast, so it's no surprise that the area boasts some fabulous seafood restaurants.

The Crab House Café , a restaurant in an unassuming looking cabin that looks out on Chesil beach, has fans all over the world and has won a multitude of awards. The seafood is as fresh as it gets; the menu changes daily depending on what is brought in from local boats, and oysters are grown in the restaurant's own oyster farm.

One of a small chain of restaurants on the South coast, Rockfish , in Weymouth, is the brainchild of restaurateur and chef Mitch Tonks. Inspired by the local fish restaurants in Portugal and Italy, the affordable menu includes fish grilled on a Mediterranean plancha or cooked in their signature batter (of which there is a rare gluten-free version). 

High on a hill above Lyme Regis, the Hix Oyster and Fish House is blessed with stunning views of the harbor and the sea. According to chef and owner Mark Hix, the restaurant is all about fresh seafood caught locally and served simply. Choose from as many as ten different types of fish and shellfish on the menu, as you enjoy the view from the beautiful outdoor terrace.

Learn to Sail

Portland Harbor and Weymouth Bay are known as two of the best places in the U.K. for sailing and were the locations of the 2012 London Olympics sailing events. Weymouth Sailing offers lessons to everyone from beginners to experienced yachtspeople, as well as charter trips to Lulworth Cove, Portland Bill, and Chesil Beach. For a sailing trip with a difference, spend a few hours aboard the Moonfleet , a classic tall ship, owned by the inspiring Jeremy Hallett, who sails it every day—weather permitting—often anchoring in one of the bays east of Lulworth, so passengers can lunch and even have a swim. Those that want to can have a go at sailing and steering the ship themselves.

Wander Through Hardy Country

Thomas Hardy’s novels teem with references to places along the Jurassic Coast, from the bleak expanse of the ‘Great Heath’ to the town of Casterbridge (otherwise known as Dorchester). The writer lived and died in the area, in properties only a few miles apart. You can visit the humble thatched cottage where he was born near the village of Higher Bockhampton, which has been restored to how it would have looked during his lifetime. You can also visit Max Gate , the Victorian house where he enjoyed the fruits of his success as a novelist and poet—and where he died in 1928.

Explore Kimmeridge Bay

Around a 20-minute drive east of Lulworth Cove is Kimmeridge Bay, where flat rocky ledges which were part of the seabed 155 million years ago create the best rock pooling and snorkeling conditions on the Jurassic Coast. By the slipway in Kimmeridge Bay, the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Center is a small visitor center that runs events like beachcombing walks and a few years back, created a snorkeling trail, which guides you through forests of seaweed, as you spot unusual species of fish like Montagu’s Blennies. In the village of Kimmeridge, the Etches Collection is a fascinating small museum run by life-long fossil hunter Steve Etches, housing many of his rare finds from the area, including dinosaur skulls and ammonite eggs.

Discover Hidden Beaches

The Jurassic Coast is blessed with miles of sand, from the picturesque Lulworth Cove to the bare, windswept expanse of Chesil beach. But the real joy comes from finding secluded beauty spots—of which there are plenty. Here are three worth seeking out:

• Church Ope Cove: On the east coast of the Isle of Portland, Church Ope Cove is a genuine hidden cove that was once a landing place for Vikings, smugglers, and even Russian spies. To reach it, take the path alongside Pennsylvania Castle, clamber through the ruined 12th-century churchyard, and then descend the hundred or so steps to the beach.
• Mupe Bay: Walk east from Lulworth Cove through the Lulworth Ranges for two miles, and you’ll reach Mupe Bay, one of the most beautiful places on the entire Jurassic Coast. Yachts frequently anchor in the horseshoe-shaped bay, which has dramatic grey and white mottled cliffs and clear, blue-green water.
• Ringstead Bay: Take the coast path from Osmington Mills to Ringstead Bay, a rocky beach where tiny fishing boats bob up and down, and locals take early-morning dips. This is a lovely place for a swim, but you’ll need water shoes as the pebbles are hard to walk on.

Walk the South West Coast Path

As long as you observe any warning signs and stay away from cliff edges, the South West Coast path is an absolute joy for walkers and runs the whole length of the Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to the Old Harry Rocks on the Isle of Purbeck. Here are three highlights:

• Osmington Mills to Lulworth Cove: This strenuous but rewarding 11-mile hike takes you up and down steep hills with bird’s eye views of the chalk-white cliffs and crashing waves below. As you approach Lulworth, you’ll also get an Instagram-worthy shot of the famous Durdle Door sea arch.
• Golden Cap: At 4.5 miles, this walk takes you from Seatown car park to the summit of Golden Cap, which has some of the best views anywhere along the Jurassic Coast, as well as through ancient woodland and a medieval hamlet.
• Isle of Portland: There isn’t much to do on the Isle of Portland unless you’re a nature lover—in which case, it’s a fantastic walking destination. You can circumnavigate the ‘island’ (a 13-mile trip) in around four hours, looking for skuas, hoopoes, and puffins on the cliffs as well as bottlenose dolphins and seals in the sea.

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Go South West England

Visiting the Jurassic Coast: full guide for 2024

Stretching 95 miles along the South coast of England, the Jurassic Coast winds through fossils and relics as it traverses 185 million years of history, from the 250 million-year-old Triassic rocks at Orcombe Point to the cliffs at Studland Bay (which are basically babies at only 65 million years old!). 

Charismatic seaside towns, some of the UK’s best beaches and plenty of points of interest dot the route, meaning that while the Jurassic Coast is a fantastic spot for geological history, it’s also a must-visit for hikers, beachgoers, watersports fans or cultural enthusiasts. 

It’s the only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site in the UK, a title awarded because of how it explores three distinctive Mezoic era records (Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic). 

So, if you’re here, I’m guessing you’re keen to learn a little more about this encapsulating coastline? 

You’re in luck – I live about a 20 minute walk from Orcombe Point, and I’ve spent many glorious days travelling all over the coast, in both Devon and Dorset. 

In fact, while about 2/3s of the coastline is in Dorset, many tourists forget that the oldest part actually lies in Devon! 

So this Jurassic Coast travel guide has all of my best tips for the coast along both counties, including where to visit, what to do, where to stay, and a comprehensive itinerary! 

Table of Contents

What is the Jurassic Coast? 

The Jurassic Coast unfolds over 95 miles on the south coast of England, its majestic sweep ranging from the rugged beauty of East Devon to the golden clifftops of East Dorset.

But the Jurassic Coast isn’t just a jaw-dropping fusion of scenic landscapes and coastal curiosities – it’s a walk through time itself!

As a natural UNESCO World Heritage site (the only of its kind in England!), it preserves 185 million years of Earth’s history in its rock formations – a powerful testament to aeons gone by.

Each cliff, pebble, and layer of sediment underfoot narrates an ancient tale, allowing us to glimpse epochs of the geological past, from the Triassic to the Jurassic and into the Cretaceous period.

Renowned as a fossil hunter’s paradise , the Jurassic Coast unlocks mysteries of a world long vanished, when dinosaurs roamed!

It’s been used by geologists and ancient historians to gain a full picture of what the ancient world looked like. In fact, it’s one of the most geologically important places in the world. 

But the Jurassic Coast isn’t just a relic of the past, and there’s plenty for every day tourists to enjoy.

The coast’s been moulded continuously by the hands of nature , as you can see in its pristine beaches and spectacular hiking trails.

Over time, small seaside towns and villages have been established along the Jurassic Coast.

Some retain their historic buildings and boast tales of smugglers and pirates once you scratch the surface.

Others have modern attractions that are suitable for all the family, including petting zoos and theme parks. 

The Jurassic Coast is where history meets beauty, where every rock holds a story, and where the sands of time are quite literally beneath your feet.

But its natural evolution has continued to create a prime UK holiday destination that any keen traveller should visit – it’s one of the best places to visit in Dorset and Devon !

History of the Jurassic Coast

So, as I mentioned, the Jurassic Coast is up to 250 million years old , and it offers a walk-through time.

But what is the actual history of the Jurassic Coast?

Let me explain!

Triassic period

The story of the Jurassic Coast begins in the Triassic period , approximately 250 to 200 million years ago .

At this time, the region that is now Devon and Dorset was a vast desert environment , located near the equator.

This was because the continents all used to be one supercontinent called Pangea . 

Pangaea existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras and encompassed all of Earth’s continental landmasses in a singular entity (this was approximately 335 to 175 million years ago). 

Plate tectonics meant that the supercontinent eventually fragmented , and this resulted in the separate continents we recognize today, greatly influencing the climate, ocean circulation, and biodiversity of the planet.

As Pangaea was so large (it contained all of the earth’s landmass, after all!) its interior was very far from the moderating influence of the oceans.

In this desert landscape, streams formed temporary lakes and left behind sediment, including reddish sandstone and breccias, which is now visible in the red cliffs of East Devon.

Jurassic period

Moving into the Jurassic period , about 200 to 145 million years ago, plate tectonics caused significant changes.

Pangaea began to break apart, leading to the formation of shallow tropical seas over what is now Southern England.

These warm seas were rich in life , from tiny planktons to massive marine reptiles.

The prolific marine life and sediment from the sea floor led to the formation of limestone and mudstone, fossilizing many species within the layers.

The Jurassic Coast is particularly renowned for these well-preserved fossils , providing a significant record of marine life from this period; but this is why you’re most likely to find fossils in the Jurassic section (in the western and central part of Dorset). 

Cretaceous period

The final geological period represented along the Jurassic Coast is the Cretaceous , from 145 to 66 million years ago.

The continuing separation of continents and consequent rising sea levels resulted in chalk deposition, especially during the Late Cretaceous .

This was the same geological process that Kent’s White Cliffs of Dover were born from. 

Chalk is composed mainly of the microscopic shells of marine plankton that fell to the sea floor.

These organisms thrived in warm, nutrient-rich waters.

Over millions of years, the buildup of these tiny shells, combined with the weight of the water and additional sediment, compressed the remains into chalk.

Today, these deposits form the iconic white cliffs seen at locales such as Beer Head and Ballard Down, marking the most modern chapter in the Jurassic Coast’s ancient story.

Where is the Jurassic Coast? 

The Jurassic Coast encompasses most of Dorset’s coastline , and some of South Devon’s . 

Commonly, media outlets focus only on the Dorset Jurassic Coast , leading many to believe that the coast is only in this county. 

This isn’t true – there’s around a 30 mile section in Devon as well (and it’s just as beautiful, and even more ancient!). 

Dorset and Devon are both counties in South West England , with Devon occupying the South West Peninsula that ultimately leads to Cornwall , and Dorset sitting to Devon’s east. 

How to visit the Jurassic Coast

There are a few ways to visit and explore the Jurassic Coast, and the most suitable for you will depend on your group’s interests and abilities. 

Here are a few options: 

• Jurassic Coast road trip: Ideal if you want to see it all, are happy with long, busy days and are keen to stay somewhere different every night. 
• Base in a main Jurassic Coast town: Perfect if you want to be in close proximity to a range of attractions and see a lot (but don’t mind not seeing it all) of the coast, and want to go back to the same place every night. The Jurassic Coast is even one of the best day trips from Bournemouth if you’d like to stay there.
• Base in a remote village: Ideal if you want a relaxing break to enjoy scenery and don’t mind driving a little to see any other areas of the coast. 
• Jurassic Coast day trip: This is possible from areas around London, Bristol , Plymouth or Birmingham, but will be a long day with lots of travel and you will only see a section of the coast.

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

Tales of the natural history of the Jurassic Coast are certainly fascinating, but if you’re not a budding geologist – what is there to do on the coast? 

Turns out, a lot! 

Not only is it a geologically fascinating place to spend a few days, but it’s a stunning part of the world, with a lot of fantastic tourism infrastructure. 

Whether you’re a hiker, beachgoer or historian, there’s something for you on the Jurassic Coast. 

Here are a few ideas for things that you can do here. 

The Jurassic Coast Path is a section of the longer South West Coast Path which spans 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Start Haven Point in Studland (close to Old Harry Rocks at the end of the coastline). 

This coastal trail offers a range of paths with varying difficulties. 

I’ve completed most of the South West Coast Path in North Devon and Cornwall, and have done many short hikes in the Jurassic Coast section. 

I love the Exmouth to Budleigh Salterton walk (which is my local), or you could also take an easy stroll around Durdle Door or walk from Beer to Seaton in East Devon. 

Alternatively, take the fairly challenging route from Swanage to Old Harry Rocks or hike to Golden Cap , the highest point on the South England coastline. 

Watersports

Lapped by gentle waves (they’re usually not too big on this part of the coastline), Jurassic Coast beaches are a hot spot for watersports.

Devon’s prime surfing beaches are all in the north (head to Woolacombe or Westward Ho! ) – but Exmouth in particular is a top spot for watersports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking and windsurfing . 

I’ve always seen stand up paddleboarders in Seaton and Beer too, which looks incredibly scenic. 

And into Dorset, there are plenty of watersports opportunities in the busier towns of Lyme Regis and Weymouth; or, if you journey as far as Swanage, the clear water makes it a popular spot for scuba diving! 

Exmouth boat trips

The best vantage point of the Jurassic Coast? The water, of course!

Sailing along the Jurassic Coast is a remarkable way to explore 185 million years of Earth’s history .

There are several boat trips that you can take from many of the main towns along the coast. 

Stuart Line Cruises are popular in Exmouth; they offer Jurassic Coast tours that lead along to Ladram Bay, focusing on the oldest part of the coastline. 

Poole boat trips

If you’re staying at the other end of the coast, check out this boat tour from Poole to Swanage , which sails past Old Harry Rocks. 

Starting from the bustling Poole Harbour , embark on an open-deck boat, gliding past striking chalk formations and the golden beaches of Sandbanks , while immersing yourself in the fascinating commentary.

Witness the picturesque view of Round Island and the notorious Old Harry Rocks before heading to Swanage . 

You can book this boat trip by clicking here!

Fossil hunting

Potentially the best thing to do on the Jurassic Coast, if you’re at all interested in the ancient history and rocks surrounding the coast, is fossil hunting . 

Certain areas of the coastline are prime for looking for Jurassic Coast fossils ; my local East Devon part isn’t amazing, but Charmouth (near Lyme Regis) and Chesil Beach are especially well-known for their abundance of fossils. 

Take a look at fossil hunting walks in Charmouth by clicking here.

Specific attractions

Coastal and non-coastal, there’s a plethora of incredible attractions along the Jurassic Coast. 

Most of these are family-friendly, so you can intersperse your day at the beach with unique, interesting and fun things to do! 

They include: 

• World of Country Life, Exmouth : A family-friendly venue with interactive farm experiences, vintage exhibits, and indoor/outdoor play areas for a wholesome country experience.
• Sidmouth Donkey Sanctuary : This sanctuary provides a haven for rescued donkeys, offering visitors the chance to learn about and interact with these endearing animals in a peaceful rural setting.
• Beer Quarry Caves : A large man-made complex of underground caves in Beer, renowned for its historic role as a source of high-quality limestone since Roman times.
• Seaton Tramway : Enjoy picturesque journeys through the Axe Valley aboard heritage trams, offering unique views of the local countryside and the River Axe estuary.
• Abbotsbury Swannery : The only place globally where you can walk amidst a colony of nesting Mute Swans, delivering a unique wildlife experience.
• Lulworth Castle : A 17th-century castle originally built as a hunting lodge, featuring attractive grounds, fascinating historical exhibits, and stunning tower views.
• Corfe Castle : Standing as an emblem of a thousand years of history, the dramatic ruins of Corfe Castle offer breathtaking views over the Purbeck countryside. 

Learning about culture and history

The Jurassic Coast isn’t an urban place, but small towns and villages have grown along the coastline throughout the centuries, and there are plenty of fascinating stories from smugglers, pirates and tourists throughout! 

I’ve recently started walking tours in Exmouth to showcase the history of my hometown, where I delve into the fascinating history of this coastal town – I tell tourists about its links to Lady Byron and Nelson, why George III’s personal physician recommended a visit and show the exact smuggling route that was taken in the 18th centuries! 

There are also walking tours in Sidmouth which focus on its status as a regency town and a range of fascinating museums along the coastline, including Exmouth Museum , Sidmouth Museum and Lyme Regis Museum . 

Top places to visit on a Jurassic Coast road trip itinerary

The best places to visit on your Jurassic Coast road trip itinerary include clifftops like Old Harry Rocks and Durdle Door (the official end of the coast), historic sites like Corfe Castle and Lulworth Castle, villages like Charmouth and Abbotsbury, epic beaches and bustling towns such as Exmouth, Sidmouth and Lyme Regis.

1. Old Harry Rocks 

Often the first stop on a Jurassic Coast road trip itinerary, the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks date back to the Late Cretaceous period. 

The brilliant ghost white of the stacks contrasts with the waters of Studland Bay to the north and Swanage Bay to the south. 

Owned by the National Trust , this stop on a Jurassic Coast drive may be the youngest ( at 65 million years, it’s an infant compared to East Devon’s 250 million-year-old Triassic Cliffs! ), but it’s a fascinating way to see this part of geological history right before you. 

Stop for photos, admire the view, or take a walk around the area. 

It’s around an hour’s walk to Swanage, the next stop on your Jurassic Coast trip – or you could drive (10 minutes) or take the Breezer 50 open-topped bus from nearby Studland. 

2. Swanage 

Swanage is a chilled-out beach town with eateries lining the sands and a historic pier . 

It’s famous for its heritage steam railway and proximity to other attractions on the Isle of Purbeck . 

But it’s just as popular for lazing on the beach , snorkelling in the waters or even going scuba diving – it’s one of the most popular places for diving in the UK. 

3. Corfe Castle 

Inland slightly from the coastline – but well worth a stop on any Jurassic Coast itinerary – the imposing Corfe Castle dates back to just after the Norman Conquest in 1066 – it was founded by William the Conqueror who saw it as a military significant location. 

Over the years, it’s been the setting for Medieval royal murders, as a political prison and sieges during the English Civil War. 

Nowadays, it stands in a semi-ruinous state, but remains an arresting site at the top of a hill in the village of Corfe Castle. 

It’s owned and managed by the National Trust .

National Trust members can access it for free ( read my full National Trust membership review to decide if it’s right for you !) or non-members can pay for entry. 

4. West Lulworth and Lulworth Cove

Tourists often head straight to Lulworth Cove , a near-circular beach that, along with nearby Durdle Door, often makes its way onto Jurassic Coast marketing material. 

The cove is often photographed from above, the almost geometric shape, carved over millions of years by the sea, making it into countless holidaymakers’ photo albums! 

Due to its circular nature, it’s possible to walk around the circumference, enjoying the view from multiple angles. 

Ultimately, you can descend onto the sand , where the sea makes a calm swimming spot – although do be careful if you swim here, as there’s no lifeguard coverage. 

The village of West Lulworth , a 15-minute walk inland, is worth a stop off too.

Small and quiet it may be, but it’s lined with charming thatched-roof houses (quintessential of the English countryside!), one of which is the Castle Inn Pub , a country inn that dates back to 1660. 

5. Durdle Door

A quick drive or 30-minute walk along the coastline takes you to Durdle Door, possibly the most famous part of the Jurassic Coast!

Durdle Door is a rocky archway stretching out from the cliffs into the sea. 

The arch itself dates back around 10,000 years – when the sea eroded the centre to create the structure that stands today. 

Nowadays, it frames one end of the beach and tends to be the iconic image that most associate with the coastline! 

There’s a caravan park right above Durdle Door – staying here means you can be the first person at the arch in the morning – or you can enjoy coast path walks and head down to either Durdle Door or neighbouring Man O’ War Beach . 

Swimming at Durdle Door isn’t recommended due to currents and lack of lifeguard coverage. 

6. Weymouth

Pastel-coloured terraced houses lining a historic harbour, with beaches a stone’s throw away, Weymouth is the embodiment of a quintessential British seaside town . 

Being one of the larger towns on the Jurassic Coast, Weymouth’s a fantastic hub – you could stay here and go on day trips around the area and spend a few days soaking in the vibe of Weymouth itself. 

The best attractions in town include the historic Nothe Fort which dates back to the end of the 19th century and SandWorld which exhibits a range of atwork, with a difference – they’re all made out of sand! 

Of course, Weymouth Beach can’t be missed, and neither can traditional fish and chips sitting by the harbour – this is what the British coastline is all about! 

7. Isle of Portland

The Isle of Portland is what is known as a “tied island”; an island connected to the mainland only by a bar of sand, otherwise known as a “tombolo”. 

In this case, it is the 18-mile-long Chesil Beach , which we’ll cover in a moment! 

The Isle of Portland is possibly mostly renowned for Portland Stone , which is sturdy yet carvable and has been used in many British landmark buildings (including St Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey) and has even been transported overseas to be used in places like the United Nations Headquarters in New York City!

The South West Coast Path loops around the entire island (it’s generally completed by hikers in a day) and here, you can go rock climbing or try out numerous watersports.

In fact, the National Sailing Academy is right on Portland – which was used in the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics!

Most tourists to the island visit the Portland Bill Lighthouse and visitor centre, where you can ascend 153 steps to catch an extraordinary view from the top and learn about the significance of the lighthouse on Dorset’s southernmost point. 

8. Abbotsbury

With an extraordinary history dating back a whopping six millenia, Abbotsbury has Neolithic, stone age, bronze age and Roman history; and was officially settled when it became residence for Saxon pirates!

The Abbey was founded in the 11th century during the reign of King Cnut, and the ruins are still visitable today. 

Nowadays, the town’s most famous for its Abbotsbury Swannery ; the only managed colony of nesting mute swans in the world.

The Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens are also worth a visit; the village sits within its own microclimate thanks to its sheltered surroundings. 

Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from the almighty Chesil Beach , a must stop on any Jurassic Coast itinerary! 

9. Chesil Beach

Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Dorset, Chesil Beach is a vast 18 mile stretch that’s been moulded by the elements over the years. 

It’s a barrier beach that stands between the sea and Fleet Lagoon , England’s largest lagoon and an SSSI (Site of Specific Scientific Interest). 

Along with the Abbotsbury Swannery , here you can expect to see birds like little egrets, dark bellier brent geese and common greenshanks. If you want to get up really close and personal with the Fleet Lagoon’s wildlife , boat trips operate on the Fleet Explorer . 

The lagoon was also one of the locations where the Bouncing Bomb (immortalised in the film The Dam Busters) was tested during World War II. 

You can still see evidence of Chesil’s defending role in the war in the shape of old anti-tank blocks and concrete pillbox remains.

Chesil Beach Visitor Centre explains the geology of this unique stretch of sand. 

But of course, the best way to soak it all in is to head to the beach itself.

Go fishing, walk along the sand or simply relax and do nothing – that’s what Great British holidays are all about, right?

10. Bridport and West Bay

Situated slightly inland, Bridport’s a bustling market town that was once the regional centre of ropemaking (to this day, it’s still known as “Rope Town”!). 

A lovely town to potter around in, perhaps on a day when the weather’s a little gloomy, Bridport’s home to 13th-century buildings The Chantry and St Mary’s Church and an imposing Town Hall that dates back to the late 18th century. 

The Bridport Museum showcases an array of local artwork and displays about its history, and the River Brit spans the town. 

West Bay is a mere two miles away – in fact, the harbour at West Bay is called Bridport Harbour. 

If you’re a fan of TV show Broadchurch , you’ll recognise West Bay – much of the show was shot in the area. 

Tucked in between cliffs, it’s an unassuming yet spectacular village. 

One of the most popular things to do here is to hike to Golden Cap , which is the highest point of the Jurassic Coast (although not the highest on the South West Coast Path – that’s Hangman Point in Exmoor!). 

11. Charmouth

Charmouth – it’s charm ing !

A short distance from Lyme Regis, Charmouth is mostly renowned for its fossils , making exploring the beach like walking around a living museum. 

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre explains why the village’s beach is so fossil-rich and organises regular expeditions to find fossils. 

The village boasts St Andrew’s Church , which was rebuilt in the late 19th century and is made from stone and flint. 

There are also some excellent pubs in town, including the Royal Oak Inn and The George . 

12. Lyme Regis

The last town in West Dorset, Lyme Regis is a genteel settlement in the heart of the dinosaur coast!

 Often called the “ Pearl of Dorset ”, Lyme Regis was granted a royal charter in the 13th century (which is where the “Regis” part of its name comes from!). 

The home of celebrated fossil collector Mary Anning – who found some extraordinary fossils in the 19th century, although sadly never got the recognition she deserved while she was still alive due to her lower class – Lyme Regis hosts an annual fossil festival each year. 

There are four beaches in town – Front Beach is sand and shingle, whereas Monmouth Beach is pebbly – and it’s a popular spot for watersports or enjoying fish and chips or an ice cream while looking over the water! 

Seaton’s a small town in the Easternmost part of Devon, home to a pebbly beach, laid-back town centre, striking cliffs and the Seaton Tramway, a network of vintage double-decker trams. 

The Seaton Tramway leads up through the Axe Estuary , terminating at the pretty market town of Colyton. 

On the way, you’ll pass through the Seaton Wetlands where you can watch out for birdlife and the small village of Colyford. 

I recently went on the Seaton Tramway for the first time in a few years, and it was even better than I remembered – it’s a completely unique way to see this part of East Devon! 

The quaint village of Beer has nothing to do with the alcoholic drink, but it’s renowned for its striking chalk cliffs and famous caves. 

The shingle beach is tucked in between cliffs – the pebbles don’t entice sunbathing or picnicking, but you can rent out a deckchair for the day – or head to the viewpoint near the RNLI shop for one of the best views in town. 

Have a beer in Beer at the Anchor Inn or aptly-named Barrel of Beer , or head on a longer walk to Seaton or Branscombe via Beer Head . 

Don’t miss the Beer Quarry Caves – vast man-made limestone caverns that have been used as a source of high-quality stone since Roman times. 

You can take a guided tour around the caves, where you’ll learn about their history and geological significance. 

15. Branscombe

One of my favourite Jurassic Coast villages in Devon, Branscombe is tiny – although it does earn the reputation of being the longest village in the UK, due to the fact that pretty much the entire village is placed along one, very long, road!

The village itself is dotted with thatched-roof cottages and a friendly pub, The Masons Arms (which dates back to the 14th century) serves slap-up hearty meals. 

The pebbled beach is usually peaceful, and there’s a short-but-sweet summit where you can take above-neighbouring cliffs to take in a view of the surroundings. 

The only downside is that driving to Branscombe can be hair-raising to say the least – it’s a voyage off the main roads and down twisting country lanes! 

Check out my full guide to Branscombe by clicking here.

16. Sidmouth 

Historically one of the favourite tourist towns in Devon – Queen Victoria herself lived here – Sidmouth is tucked away between Jurassic Coast cliffs , and is renowned for its array of hotels, beautiful gardens and, of course, walks along the South West Coastal Path. 

A relatively sizeable town (although not as big as nearby Exmouth), there’s a handful of pubs and restaurants here, along with a sand and shingle beach and the famous Jacob’s Ladder , a series of steps leading above the beach to Connaught Gardens . 

Here’s my list of the best things to do in Sidmouth.

17. Ladram Bay

Ladram Bay’s one of my favourite beaches to really feel like you’re in the thick of the Jurassic Coast. 

Red Triassic rocks loom on either side, and there’s a stump in the middle of the beach. 

This beach is private and attached to Ladram Bay caravan park; driving here isn’t permitted in the summer season, although it’s open to all in the winter. 

If you’re visiting in the summer, I recommend taking a Jurassic Coast Stuart Line Cruise in Exmouth .

I did this last summer, and it involved sailing towards Ladram Bay and moving close towards the rocky outcrops. 

With a full commentary, you’ll learn plenty about the Jurassic Coast and see some mesmerising shots of the shoreline as you go. 

I also love the village of Otterton , which is located just inalnd of Ladram Bay.

18. Budleigh Salterton

The last “official” town on the Jurassic Coast, Budleigh Salterton is a relaxed place, with an expansive pebbled beach (which means that it never gets quite as busy as neighbouring Exmouth) and a genteel high street. 

Its eastern end sits at the mouth of the River Otter , somewhere that, despite the name, is actually the home of a group of beavers! 

You can walk along the River Otter to Otterton (famous for its historic water mill), although the beavers are most active at dawn. 

I love coming here on walks from Exmouth, but Exmouth Beach has much more on offer in terms of activities. 

19. Orcombe Point

The official end of your Jurassic Coast trip (although I’d recommend extending to Exmouth – it’s the only logical place to go from Budleigh Salterton!), Orcombe Point is a rocky outcrop sitting at the furthest end of the coastline. 

It’s home to the Geoneedle , a manmade obelisk that marks the official start of the coastal path. 

It was unveiled in 2002 by the then Prince Charles and is made out of seven rocks that can all be found along the coastline. 

There’s a hopscotch leading toward the stone, with each square defining a moment of Jurassic Coast history; so you can hop towards the Geoneedle and hop through time!

Orcombe Point is about 500 metres from the path that descends down to Exmouth Beach. 

20. Exmouth

As your journey along the Jurassic Coast nears its end, Exmouth, in the southwest corner of East Devon , offers the perfect finale.

I live in the town, so I’m a little biased, but I believe that Exmouth is a fitting tribute to the stunning natural beauty and rich history encapsulated in this UNESCO World Heritage Site .

The town’s most arresting feature is its majestic red sandstone cliffs, which lead up to Orcombe Point – the official beginning of the Jurassic Coast. 

On clear, sunny days, Exmouth Beach teems with activity, as locals and visitors alike take pleasure in the seaside’s gentle charm.

In contrast, the Exe Estuary , teeming with birdlife, provides a lively spectacle for nature enthusiasts. This isn’t technically a part of the Jurassic Coast, but it’s at the other end of the beach! 

There’s plenty more to do in Exmouth, renowned as Devon’s oldest coastal resort and its fifth-largest town. 

For starters, you could take a walking tour (with me!) to learn about the town’s heritage and culture.

Check out my walking tour website by clicking here.

Take a Stuart Line Cruise back along the coastline or embark on a trip along the estuary.

Alternatively, feel the adrenaline surge of watersports against the backdrop of the ancient coastline.

Above the town sits the peculiar 16-sided house, A La Ronde , which is a testament to architectural curiosity.

Significantly, Exmouth serves as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast , and as such, it carries an air of importance in the region’s geological narrative.

As I live in the town, I’ve wrote a few guides to Exmouth! Here’s my full list, all full of local tips:

• Best things to do in Exmouth
• Best restaurants in Exmouth
• Holidays in Exmouth travel guide
• Best places to stay in Exmouth
• Top beaches in Exmouth
• Incredible walks in Emxouth

Jurassic Coast itinerary

Your Jurassic Coast itinerary begins at Old Harry Rocks and terminates at the wonderful Exmouth Beach!

This itinerary takes five days, but you could extend it if you’d like to spend more time in any of the locations.

Day 1: Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, and Corfe Castle

Start your Jurassic Coast road trip at Old Harry Rocks .

Take an invigorating morning walk to see these striking chalk formations.

Afterwards, head south (10-minute drive) to the coastal town of Swanage .

Here, you can explore the Victorian Pier , visit the Swanage Railway , or just bask on the beach – it’s a sheltered bay, making it a popular spot for swimming! 

Wrap up your day with a short drive to the historic Corfe Castle (15-minute drive), enjoying its stunning ruins and charming village.

Stay overnight at the Morton’s House Hotel , a 16th-century manor house hotel in the village of Corfe Castle. Click here to read more about the hotel.

Day 2: West Lulworth, Durdle Door, and Weymouth

After breakfast, head to the picturesque village of West Lulworth (20-minute drive).

Hike out to Lulworth Cove , and then follow the coast path to Durdle Door (around one hour). 

Take a dip in Lulworth Cove if you fancy – swimming at Durdle Door isn’t recommended. 

You can either hike back or take the 30 or X50 bus back to West Lulworth. 

After lunch, continue to Weymouth (30-minute drive).

Explore the historic harbourside, see sand sculptures at Sand Life , and visit the Sea Life Centre .

Stay overnight at the boutique Gloucester House , situated on the seafront in Weymouth. Click here to read more about this hotel.

Day 3: Isle of Portland and Abbotsbury

Start your day with a trip to the Isle of Portland (20-minute drive).

Explore the historic Portland Bill Lighthous e, and grab some lunch with a view at Heights Hotel . After a local seafood lunch, head to Abbotsbury (30-minute drive).

Here, spend your afternoon visiting the renowned Abbotsbury Swannery and exploring its subtropical gardens. Make your way to the historic market town of Bridport (15 minutes away) for the night.

Relax and refresh at The Bull Hotel , an elegantly refurbished 16th-century boutique inn in the heart of Bridport. Click here to read more a b out it.

Day 4: Bridport, Charmouth, and Lyme Regis

Start your day in Bridport , browsing its local artists’ studios and craft workshops, or head down to West Bay, a filming location for Broadchurch . 

Next, set your sights on Charmouth (30-minute drive), a gateway to the Jurassic Coast .

Here, you can join a guided fossil hunting walk or explore the beach at your own pace. 

In the afternoon, travel to Lyme Regis (10-minute drive), a historic town known for its fascinating Fossil Museum .

Later that day, unwind at the stylish Lyme Townhouse , offering modern, refurbished rooms. Click here to read more about it.

Day 5: Seaton, Beer, Branscombe, Sidmouth, and Exmouth

Head to Seaton to ride on the Tramway if you fancy, and then venture to the charming fishing village of Beer.

Explore its limestone caves or take a relaxing walk along the beach.

Then, head to picturesque Branscombe (10-minute drive), famous for its thatched cottages and ancient forge.

In Sidmouth (20-minute drive), enjoy the town’s regency architecture and beautiful public gardens.

Finally, make your way to Exmouth (30-minute drive), where you can admire its striking red cliffs and lively estuary, marking the end of the Jurassic Coast .

Spend the night at the Royal Beacon Hotel in Exmouth , where you can enjoy panoramic views over the renowned Exmouth Beach.  Click here to read more about it and to book.

Why is the Jurassic Coast so famous?

The Jurassic Coast is famous for its geological significance and stunning natural beauty.

Located on the southern coast of England , it stretches for 96 miles and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The coast is renowned for its rich fossil record, which spans 185 million years of Earth’s history.

The rocks and cliffs along the coast provide a unique window into the past, showcasing the remains of ancient marine creatures and plants.

Additionally, the Jurassic Coast boasts picturesque beaches, dramatic cliffs, and scenic landscapes, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Why is it called Jurassic Coast? 

The “Jurassic Coast” is named after the Jurassic period, which is one of the three geological time periods (Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous) represented in the area’s rock formations.

The coastline is particularly renowned for its extensive and well-preserved Jurassic period fossils.

The Jurassic Coast name stuck (I guess it sounds catchier than Mesozoic Coast!) but it’s often used as an umbrella term for these Mesozoic eras. 

But the Jurassic Coast is much more than Jurassic – it actually tells a more comprehensive story of geological progression, with rocks from the older Triassic period and younger Cretaceous period also present.

So while the name’s not entirely accurate, it’s quite catchy and memorable (thanks to Jurassic Park if anything!) and it does represent part of the coastline! 

Where does the Jurassic Coast start and finish? 

The Jurassic Coast starts at Orcombe Point near Exmouth and ends at Old Harry Rocks which is on Dorset’s Isle of Purbeck, at the end of Studland Bay. 

Many people claim that Old Harry Rocks is the beginning of the Jurassic Coast and Orcombe Point is the end – but as an Exmouth local (and tour guide!) I tend to dispute this by arguing that East Devon is the start – as it was here where it all began. 

Did dinosaurs live on the Jurassic Coast? 

Yes, dinosaurs lived on what is now the Jurassic Coast – although, at the time, the landscape looked a lot different! You can discover the dinos that populated the coastline through its fossils, many of which are in display in the region’s many museums (Charmouth and Lyme Regis have the most fossil-focused museums). 

Who found the Jurassic Coast? 

Nobody really “found” the Jurassic Coas t – it’s been sitting, along the southern border of Devon and Dorset, long before humans populated the world. 

Locals would have known that the heritage coast was there. But one of the most famous early fossil collectors was Lyme Regis resident Mary Anning , who was sadly only really celebrated posthumously. 

Her work, and that of subsequent geologists, would cause the Jurassic Coast to be compiled and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 . 

Why is the Jurassic Coast red? 

The Devon Jurassic Coast is red due to the fact that the cliffs used to be an inland desert. 

They were on the latitude of where the Sahara is these days; and they’ve still retained their rich rust-coloured sandstone that you might expect to see many degrees further south! 

What city is near the Jurassic Coast? 

As the Jurassic Coast is 95 miles long , it depends on which part you’re looking at. 

Exeter is the closest city to any point on the Jurassic Coast – it’s just 12 miles from Orcombe Point . 

South West England’s not renowned for its cities , but Bournemouth is a large town that’s close to the other end of the Jurassic Coast, at Old Harry Rocks.

The closest city to Old Harry Rocks is Southampton (although it’s still 40 miles away). 

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset and sits inland but close to many attractions on the Dorset Jurassic Coast. 

Bristol isn’t close to the Jurassic Coast, but it does have direct trains to Weymouth (taking 2 hours 22 minutes) which is right in the heart of the coastline. 

What rock is the Jurassic Coast made of?

The Jurassic Coast is primarily made up of sedimentary rocks , specifically limestone and clay.

These rocks were formed over millions of years during the Mesozoic era, approximately 252-66 million years ago. 

The limestone found along the coast is known for its fossil-rich nature, with numerous marine fossils preserved within its layers.

The clay formations, on the other hand, provide a geological record of the ancient landscape and environmental conditions.

The combination of these rocks has created a stunning coastline that attracts millions of visitors each year!

Are you ready to visit the Jurassic Coast?

Whether you’re a geology buff or a beach hopper, there’s something for you on this gorgeous slice of English coastline. 

From cliffs to unique beaches to fascinating towns and villages, England’s only natural UNESCO site beckons travellers with its allures. 

Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Devon and Dorset posts if you’re planning your trip to the south-west, and feel free to reach out to me on Instagram if you have any questions – as mentioned, I live on the coastline and am always happy to help! 

Whew! That was a long post – if it’s helped and you’d like to make a contribution to keep this site running, you can buy me a coffee by clicking here. 

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Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide (including tips, itinerary + map)

By: Author Tracy Collins

Posted on Last updated: December 6, 2022

Our Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide includes recommended places to visit and things to do, accommodation options, tips and more for this beautiful part of England. Everything you need to plan your visit and essential reading for any visitor to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast!

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO DORSET & JURASSIC COAST

Located in the South West of England the Jurassic Coast stretches for 96 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2011 the Jurassic Coast is a popular destination for both UK residents and visitors from around the world.

The coast is composed of rock containing the fossilised remains of flora and fauna from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Rock falls over the years have exposed the fossils. Areas of particular interest include Lulworth Cove, Lyme Regis, Durdle Door and Chesil Beach amongst others.

Much of Dorset is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Other attractions include the South West Coast path a popular long distance footpath and National Trail which stretches for 630 miles and passes through the Dorset and East Devon Coast (Jurassic Coast).

Main towns in Dorset (there are no cities in the county) include Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Poole, and Bournemouth (only the former are located along the Jurassic Coast though)

If you are considering a visit to Dorset & the Jurassic Coast you will find everything you need to plan your trip in this practical guide.

• What you will find in this complete Dorset Jurassic Coast Travel Guide

Map of the Jurassic Coast

Things to do on the jurassic coast & in dorset, accommodation in dorset, how to get to dorset jurassic coast from london, experiences, tickets and tours in dorset.

• FAQ's & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

Books to read about the Jurassic Coast

• Planning your visit to England's South West

Best Places to visit in Dorset

Jurassic Coast Road Trip Itinerary

Places to visit in Dorset and along the Jurassic Coast include

Chesil Beach

Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre & Beach

Corfe Castle

Cerne Abbas

Read more – 10 things to do in South West England

Best places to stay in Dorset

From holiday cottages to 5-star luxury hotels our guide to the best places to stay in Dorset contains a curated selection of the best accommodation.

Find more accommodation options in my Accommodation Guide for England.

The Jurassic Coast is easily accessible from London. If you are based in the capital there are a number of options to get to the coast.

Option 1 – By car

The Jurassic Coast is located 130 miles to the south west of London.

Plan at least 2 hours 45 minutes to drive down to the coast from London.

Roads can be busy in summer especially on hot sunny days when the entire population will head down to the beaches along the coast.

Directions can be found here.

Option 2: By train

Travel by train from London Waterloo to Bournemouth or London Waterloo or Paddington to Weymouth.

Journey time is 3 – 4 hours depending on the train route you choose but the coast is perfectly manageable for a day trip in the summer months when daylight hours are longer.

Click here for train times and tickets.

Option 3: By bus

It is possible to take a bus from Victoria Coach Station to Weymouth. The journey takes approximately 4 hours.

This is the cheapest way to travel to the Jurassic Coast from London – if you are on a budget this may be your best option. Click here for coach times and prices from National Express.

With so many things to do and places to visit in Dorset, I recommend planning your itinerary and purchasing tours, tickets and experiences as soon as you can to avoid disappointment, especially during the busy summer months.

• Poole Harbor and Islands Cruise – See for yourself Europe’s largest natural harbour. Take on stunning views and learn more about the area as you relax on board, passing interesting locations along the shores.
• From Poole to Swanage: 2-Hour Jurassic Coastal Cruise – Cruise from Poole Harbour to Swanage on a 2-hour round-trip cruise and see some of Dorset’s greatest landmarks. Pass Brownsea Island, Sandbanks, and the Old Harry Rocks, as you head towards the historical British seaside resort of Swanage.
• Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door Coach Trip – Departs Bournemouth. Get back to prehistoric nature and visit some of the most scenic locations of the Jurassic Coast including Lulworth Cove and the Durdle Door rock arch for 3 hours at your own pace.
• From Weymouth: 10+ Stops on Jurassic Coast Day Tour – A full day guided tour exploring the Jurassic Coast. Visit 95 miles of coastline on the south of England, from Old Harry Rocks to WestBay. Sights include Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Weymouth, Portland, Abbotsbury and Westbay.

FAQ’s & Tips for visiting Dorset and the Jurassic Coast

When is the best time to visit dorset.

Dorset is a wonderful destination during the summer months with many outdoor activities to enjoy such as hiking and cycling, beaches to explore and festivals to attend.

However, Dorset is a pretty good destination all year round just make sure you check the weather forecast and pack accordingly !

What is the best way to get around Dorset?

The Jurassic Coast is perfect for a road trip. Enjoy the beautiful coastal scenery, quaint villages and towns, beaches and natural wonders at your own pace. Read more in our road trip itinerary for the Jurassic Coast.

Park and Ride schemes are available in Poole and Weymouth.

Tip – if you plan to drive the route don’t forget to take cash for parking meters!

• Walking or cycling

Alternatively, there are many walking and cycling routes across the county. While the famous South West Coastal Path includes the Dorset and Jurassic coast there are also many short walks to enjoy too.

For cyclists, the national cycle network has a number of routes that run through Dorset including Route 2 from Christchurch to Lyme Regis and Route 26 from Sherborne to Weymouth.

• Public transport

Bus services connect all the major towns. Check Traveline South West for timetables and fares.

There are 23 train stations on the national rail network in Dorset including 9 on the Great Western Railway network and 14 on South Western Railway routes. Find out more on the trainline.com

There are day tours available along the Jurassic Coast leaving from either Bournemouth , Poole or Weymouth.

Planning your visit to England’s South West

If you are visiting the South West of England take a look at these travel guides which also cover relevant destinations:

• Bath Travel Guide
• Cornwall Travel Guide
• Cotswold Travel Guide
• Devon Travel Guide
• Peak District Travel Guide

Looking for more inspiration for your travels in England? Check out my England Travel Planning Guide which has loads of ideas, tips and resources to plan your itinerary.

Jurassic Coast: Why you should visit this spectacular part of Britain this year

The superb coastline has it all

This superb coastline has it all: ancient natural history, miles and miles of unspoilt cliffs to walk along, and vast sandy beaches to explore, which is why it's one of the best UK holiday destinations for a staycation.

The Jurassic Coast is the only natural site in England to have UNESCO World Heritage status. It's renowned for its incredible geology and is home to a range of fossils and rock formations. Visit this coast and you'll have 185 million years of Earth's natural history to discover.

It's one of the richest sites in the world for prehistoric remains, with fossils from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods telling the story of a variety of weird and wonderful extinct creatures.

This means it ranks with other natural World Heritage Sites including the Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef and Galapagos Islands in terms of historic geological importance.

But if you're beginning to think the Jurassic Coast is just about the fossils, you'd be mistaken. Alongside its intriguing geology, you'll find breathtaking sea views, soft sandy beaches and fantastic coastal walks .

You'll find plenty of picturesque towns to explore, from the village of Corfe with its mysterious castle ruins, to nostalgic Swanage with its Victorian pier, quirky and independent shops and heritage railway .

With so much to see and do here, there's not a chance of getting bored!

And if you'd like to visit this prehistoric marvel, you can visit on an exclusive five-day tour with Country Living in June or September 2022.

FIND OUT MORE

In the meantime, read more about the magnificent stretch of British coastline below.

Why do they call it the Jurassic Coast?

The name ‘Jurassic Coast’ comes from the most famous of the geological periods found here. The area also has rocks from the Triassic and Cretaceous periods.

These different rocks tell a captivating story about the extinct creatures that once lived here, and how environmental changes have affected the landscape through the millennia.

Where are the fossils on the Jurassic Coast?

Fossils can be found almost anywhere along the Jurassic Coast. If you're planning to do some fossil hunting, be aware that they can be quite hard to find and in some locations you'll need to get permission before fossil collecting.

EXPLORE THE JURASSIC COAST WITH CL

The beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis are among the best and safest spots to try fossil hunting for beginners.

What are the highlights of the Jurassic Coast?

There are plenty of delightful natural attractions to see on the Jurassic Coast. Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, is one of the most iconic views in all of Britain, and well worth a visit.

You'll find Durdle Door on the Lulworth Estate, 20 square miles of rolling countryside which is also home to Lulworth Cove, a scallop-shaped cove with unique geology and turquoise waters - it's one of the most impressive beaches in Dorset.

Can you walk the Jurassic Coast?

Walking is one of the best ways to take in the wonderful views on offer along the Jurassic Coast. The 95 miles from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth are part of the scenic South West Coast Path National Trail, and you'll find miles of footpaths and bridleways, with plenty of convenient circular walks.

Is the Jurassic Coast dog-friendly?

This stretch of coastline is the ideal location to explore with your four-legged friends. There are several dog-friendly beaches you can visit, which welcome canine companions throughout the year.

Dogs are allowed on the whole of the South West Coast Path, so there are many lovely coastal walks for you to enjoy together.

Experience the beauty of the Jurassic Coast on an exclusive tour with Country Living this June or September.

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Jurassic Coast

• 2 Other destinations
• 3 Understand
• 5 Get around
• 10 Stay safe

The Jurassic Coast is the popular (and now official) name given to a 95 mile (155 km) long stretch of coastline in southern England , incorporating parts of the east Devon and Dorset coasts.

The Jurassic Coast was inscribed as a World Heritage site in 2001 on account of its importance to geology and palaeontology , and the sheer beauty of its landscape. UNESCO lists it as Dorset and East Devon Coast . The area attracts hundreds of thousands of fossil hunters, hikers, campers and beach-goers each year.

Towns [ edit ]

• 50.705 -2.724 1 Burton Bradstock — village in West Dorset near West Bay
• 50.6208 -2.2498 2 Lulworth
• 50.725 -2.935278 3 Lyme Regis
• 50.68 -3.239 4 Sidmouth
• 50.609722 -2.454722 5 Weymouth
• 50.7167 -2.76667 6 West Bay

Other destinations [ edit ]

Understand [ edit ].

Many of the earliest recognised scientific dinosaur discoveries were made along the Jurassic Coast in the early 19th century, promoting the rise of the science of paleontology . Pioneering fossil hunters like Mary Anning took advantage of the coast's highly fossiliferous cliffs.

Get in [ edit ]

There is a South Western Railways service from London Waterloo to Poole and Exeter.

Get around [ edit ]

These bus services are of particular use to people visiting the Jurassic Coast :

The X53/X51 [dead link] bus service from Axminster to Weymouth / Dorchester via Lyme Regis , Charmouth , Bridport , West Bay .

The 885 bus service from Axminster to Beer via Colyton and Seaton .

The 899 bus service from Seaton to Sidmouth via Beer and Branscombe . This bus route is very picturesque as it winds its way down the charming Devon lanes.

The X54 [dead link] bus service from Weymouth to Poole via Wearham .

The 40 bus service from Swanage to Poole via Corfe Castle and Wearham .

See [ edit ]

The attractions of the Jurassic Coast are many. Not to be missed, however, are:

• Lulworth Cove at Lulworth
• Durdle Door, within easy hiking / kayaking distance west of Lulworth
• Chesil Beach , the longest example of a tombolo (sandy isthmus) in the UK
• Golden Cap near Charmouth , the highest point on the south coast of Britain at 191 metres (627 ft).

Do [ edit ]

• Hunt for fossils
• Relax on a beach
• Walk the South West Coast Path .

Eat [ edit ]

• Being on the coast, fresh fish & chips is widely available.

Drink [ edit ]

Stay safe [ edit ].

Cliffs can be prone to rockfalls, so avoid walking directly beneath them. This is not an abstract risk: people are killed this way with regrettable frequency.

Go next [ edit ]

• UNESCO World Heritage Sites
• UNESCO tag to be fixed
• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Articles with dead external links
• Extra regions
• Region articles
• Has Geo parameter
• West Country
• All destination articles
• Pages with maps

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11 amazing places you must see on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset

The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is a perfect place for an action-packed holiday. This part of South West England is packed with fantastic things to do, fascinating, family-friendly attractions and beautiful scenery. If you choose the Dorset Coast for a break, you’ll find there’s plenty to keep you busy on the Dorset stretch of the Jurassic Coast.

We spent a week near Swanage, and during that time we found lots of great things to do on the Jurassic Coast. In this post, I’ll tell you about my favourite places to visit on the Isle of Purbeck and Jurassic Coast in Dorset. I hope you love this beautiful part of England as much as I do!

Where is the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast starts at Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in East Dorset and stretches for 96 miles along the south west coast of England to Orcombe Point in East Devon. It takes in part of two English counties, Dorset and Devon. The Jurassic Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of England and has been popular with visitors since Victorian times.

This part of the Dorset and Devon coasts is called the Jurassic Coast because of its amazing geology. The cliffs, stone stacks and beaches in this area date from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. If you’re lucky enough to see the Jurassic Coast from the sea, you’ll be able to see the different layers of stone – 185 million years of history right there in front of you!

The other reason for the name is that the Jurassic Coast is famous for its fossils. The cliffs along the coast are full of fossils, particularly in the area of the Dorset coast around Lyme Regis. Fossil hunting on Lyme Regis or Charmouth beach is still one of the best things to do on the Dorset Coast.

Things to do on the Jurassic Coast

Here are my favourite things to do in and around the Isle of Purbeck and the Jurassic Coast.

This post contains affiliate links – all this means is if you buy something as a result of clicking a link, I’ll make a small commission that helps me run this site. There’s no cost to you.

1. Corfe Castle

This little village a few miles inland from Swanage is just perfection. Quaint stone buildings around a gorgeous marketplace, a picturesquely ruined castle and a steam train running through it all.

2. Tyneham abandoned village

In 1943 the 225 residents of Tyneham were forced to leave their homes when the whole village was requisitioned by the Ministry of Defence. Most of the buildings are ruins but the church and schoolhouse are still standing. You can visit the abandoned village most weekends and at bank holidays.

3. Lulworth Cove

One of the main sights of the Jurassic Coast and a true wonder of nature. Lulworth Cove is an almost-circular bay with just a small opening to the sea. There’s a car park and visitor centre in the village and it’s just a short walk to the beach.

4. West Bay

AKA Broadchurch. The cliff at West Bay has had a starring role in the TV drama Broadchurch since 2013 and attracts droves of David Tennant-seeking fans. The cliff rears up from the sand dunes and is a truly awesome sight.

5. Monkey World

Monkey World is an ape rescue centre not far from Wareham. There are a lot of sad stories here about the residents’ previous lives and how they’ve been mistreated but the keepers obviously care deeply about the animals and their talks are both moving and informative.

6. Sandbanks

AKA Dorset’s millionaires’ playground. This small peninsula and spit of land boast some of the UK’s most expensive land and property prices. It’s also got a beautiful beach. To get there from the Isle of Purbeck, take the ferry from Studland across the mouth of Poole Harbour.

7. Portland Bill lighthouse

Portland Bill lighthouse was built in 1906 and is still in operation today, protecting ships from the rocky shores of the Isle of Portland and the Jurassic Coast. You can go inside the lighthouse on a tour, and there’s a visitor centre in the lighthouse keeper’s cottage next door.

It unfortunately rained the entire time we were there but it looks like it would be a cool place to go on a drier day.

8. Chesil Beach

We’d planned to go to Chesil Beach the same day as we went to Portland Bill so we didn’t get to see it close up, but we did see it from above on our way back from Lyme Regis. Chesil Beach is an 18 mile long and 15 metre high shingle beach, connected to the mainland at each end with water in between. It’s all-natural and an amazing sight.

9. Lyme Regis

A gorgeous traditional seaside resort, famous for the fossils that have been found in the cliffs around the town for hundreds of years, and also for the Cobb (the wall which protects the harbour). The Cobb features in Jane Austen’s novel Persuasion and in John Fowle’s The French Lieutenant’s Woman. I was particularly interested in the story of Mary Anning, a cabinet maker’s daughter from the town who became one of the world’s leading authorities on fossils during the 1800s.

10. Studland Beach

As well as being stunning and full of nature, Studland Beach on the Isle of Purbeck has an interesting history. During World War II it was chosen to be used for D-Day rehearsals because of its similarity to the beaches of Northern France. The troops performed exercises using live ammunition and a new type of tank in front of VIPs including the King, who were safely hidden in a huge concrete bunker named Fort Henry. Today you can still see pillboxes on the beach and visit Fort Henry.

11. Durdle Door

Getting to Durdle Door is a bit odd because the car park is in a caravan site, so it definitely feels like you’ve taken a wrong turn. Once you’re parked up on top of the cliff, take the path down towards the edge, and there it is; a magnificent limestone arch standing proudly above its own sandy beach.

Which is the best part of the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast area is mostly very rural and getting around can be slow. Rather than trying to take in all 96 miles of it in a week, I’d recommend picking either the eastern section, in Dorset, or the western section in Devon. Personally, I really like the Dorset coast section, as that’s where you’ll find some of the best things to do on the Jurassic Coast, like Corfe Castle, Durdle Door, West Bay and Lyme Regis.

Where to stay on the Jurassic Coast

All the attractions above are easy to visit in a week-long trip to the Dorset part of the Jurassic Coast, and I recommend staying either near Swanage or Corfe Castle on the Isle of Purbeck. or in Weymouth .

The roads around here are narrow and winding (although very scenic); wherever you stay it’s going to take you a while to get around, so it’s worth picking somewhere you’ll enjoy coming back to, and somewhere that has the facilities you’re looking for in the evenings.

Swanage is a small seaside town with a good mix of restaurants, pubs, takeaways and shops. There’s a sandy beach and a pier, and you’re right on the Purbeck Heritage Coast with lots of nice coastal and countryside walks easily accessible from the town. I stayed in a static caravan but there are lots of hotels, B&Bs and holiday rentals in the town.

Corfe Castle

Corfe Castle is a gorgeous little village just inland from Swanage on the Isle of Purbeck. Even if you don’t stay there, you should definitely visit.

Corfe Castle has a couple of pubs which are open in the evening but you’ll need to go to Wareham or Swanage to pick up some groceries. The pubs have accommodation and there are a few B&Bs and guest houses, while every other house seems to be a holiday cottage – which could account for the lack of shops. There are stunning countryside walks all around Corfe Castle.

Weymouth is further west than Swanage, and sits at the entrance to both the Isle of Portland and Chesil Beach. It’s a much bigger seaside resort than Swanage, and has lots more facilities, including a train station, loads of pubs and restaurants and even a Sea Life Centre. There’s a great beach and all kinds of amusements.

Because Weymouth is a bigger place, it’s a bit harder to get into the countryside or wilder parts of the coast, but there’s plenty to keep you busy in Weymouth itself. I tend to prefer somewhere a bit quieter (more like Whitby compared to Blackpool, for example) so it’s not for me, but Weymouth is a really popular place to stay on the Jurassic Coast.

Have you visited the Jurassic Coast and the Isle of Purbeck?

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18 thoughts on “11 amazing places you must see on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset”

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Nice round up of places to visit Helen. We recently moved from London to Dorset, for obvious reasons having a growing family and wanted a less stressful life. Also I’m a photographer and it’s just such a beautiful place to be and photograph. I thoroughly recommend Tyneham village, similar to Imber village on Salisbury Plain https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imber Except this is loads better because it’s by the sea. Just a short walk to Worbarrow Bay which is stunning. Parking is donation in Tyneham and if your expecting a coffee or an Ice cream then go some where else. This is a haven for wildlife and not commerciality. This is top my list from your 11 places to visit in Dorset.

I agree, Tyneham was top of my list when we went to Dorset. You live in a beautiful part of the world, I hope you’re enjoying your new life!

Hi, thanks for a brilliant guide to places to visit. I am 67 (nearly 68) and partially disabled – I walk with two sticks. My husband is 72 and beginning to struggle with lots of steps- How feasible is it to visit some of these places? I really want to visit Portland Bill and see the lighthouse and see the Durdle Door Arch, and visit Lyme Regis. We are going for three nights and 4 days from 4th June to 7th June, staying at the Travel lodge. Any advice gratefully received. Thank You.

Hi Judy, thanks for commenting. Will you be driving? Portland Bill will be absolutely fine for you both, there’s a car park right by the lighthouse and it appeared to be an easy, level walk from the car park to the lighthouse itself. Lyme Regis should also be ok as long as you can get parked close to the beach as the town is on a hill. It’s a relatively gentle slope though, not a Hovis-ad type hill! Durdle Door might be a bit more challenging I’m afraid. Access from the road is via a caravan site, you can drive through the caravan site then there’s a car park close to the sea. From there it’s a grassy downhill sloped path to the top of the cliff where you can see the Durdle Door arch. It was about 10 minutes’ walk for me. It’s not terribly steep but it’s a long slope. I hope that helps and that you have a fabulous holiday!

What a lovely list! Thank you for the photos and sharing. We’re off to Lyme Regis in a couple of days so looking forward to checking out a couple of the places on your list now that you’ve inspired me. Happy travels and look forward to reading more of your lists! 🙏🏼😃

Ah thank you for your lovely comment! Hope you have a great time in Dorset/Devon 🙂

Wow! I’d never really considered visiting Dorset until recently but I’d only seen photos around the Durdle Door. Your other photos are amazing, I’m sold!

Thanks! Dorset’s a lovely part of the UK 🙂

wow, thanks for this list. it has covered so many amazing places. I would love to visit this place someday and spend a great day with my family. It looks so much fun. what’s the best time of a year to visit it?

I’ve never visited this place, but your photos kind of want me to visit tho! Those doors look awesome and it seems so peaceful!

I’ve never visited! You saved the best for last, Durdle door looked awesome. Also, LOL @ the picture you included of the long day of rain.

I actually live in Poole and I have go regularly on the Jurassic Coast to hike or to cycle. It’s such a beautiful part of England, with so many natural wonders, like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks.

Really got a feel for these parts and it’s beautiful. The arch in particular. But i have bias for BEACHES and if they are NEARLY EMPTY even better, all for me!

The coastline looks gorgeous! I love those small villages and beach huts, very pretty!

Your photographs are really gorgeous. I think the lighthouse would be my preferential pick. Somehow a cold rainy day and the lighthouse seem to ignite the poetic side of me.

What a great list to see! My favorite has to be the Durdle door.. I love a good natural wonder. Thanks for sharing!

I’m from the UK and didn’t know about so many of these places! The Durdle Door is just wonderful…and as soon as you mentioned the Famous Five, well! I think a trip might have to be planned in the near future!

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Dorset Jurassic Coast Highlights: 19 Must-Visit Coastal Spots

• Last Updated 13 May, 2024

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One of the most stunning parts of the UK’s coastline, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and Devon is justifiably famous.

With 185 million years of history – not to mention some jaw-dropping landscapes and rock formations, caused by aeons of relentless erosion – this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the prettiest areas of England. And I promise I’m not just saying that because I’m biased.

This post is a bit of a walk down memory lane for me; these spots were the backdrop to my childhood summers and feature in a lot of my happiest memories! I grew up in Weymouth and spent most of my summers being dragged all along the Dorset coast by my parents.

Those days out in Dorset instilled a lot of random knowledge about geology in my head, but more importantly, a deep-seated love of my home area.

Hopefully, I can share a bit of that love now by encouraging you to visit at least a few of these incredible Jurassic Coast highlights in Dorset…

Where is the Dorset Jurassic Coast?

1. durdle door, 2. lulworth cove, 3. fossil forest, 4. lyme regis, 5. west bay (aka broadchurch), 6. golden cap, 7. chesil beach and fleet lagoon, 8. old harry rocks, 9. durlston head, 10. kimmeridge bay, 11. dancing ledge, 12. portland bill, 13. winspit, 14. charmouth, 15. seacombe cliff, 16. undercliff national reserve, 17. gad cliff and worbarrow bay, 18. mupe rocks, 19. chapman’s pool, map of the dorset jurassic coast highlights.

RELATED POST: The Ultimate Guide to Dorset England

The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Most of this stretch of coastline belongs to Dorset, including some of the best-known spots like Durdle Door.

This is a hugely diverse landscape of massive geological importance. Basically, the coastline is made up of rocks spanning some 185 million years of geological history, covering the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.

Most geographic areas only cover one period, so three is a big deal if you’re a geologist. It essentially means the area tells scientists a lot about the environmental changes that have taken place over the ages – literally across hundreds of millions of years.

That’s all interesting enough, but what’s in it for the average tourist who doesn’t have a degree in geology? How about a stunning coastline filled with dramatic rock formations, an abundance of fossils, and lots of lovely beaches tucked into quiet bays and coves? This is a seriously beautiful part of the world, and there are so many incredible places to discover…

Highlights of the Dorset Jurassic Coast

Dorset’s star attraction, and the “poster-child” for the Jurassic Coast, is Durdle Door. The “door” is a natural limestone arch over the sea, caused by millions of years of erosion.

If you want to stay nearby, there’s a caravan site – or a few Dorset glamping spots are nearby for a holiday with a difference.

READ MORE: How to Get to Durdle Door

Just next door from Durdle Door is another popular site on the Dorset Jurassic Coast, Lulworth Cove . It’s easy to visit both: you can park in Lulworth and walk over the cliffs to Durdle Door in around an hour. Be warned – it’s a steep climb!

Backed by white chalk cliffs, the bay at Lulworth is almost circular. The area is considered one of the best examples in Europe of the interaction of marine erosion on an alternating sequence of hard and soft rocks. You can see all the different layers in the rocks where they’ve slid up over the ages. Visual proof of the earth’s constant motion!

RELATED POST: 15 of the Best Short Dorset Coast Walks

To the east of Lulworth Cove is the Fossil Forest: a cluster of fossilised tree stumps, as well as trunks and roots, all dating from the Jurassic period. It was formed around 150 million years ago, when a temporary drop in sea levels allowed plants and trees to grow in an area that had previously been underwater.

When the climate changed, the water levels rose again and the forest died. But their remains were preserved by layers of calcareous sediment. So at the “forest”, you can walk amongst trees that are older than much of the surrounding rock. It’s pretty cool!

FYI – you can only visit the Fossil Forest when the surrounding army ranges are open. You can check the Range access times here .

Lyme Regis lies on the Dorset-Devon border, so it’s one of our first coastal landmarks. It’s a pretty seaside town with a small harbour and a lovely beach. But what makes Lyme Regis such an important spot on the Jurassic Coast is the abundance of fossils found in this area, thanks to the local blue lias clay.

The famous Georgian fossil hunter Mary Anning came from Lyme Regis. She discovered the first ichthyosaur skeleton when she was 12 – right here on the beach! There’s a brilliant museum where you can see loads of fossils, and learn more about the history of the area.

WATCH : Attenborough and the Sea Dragon (a BBC Documentary about the Lyme Regis ichthyosaur). And don’t miss my list of the best holiday cottages in Lyme Regis . 

BBC viewers might recognise the towering golden cliffs of West Bay, which starred as the fictional town of Broadchurch in the series of the same name. The crumbling, orangey-coloured cliffs at East Cliff tower above the shingle beach. Their visible layers are significant geographically because they tell the story of falling sea levels from some 175 million years ago.

Insider Tip: East Cliff provides a perfect spot for a cliff walk. Follow the cliff path to neighbouring Burton Bradstock, pop into the Hive Beach Cafe for lunch, and walk back – enjoying the spectacular views of Chesil Beach as you go.

Just west of West Bay is the Golden Cap . This towering, rust-yellow cliff is the highest point on the South Coast of England. At 191 metres (627 ft), it’s a bit of a climb, but the views from the top are well worth it!

Starting on the Isle of Portland, Chesil Beach stretches 18 miles along the coast to West Bay. This is a barrier beach, disconnected from the land, so on its way it forms the Fleet Lagoon, a brackish-water lagoon tucked between the beach and the mainland.

Geographically, the feature is pretty important – I can remember spotting it in my high school geography textbooks – but there’s also a lot of exciting local folklore and history in the area, too.

At the Portland end, the pebbles of Chesil Beach are almost fist size, but they get smaller as you move westward. By the time the beach reaches West Bay, the pebbles are tiny. Legend has it that smugglers of old used to land on the beach in the dead of night, and judge where they were by the size of the shingle.

Old Harry Rocks mark the easternmost point of the Dorset Jurassic Coast. These are three chalk rock formations stretching out into the sea from the Isle of Purbeck . Local legend holds that the rocks are named after Harry Payne, a pirate from nearby Poole .

Interestingly, these are part of the same chalk band as The Needles on the Isle of Wight. Once upon a time, it was all connected, but the band eroded over time and now all that remains are a few stacks at either end. On clear days you can glimpse The Needles in the distance.

READ MORE: Try my 4-Mile Circular Old Harry Rocks Walk

Topped by a castle and a rich nature reserve, Durlston Head is a headland in the southeast corner of the Isle of Purbeck. The dramatic cliffs offer amazing sea views, but the area is better known for its wildlife. The 320-acre country park is home to hundreds of species of wildflowers, as well as butterflies, birds, and invertebrates.

Another spot well-known for wildlife is Kimmeridge Bay . This sweeping bay lies within a marine Special Area of Conservation. Not only is this one of the safest and best locations for snorkelling, but it’s also the best place for rock pooling in Dorset. The rocky layers of the beach from dozens of pools and puddles, so you can easily get an up-close glimpse of the underwater world.

Dancing Ledge is a flat rock ledge that lies at the base of a small cliff near Langton Matravers. It’s named, apparently, because the bobbing waves at certain tides make the ledge look like it’s dancing. It’s also pretty tricky to reach as you have to scramble a bit to get there!

A manmade swimming pool was blasted into the rock here in the late 19th century. It was made for pupils of local prep schools.

Although most of the nearby schools have now closed, the swimming pool remains a popular feature of Dancing Ledge. Every high tide, the pool’s water is refreshed, and on summer days it slowly warms in the sunshine at low tide.

READ MORE: 5.5 Mile Circular Dancing Ledge Walk or try my 3.4 Mile Scratch Arse Ware and Dancing Ledge Walk

Joined to the mainland by the shingle arc of Chesil Beach, the Isle of Portland stretches out into the English Channel. Its southern tip, Portland Bill, features a dangerous and dramatic coastline.

Even if you’ve never heard of Portland, chances are you’ve seen its stone. Portland Limestone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as countless other important buildings.

At Portland Bill, the artificial stack Pulpit Rock stands as a testament to the quarry that once worked there. There are several others on the island, some still working. One, Tout Quarry , has now been made into a lovely sculpture park and nature reserve.

Speaking of quarries, over in Worth Matravers lies Winspit. This is a disused quarry just along the coast from Dancing Ledge. Although many of the caverns are closed for safety reasons, you can still enter some of them. It’s quite a bizarre feeling to wander into the caves with the whole weight of the cliffs above you!

A quaint little seaside village, Charmouth makes for a charming day out. (Excuse the terrible pun!). Think thatched-roofed cottages and pastel blue beach huts on the shingle beach.

But, like nearby Lyme Regis, Charmouth is another hotspot for fossil hunting. Last time I visited I found a small ammonite! The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has loads more history and info. They also offer guided fossil hunting walks along the beach.

READ MORE: My Lyme Regis to Charmouth Walk is perfect for fossil hunting!

Seacombe is another disused stone quarry. It lies between Dancing Ledge and Winspit, and the wild beauty of the area is ideal for walking.

At Seacombe , the quarries left behind a low-level platform from which they used to lower rocks to the waiting barges in the sea. Today, that platform has become a popular swimming spot. If you can brave the chilly waters of the English Channel, that is!

Starting at Seaton in Devon, a challenging section of the South West Coast Path crosses the border and leads all the way to Lyme Regis. On the way, it passes through one of the highlights of the Jurassic Coast, the Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve.

The reserve is one of the largest active coastal landslide systems in Western Europe, so you need to be careful walking here. Pay attention to signs and check for weather warnings before starting out.

Worbarrow Bay is a wide, sweeping bay on the Isle of Purbeck. At its eastern end, the slumping figure of Gad Cliff juts into the sea. It’s a short, but steep, climb to the top, and the resulting views along the coastline are well worth it. It’s also is one of the quieter beaches in the area , perfect if you’re looking for a bit of seclusion!

The nearest parking is a mile away, at the village of Tyneham , which is also worth exploring. This small village was abandoned during WWII as the army needed the area for practice. Their ranges are still found all over the area. Today, several of the buildings have been lovingly restored in order to show what rural life was like in the 1940s.

Just around the corner from the more famous Lulworth Cove, Mupe Bay is something of a hidden gem. At one end of the bay, a string of tooth-like pointed rocks juts up from the sea. Low tide also uncovers Mupe Ledge, a flat expanse of rock that is often covered with rockpools.

Last, but no means least, we have Chapman’s Pool. This small cove near Worth Matravers is another highlight of the Purbeck section of the Jurassic Coast. It’s backed by high cliffs, which provide shelter to the cove, but also make it a bit of a challenge to reach. Around the area are limestone cliffs and dramatic caves.

Like other local limestone areas, the rocks around the cove are full of fossils. The beach itself is wonderfully wild, broken by a small stream which plunges through a ravine in the cliffs to reach the sea.

Are there any other Dorset Jurassic Coast highlights that I’ve missed? Scroll down and leave a comment! 

11 thoughts on “Dorset Jurassic Coast Highlights: 19 Must-Visit Coastal Spots”

Well presented and full of information . Also this is a good place for family outing.

Thanks so much Patrick!

We are planning to go to the Jurassic Coast on Easter as my daughter is obsessed with fossils at the moment. I found this article the best among all the ones that are shown when you start the search online. Hopefully, we can make it this year. Now looking for places to stay there.

Thanks so much for commenting Patricia, this is lovely 🙂 If your daughter is into fossils I highly recommend Lyme Regis and Charmouth. I’ve never walked on that beach without seeing a fossil or two! And there’s the Ammonite Pavement there at low tide which has thousands embedded in it. Plus the museum there is excellent. Hope you have a brilliant trip!

Thanks for the tips!

We will be on a cruise to the British Isles, and have found our day in Dublin has been cancelled. Instead, we will be visiting Portland, and this area. Can you recommend the best way for us to see this area as a port stop on a cruise? Thank you very much!

Hi Connie! Sorry to hear your Dublin day got cancelled, I hope you’ll enjoy Portland and Weymouth just as much. I have an article I wrote for my other website about how to see Weymouth in one day if you’re visiting on a cruise, you might find this helpful: https://www.emilyluxton.co.uk/uk/top-weymouth-attractions/

Do you have any ideas in mind for what you’d like to do? You could arrange for a taxi from the harbour on Portland to explore the island, or head into Weymouth.

Hi We are from Australia and wanted on our next trip to visit some of the Jurassic coast ( & inland ) then go up along the Welsh boarders . We are coffee shop people and due to our luck of living in a great land of natural beauty, we don’t want to spend all our time on walks or exploring beaches but want to see the main sights of what looks like a magnificent area. we would appreciate any feed back ( aged in 50’s/ 30’s, able to walk etc )

cheers Gillian [email protected]

Hi Gillian! Thanks for commenting. If you want to see the main sights without spending much time walking you’re in luck, as you can drive to a lot of good viewpoints on the Jurassic Coast. I’d say the “main” sight would be: Durdle Door (you can park at the car park and view it from above, or walk down to the beach if you like), Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks, West Bay, Weymouth Harbour, and maybe Lyme Regis for fossil hunting. You could in fact visit all of them on one day as a road trip if you wanted, although it would be a bit rushed. Inland there’s also Corfe Castle, which I’d say is a must, and maybe Blue Pool, Dorchester is a nice historic town, and there are lots of pretty villages like Shatesbury. Hope that helps!

I was solving the last remaining clue in a quiz based on Dorset. However, try as I may, I cannot find any mention anywhere of the Geo Needle in Dorset, except the one at Exmouth. The quiz setters were from Dorset too which was a bit confusing. Otherwise, your post is really helpful. I’m glad I found you.

Hi Penny. I don’t believe that there is a Geoneedle in Dorset – the only one I know of is at Orcombe Point, which is in Exmouth, Devon and marks the start of the Jurassic Coast. Perhaps the quiz setters got confused?

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Jurassic Coast: An Ultimate Guide to Travel for the First Time

You’ve heard of Jurassic Park from the film series, but do you know that England has a real Jurassic Coast? Yes, it is one of the most popular destinations in the UK, which attract visitors from all over the world.

Visiting the Jurassic Coast, you will have the feeling of fully enjoying the mysterious beauty of nature. The history of this land carries with it the presence of fossilized, majestic dinosaurs. The cliffs reveal the secret of all the old splendor of this site.

Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles along the south of England. The white cliffs towering above the sea are an iconic image of Great Britain. Furthermore, while the Jurassic Coast has some of the best sceneries in the UK, it is much more than just amazing vistas. Here, you can relax on long golden beaches or explore rock pools in coves. Wandering at decaying castles and hunting for dinosaur fossils on the beaches. Then, after walking along the windswept coastal paths, you can warm up in a cozy English pub with a glass of local beer. Definitely, it’s a great place to be for a few days or even a week!

Things to Do on Jurassic Coast

In fact, Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. No doubt, it is one of Britain’s most beautiful regions. From incredible seaside scenery to charming seaside towns, rugged hiking trails to the coolest local breweries; here’s a selection of Jurassic Coast attractions.

Durdle Door

It’s Jurassic Coast’s iconic image of all time. Throughout the time, crashing waves eroded much of the limestone, leaving a beautiful natural arch trapped in the open sea. From the Durdle Door car park, you take a 5-minute walk to this stunning view.

This part of the Jurassic Coast has some of the best scenery anywhere in Dorset. Right next to the mouth of Durdle Door, the beautiful wide sands of Man O’War beach make an attractive beach corner. f you have more energy, walk along the undulating paths that cling to the cliff edges with stunning views along the coast and out to sea. It’s one of the best short walks in Dorset!

Lulworth Cove

Lulworth Cove is surrounded by white chalk cliffs. You can see in this area the interaction of marine erosion on an alternating sequence of soft and hard rock as one of the best examples in Europe. Here, all the different layers in the rock where they formed over the ages are viewable. It’s truly the visual evidence of the earth’s constant motion on the Jurassic Coast.

Fossil Forest

Located in the east of Lulworth Cove, Fossil Forest includes a cluster of fossilized stumps, as well as stems and roots, all dating from the Jurassic period. Actually, the area was underwater till about 150 million years ago, when a temporary drop in sea levels allowed plants and trees to grow. As the climate changes, forests die due to water levels increasing again. Nevertheless, their remains have been preserved by limestone deposits. Hence, you can walk among the much older trees than the surrounding rocks in the “forest”.

It is a beautiful seaside town with a beautiful beach and a small harbor. Yet, the abundance of fossils found in this area is the main factor that makes Lyme Regis an important site on the Jurassic Coast. The famous Georgian fossil hunter Mary Anning discovered her first ichthyosaur skeleton when she was 12 years old – right at Lyme Regis beach! Additionally, there is a brilliant museum where you can learn more about the history of the area and see countless fossils.

Old Harry Rocks

Old Harry Rocks marks the farthest point in the east of the Dorset Jurassic Coast. These are three chalk walls stretching out into the sea from Purbeck Island. As a local legend, the rocks were named after Harry Payne, a pirate from nearby Poole. Certainly, Old Harry Rocks are the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the UK. Here, you will have a feast for the eyes with stacks of dazzling white chalk assembled like a jigsaw puzzle waiting to be completed.

There are several different ways to view it. You can hike along the peaks, mountain bike through the cliff-edge trails, kayak around them, or take a scenic boat tour.

Portland Bill

Portland Island, which is connected to the mainland by the arc of Chesil Beach, stretches out into the English Channel. Its southern tip is Portland Bill, which has a dangerous and dramatic coastline.

Even if you’ve never heard of Portland, you may see its rocks somewhere. Indeed, Portland Limestone was used to build St Paul’s Cathedral in London, as well as countless other important structures. At Portland Bill, the man-made Pulpit Rock is a testament to the quarry that once operated there. Also, Tout Quarry has now been turned into a nature reserve and a beautiful sculpture park.

Abbotsbury Village

Abbotsbury village remains as traditional English as it is and makes an ideal stop for a Jurassic Coast trip. Even, it was the setting for the Far from the Madding Crowd film by Thomas Hardy. You should explore the village shop, post office, boutiques, and teahouse before heading to St Catherine’s Chapel perched on a hill.

St Catherine’s Chapel is impressive, but the views from there are even better. You can see Chesil beach and fishermen from all over come to this beach to fish in the deep waters just offshore.

From March to October is the ideal period of time that you can visit Abbotsbury Swannery. Moreover, you can see hundreds of swans in the water while strolling the paths here. Especially, during nesting season, there is no place in this world except here where you can walk past a flock of nesting swans.

Important Information About the Jurassic Coast

The best time to visit jurassic coast.

From May to early July is the best time to visit the Jurassic Coast when the days are long and dry. Besides that, September and October are also good. From mid-July to late August the weather is great, but the area is extremely busy. The winter months can be cold and wet, but if there is a sunny day it is a truly beautiful place to explore during the winter.

Getting to the Destination

There are ways that you can take to reach Jurassic Coast:

• You can take domestic flights to Bournemouth or Southampton airports, just east of the Jurassic Coast.
• In addition, you can fly direct from Dublin, Paris, or Amsterdam.
• However, the majority of visitors will need to travel through London.

Transportations for You to Visit the Area’s Attractions

You can use the bus and train networks to explore the Dorset coast, but they don’t run as often. Many of the best destinations are just a few hours to visit. They are located at the end of small roads or in small villages. Exploring the Jurassic coast by bus is the perfect way to simply sit back and admire the view from the bus.

Accommodations at Jurassic Coast

Unsurprisingly, there are many accommodation choices on Jurassic Coast . On top of that, I picked 3 outstanding hotels with unique values that give you the best experiences while staying there to explore the area. Here are my 3 choices of hotels around the Jurassic Coast:

The Pig on the Beach

– Address: Manor House, Manor Rd, Studland, Swanage BH19 3AU, UK.

– Unique values:

• Charming vintage decoration
• Beautiful Studland views
• Less than 5-min walk to Old Harry Rocks
• Micro-seasonal menus

– Rates: from ~ ￡341.00

The Green House

– Address: 4 Grove Road, Bournemouth BH1 3AX, United Kingdom.

• Spectacular, sustainable Modern British dining
• The UK’s most eco-friendly hotel
• 5-min walk to Bournemouth beach

– Rates: from ~ ￡129.00

The Pig at Combe

– Address: The Pig at Combe, Gittisham, Honiton EX14 3AD, UK.

• Envy-including gardens
• Glorious grounds
• Varied outstanding food
• Extensive list of wine
• Beautiful walk to reach the coast

– Rates: from ~ ￡224.00

Be Careful When You Exploring the Places

The risk of landslides and falling rocks increases after extreme weather and sea conditions. Travelers to the place are encouraged to follow safety advice along the coast as landslides and rockfalls can happen quickly and without warning. Furthermore, walking along the coastal roads can be muddy and slippery at times – remember to always stay on official routes and always obey warning signs.

Whether you want to hunt for fossils, visit a museum, or simply take in the beautiful scenery on a stroll, you’ll find there are plenty of things to do on Jurassic Coast, no matter what time of year.

Note: This post contains affiliate links from which I can earn commissions if you use services or buy products from the blog’s partners. If you love the blog, please use the services or buy the products. In that way, you give me support for the blog’s maintenance and development. I appreciate it a lot and thank you for that!

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Khoi Nguyen

Khoi Nguyen builds The Broad Life with a desire to inspire people go exploring the world and live a more interesting, experience, and adventurous life. This blog shares the stories, pictures, and experiences at destinations where he has traveled to.

24 Comments

Oh, wow! I would love to visit the Jurassic Coast one day. It’s absolutely beautiful.

Absolutely!

Test Strip Buyers

What gorgeous destinations. I sadly have not gotten the chance to visit any of this list but will be adding a few to my travel plans in the future.

Enjoy, and have a great trip to the Jurassic Coast!

Bryan Carey

There are certainly several Instagram moments to be had in a place such as this! I need to re-visit England at some point, and I need to take more time to visit the countryside and not just the large cities.

I actually find this place more attractive than in large cities in England. The countryside is more beautiful, IMO.

Doodie Calls

Great views, I loved the photos of the beautiful seaside. This seems like a great place to visit.

Definitely!

I didn’t know about this area but I wish I did before I was in the UK before. The beaches and towns look like such a neat place to visit.

Yeah, this place is amazing with many things to do. You can always come back and visit this place the next time you travel to the UK.

Christian Foremost

This place looks absolutely majestic. What i would do to witness this for myself! Hope to be able to visit here soon!

I’m sure you will be able to come to the place.

Such a beautiful place to visit Jurassic Coast.I really want to go sometimes.

Enjoy the trip!

Kelly Bolen

Wow! Beautiful place to visit! I had never heard of it before!

Now you do. And you should take a trip to Jurassic Coast when possible.

Heard of Jurassic park but never heard of this coast. But I must say this so beautiful and serene. I wish I could visit this place some day.

You will be in this place one day. Enjoy!

Angela Ricardo Bethea

That sounds like a great place to visit with the family and plenty of beautiful areas to explore as well. Thanks for sharing this informative post with us.

You’re welcome! I hope you enjoy the info and have a great trip to Jurassic Coast.

Wayne W Walls

I have never heard of the Jurassic Coast before, but those images are stunning! I really hope to get there someday!

You will get to the place one day. Enjoy, and don’t forget to share with me your experience there!

Ntensibe Edgar

Nnnniiiccceeeeee….Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door beach have grabbed my heart, the most! I love them a lot, already. Thanks for sharing about them.

You’re welcome!

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Spring at Osmington Mills Lodge Park

near Weymouth

Home comforts by the seaside

Lulworth Holiday Cottages

Colourful cottages overlooking Weymouth harbour

Dream Cottages

Sea views across Weymouth Bay

© Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park & Spa

Places to Stay on the Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast stretches for 95 miles between Studland Bay in Dorset and Exmouth in East Devon.

Recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding geology, Dorset’s coastline is part of England’s only natural World Heritage Site. It proudly sits on a map of other World Heritage Sites including Yellowstone National Park, the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier Reef.

It’s a fantastic place to explore the dramatic rock formations of this stunning coast and visitors from all over the world come here to see iconic landmarks such as Durdle Door, hunt for fossils and follow in the footsteps of the dinosaurs who used to live here.

There are also many coastal towns and quaint villages to visit, each with their own uniqueness and charm. From Lyme Regis in the west (home of famous fossil hunter Mary Anning) to Studland in the east (at the mouth of Poole Harbour), you’ll find a great selection of places to stay.

Self-catering and holiday parks

Choosing a self-contained cottage, lodge or apartment allows you the freedom to come and go as you please, as well as the best of both worlds for dining in and eating out.

Some of the larger holiday parks will have facilities such as swimming pools, children’s play areas, shops, cafes and entertainment hubs. And if you’re seeking some luxury while exploring the coast, you’ll find several choices with hot tubs and spa facilities – great for relaxing after a long walk on the South West Coast Path.

Osmington Mill Lodge Park is a 5 star holiday park located in a beautiful wooded valley, just 15 minutes away from the bustling town of Weymouth. It has an on-site restaurant and bar along with a gym and outdoor swimming pool, plus access to the spa facilities at nearby Bowleaze Cove Holiday Park.

Located in a quaint hamlet just 10 minutes from the coast, Upton Grange Holiday Cottages offer self-catering accommodation for 2 to 6 guests. Featuring vintage pieces, antiques and luxury items, some of the cottages have four poster beds and log fires. 

Hotels and B&Bs

From large, landmarks hotels to homely B&Bs, there are some great options to be found on or close to the Jurassic Coast.

With the benefit of having breakfast cooked for you every day, as well as lunch, afternoon tea and dinner sometimes available too, you won’t have to worry about who’s doing the washing up!

Some of our larger hotels have fabulous views of Jurassic Coast landmarks such as Chesil Beach, Old Harry Rocks and Lulworth Cove.

Caravan, camping and glamping

Offering a great value holiday choice, you can get back to nature at one of our coastal campsites.

Many have views of the sea or are just a short walk down to a beach, so their locations are perfect for lovers of sea swimming and coastal hikes.

Opting for a rustic campsite is also a great low-impact holiday if you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint as well as saving some cash. And for anyone talking a walking break along the South West Coast Path, they provide a welcome pit stop after a day of adventure.

Group friendly

Whether you’re a group of friends, celebrating a family reunion or are visiting on a field studies trip, there are many options on offer.

Choose from large self-catering houses, hostels with dorm rooms or hotels and B&Bs with family rooms.

Sometimes you’ll be able to hire the whole property for your own group or you might be sharing with other like-minded visitors where you can exchange travelling tips and stories.

Plan Your Visit

Share your dorset.

Wonders of Wanders

Travel, Food and Culture Content

Jurassic Coast: Day Trip from London By Public Transport

Good news! A Jurassic Coast day trip from London is doable for savvy adventurers tuned into the benefits of coach travel. By no means does a day of exploration do justice. Nevertheless, there is enough time to whet your appetite for a longer trip in the future. This post will show you how to go about your visit using public transport.

The Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site is situated on England’s wild, wild southwest. It is an astounding formation of unique landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. Stretching from East Devon to Dorset, the Jurassic Coast is a geological marvel etched over 185 million years.

A visit to the Jurassic Coast is a walk through history, evolution and profound natural processes that amaze the imagination.

For Londoners in search of a coastal escape or staycation, the Jurassic Coast is a superb day out. Moreover, you can ramp up the adventure by making it a fun group trip with like-minded travellers.

Our Jurassic Coast experience was a rollicking girls’ trip full of laughter, great conversation and bonding.

Ideally, you need a car and plenty of time to explore the coast. However, if you are short on time, car-free, don’t drive, or want to entrust the logistics to someone else, there is good news. Coach travel offers hassle-free journeys from London to the Jurassic Coast via Bournemouth.

WoW Contents At A Glance

Why travel by coach?

Travelling by coach is a viable option if you’re looking to set off on more wanders in the UK. I use National Express coaches regularly for comfort and reliability. More recently, they were my main source of transportation to the airport; en route to wanders in Zadar , Venice and Kefalonia . The coaches serve over 900 locations across the UK, including popular locations like Bath , Oxford and Cambridge. Moreover, National Express tick the boxes for modern conveniences such as air conditioning, leather seats, free wifi and USB sockets. Plus, there are onboard toilets; a relief for those with travel anxiety around finding the next loo while on the road.

That said, let’s step into maximising a day trip from London to the Jurassic Coast by public transport.

Jurassic Coast Day Trip Step 1: Direct National Express Coach to Bournemouth

An early start is essential when you only have a day at your disposal. National Express coaches travel from London Victoria to Bournemouth up to 21 times a day. The latest departure time you should aim for is the 8am service. This gets you to Bournemouth in time to carry out Step 2.

Jurassic Coast Day Trip Step 2: Discover Dorset Tours

Discover Dorset Tours offer a return coach service from Bournemouth to Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove , two of the most iconic landscapes on the Jurassic Coast. The coach departs from Stand K in Bournemouth station. From here, we enjoyed a scenic drive with views of Poole Bay, Poole Harbour and Sandbanks. We discovered that Sandbanks is one of the most expensive slices of coastal real estate in the world. Financial Times once called it “the UK’s version of Palm Springs”. You really do learn something new every day, eh? Discover Dorset Return Prices: Adult – £25, Student – £20, Over 60’s – £20, Under 16’s – £15.

Jurassic Coast Day Trip Step 3: Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

Durdle Door is a limestone arch chiselled by the sea and natural elements over time.

A short walk from the parking lot, we came upon the Man O’War beach which is on the other side of Durdle Door. The blue-green hues of the sea seemed to me like colours more typically associated with the Mediterranean. Yet, here we were basking in their shimmering brilliance on the Dorset coast.

If your mobility allows, take the steps ( about 89 of them! ) down to the beach and spend some time taking it all in at close quarters. We spent majority of our time here, relaxing on the beach, chatting and taking countless pictures. As you do.

Dragging ourselves reluctantly from the scene, we girded our thighs for the walk to Lulworth Cove . This was the second highlight of our Jurassic Coast experience.

Over the Hambury Tout hill , views of the rolling countryside stretched with undulating abandon. You can’t help the feeling of freedom within this extraordinary terrain bursting with an abundance of nature.

In the nearby village of West Lulworth , a rustic but busy air welcomed us. Evocative thatched houses dotted a landscape interspersed with quiet charm. The day had indeed been a medley of nature, history and worlds suspended in time.

All too soon, it was time to head back. Perhaps we can petition Discover Dorset to extend the service by two extra hours? That would go down an even better treat.

5 tips for visiting Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove

1. Lulworth Cove has a few shops and restaurants. However, you may want to bring snacks as the options for food are limited around Durdle Door. 2. Wear comfortable walking shoes. The distance between Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove is about a mile or so over a big hill. 3. Don’t forget your swimwear if you want to have a frolic in the sea. 4. Visit https://jurassiccoast.org for more information on outdoor activities, including walking, kayaking, coasteering and mountain biking. 5. Remember to look behind you on the walk from Durdle Door to Lulworth Cove. The views are amazing.

Jurassic Coast Day Trip Step 4: Return National Express Journey from Bournemouth to London Victoria

Discover Dorset brought us back to Bournemouth where we caught one of the National Express evening services to London Victoria. After a full, active day it was good to relax (read: nap) all the way back to London.

With summer rolling along, there’s nothing more appealing than a trip to the seaside. If clear waters, coastal walks and nature’s own masterpieces call, consider the Jurassic Coast for a great day out. Of course, given its rugged beauty and heritage, the Jurassic Coast is a must-visit whatever the season. Treat yourself to one of the best fusions of seaside and countryside!

Over to you, fellow wanderers: have you been to the Jurassic Coast yet? Does the day trip outlined here grab you to give it a try? Share your thoughts in the comments below. See you on the next WoW.

This post is in collaboration with National Express, who provided complimentary return tickets to Bournemouth. All thoughts and trip musing s are my own . Feature image credit: Belinda Fewings on Unsplash.

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• 6 Delightful Towns to Visit on the Atlantic Coast

From New York to Florida, the Atlantic Coast is home to beautiful stretches of coastline, stunning views, and remarkable beach towns. Whether visitors are looking for a summer destination full of excitement and entertainment and teaming with crowds or want to escape to a quieter small town this summer, there is a little something for everyone to enjoy on the coast. From pretty, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is much to explore this summer. From Montauk to Fernandina Beach, the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a treasure trove of vacation destinations.

Montauk, New York

Montauk is commonly referred to as “the End,” thanks to its location at the easternmost point of Long Island and the state of New York. Buffeted by strong winds and rough surf, it sometimes seems like the edge of the world—it feels more remote and low-key than its fancy Hamptons neighbors. The Montauk Point Lighthouse, commissioned by George Washington in 1792, is the oldest in New York State. It has stunning 360-degree views of the Atlantic Ocean and Block Island —worth the 137-step climb to the top.

Ditch Plains Beach is the most popular spot for surfing in Montauk. Still, several other beaches in Montauk are perfect for swimming and sunbathing, like Gin Beach, Sunset Beach, which is walkable to nearby shops and restaurants, and South Edison Beach (or Nick’s as the locals call it). Visitors traveling with four-legged friends are welcome at beaches at dawn and dusk (before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m.). The town has several natural trails perfect for hiking, including Montauk State Park, where the lighthouse is; Shadmoor State Park, where visitors walk along the bluffs; and Hither Hills State Park, where hikers can explore the park's beautiful beaches, walking dunes, and scenic picnic areas. At the end of a Montauk day, visit the Montauk Brewing Co. for a hard seltzer blueberry lemonade.

Edgartown, Massachusetts

Edgartown is renowned for its well-preserved 19th-century whaling captains' homes, notable for their prominent “widow’s walks,” where captains kept an eye on their ships at sea, and wives watched for the return of loved ones. Located on Martha's Vineyard, Edgartown offers a wealth of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, like surf-friendly South Beach (Katama Beach) and Lighthouse Beach, home of the iconic 1800s-era Edgartown Lighthouse. While the lighthouse is relatively small, the area surrounding the lighthouse is stunning. From the top of the spiral staircase, visitors can view the harbor and Chappaquiddick Island vistas. Another activity in the fresh air is exploring the four miles of trails at the family-friendly Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary.

The island’s flat terrain and scenic routes make it a perfect destination for cycling, so why not explore Edgartown on two wheels with a rental from Wheel Happy Bicycle Shop? Spend some time walking down Edgartown’s Main Street and discover a host of unique shops, restaurants, and cafés, like Slate—a boho fashion and lifestyle shop, 19 Raw Oyster Bar, and Behind the Bookstore—a café serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and Hemingway-inspired drinks like Palomas and A Night in Cabo at The Hemingway Bar, hidden behind Edgartown Books.

Ocean City, Maryland

The seaside town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family. Renowned for its 10 miles of stunning sandy beaches, it’s perfect for swimming, body surfing, and beachcombing. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of watersports, such as jet skiing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and parasailing. Jet ski and boat rentals are available at Odyssea Watersports. Ocean City’s iconic 3-mile wooden planked boardwalk is a beehive of activity 24/7. Stroll down the boardwalk and visit Dolle’s Candyland for fruit slices, traditional boardwalk fudge, or salt water taffy; the shop is currently celebrating its 114th year in business. Tony’s Pizza has been a landmark on the boardwalk since 1963, and visitors can dine on their rooftop deck overlooking the boardwalk, beach, and the ocean.

No visit to a seaside town would be complete without a round or two of mini golf, so grab a putter and visit Embers Island Mini Golf Course, complete with pirate ships, caves, and water hazards, or Nick’s Mini Golf, where you can choose from various themed courses like Jurassic Golf, Maui Golf, or Dino Golf. After dark, enjoy live music, karaoke, and entertainment at Seacrets Jamaica USA, Fager's Island, and Macky's Bayside Bar & Grill.

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Head to this small Martha’s Vineyard town, Oak Bluffs , to see its colorful and delightful gingerbread cottages, which lend the town a picturesque and whimsical feel. Over 300 cozy cottages are in a 34-acre neighborhood called Wesleyan Grove, a National Historic Landmark. With gothic archways, steeples, and turrets, the cottages are painted in the colors of ice cream. The cottages are celebrated every year on August 14th with an event called “Illumination Night,” where the owners decorate their homes with lanterns. Another playful landmark in town is the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest in the United States . Originally an attraction on Coney Island , the hand-carved, glass-eyed horses with real horse hair manes were moved to Oak Bluffs in 1884.

To learn about the island's history, visit the Martha’s Vineyard Museum or follow the African American Heritage Trail of Martha’s Vineyard, a trail of 30 sites marked with explanatory plaques dedicated to the contributions made by people of African descent to the island. Finally, for the alpaca enthusiast in the family, visit the Island Alpaca Company for a first-hand look at these gentle and curious animals, and stop by the gift shop for the perfect souvenir.

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is a quiet barrier island known for its unspoiled, serene beaches, historic charm, and laid-back vibe. First settled in the 1500s, the island is one of the oldest beach towns in the United States. Like many old seaside towns, the island is rumored to be haunted by a ghost known as the “Gray Man”—a cloaked figure who roams the beach ahead of major hurricanes. Ghostly attractions aside, this tranquil little town has many other things to do. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy surf fishing from the beach at Huntington Beach State Park or fishing from the Garden City Pier for flounder, black drum, or mackerel. Explore the island’s salt marshes and creeks by kayak or paddleboard with rentals from Surf the Earth, a peaceful way to observe local wildlife and scenic landscapes.

Take a walking tour of the Pawleys Island Historic District, which features charming, centuries-old beach houses and landmarks reflecting the island’s rich history, like the Pawleys Island Chapel, which marks its 76th year of worship in 2024. and the 1845-built All Saints Summer Parsonage. The island also has several renowned eateries where visitors can sample South Carolina’s legendary Lowcountry cuisine, like Pawleys Island Tavern, Frank’s and Frank’s Outback Bar, and Pawley’s Raw Bar, which bills itself as a “rusty ramshack of a restaurant.”

Fernandina Beach, Florida

On Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is a charming Victorian seaside town with a historic downtown area and beautiful beaches wrapped in a laid-back, sunny atmosphere. Once a town full of pirates, bootleggers, and other quirky residents, today it is a family-friendly destination with much to see and enjoy. Although the barrier island is only 13 miles long, there are more than 40 public beaches, including the popular Main Beach Park (known as “The Family Zone” by locals). Play a round of mini putt at the Putt-Putt Fun Center, surf the waves, or shred it at the skate park. For food and drinks at the beach, visit the Salt Life Food Shack for sushi, poke bowls, street tacos, and a pitcher of sangria.

After a day in the sun and the surf, head to Fernandina Beach’s charming downtown area, known for its Victorian-era architecture, boutique shops, art galleries, and inviting cafés. Visit Nana Teresa’s Bake Shop for a shake from its authentic 1950s soda fountain, Villa Villekulla Toys, or join a yoga class at Centred on Yoga. Don’t leave town without a visit to Florida’s oldest lighthouse, the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838. Today, the lighthouse’s beacon still guides ships into the channel to the Fernandina Harbor, but when it was first lit, Florida was not yet a state.

The Atlantic coast is chock full of delightful towns with picturesque landscapes, rich history, and diverse activities. With stunning beaches ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing and historic lighthouses providing breathtaking views and a glimpse into maritime history, visitors can easily make every moment count on an East Coast vacation. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore scenic trails in state parks; water lovers can surf, kayak, and paddle board, while anglers can drop a line from a pier or surf cast. Quaint towns with charming architecture, boutique shops, activities for the whole family, and local cuisine only add to the appeal of the Atlantic coast.

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'Jurassic Park' Cast and Character Guide (Where Are They Now?)

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The 7 Best Horror Movies and Shows Coming To Shudder in June 2024

The 7 best new movies to watch on max in june 2024, the best war movie from every year of the 2010s.

Inspiring kids to become paleontologists for the last three decades, Jurassic Park originally premiered in 1993. A mix of action, adventure, and sci-fi, this film presents a very entertaining combination. The premise, now familiar to all, is that dinosaurs have been re-created from DNA found in a fossilized mosquito that sucked blood from a dinosaur. Scientists used this DNA mixed with frog DNA to create dinosaurs including "veggisauruses" and "meatasauruses". Problems first arise when a velociraptor kills someone in the opening scene. And right from this establishing scene, audiences knew they were in for a wild ride.

Jurassic Park is directed by one of the most famous directors of all time, Steven Spielberg , with a larger-than-life score by one of the most famous composers, John Williams . When it was released, it was the biggest moneymaker Hollywood had ever seen. It's no wonder there have been five sequels (and counting) to the film including The Lost World: Jurassic Park , Jurassic Park III , Jurassic World , Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom , and Jurassic World Dominion . With an almost five-hundred-day run in theaters and a total profit of $912 million worldwide, Jurassic Park is one of the most successful and popular movies ever made . It kicked off the careers of most of the actors on this list, some going on to become huge names in the business and others choosing to focus on other endeavors. After careful consideration, we've decided to endorse Jurassic Park as the best dinosaur movie ever. So let's take a look at the actors who made this story the ginormous success it was and where they are today.

RELATED: The 10 Best Quotes from 'Jurassic Park' Ranked

Sam Neill as Dr. Alan Grant

Starring as the lead of Jurassic Park is Sam Neill , who plays the character of Dr. Alan Grant. Grant is a paleontologist who is recruited by the creator of Jurassic Park to give his approval of the park. This part launched Neill's career as a major player in Hollywood. He reprised his role as Dr. Grant in Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World: Dominion , two sequels to the film.

After the original Jurassic Park , Neill went on to act in extremely popular movies and TV shows throughout the past thirty years. Some of these include the shows Peaky Blinders and The Tudors and the movies Thor: Ragnarok and Thor: Love and Thunder . The Thor films were directed by popular director Taika Waititi , with whom Neill also worked on the film Hunt for Wilderpeople . Neill is next set to appear in the films Scarygirl and Bring Him to Me and the Liane Moriarty series adaptation, Apples Never Fall .

Laura Dern as Dr. Ellie Sattler

Laura Dern appears as Dr. Ellie Sattler, a paleobotanist, which is a scientist who studies fossilized plants. Along with Dr. Grant, Dr. Sattler is promised funding for her archeological dig if she will visit Jurassic Park . Although the pair are resistant at first, once they arrive, they are in awe of the dinosaurs and ancient plants coming to life before their eyes. Dern returned as Dr. Sattler in the sequels Jurassic Park III and Jurassic World: Dominion . It was a special moment when after over a 20-year hiatus Dr. Grant and Dr. Sattler reappeared on screen, adding a nice dose of nostalgia.

After Jurassic Park , Dern went on to create a wonderful career for herself. She was even nominated for an Academy Award for her role in the film Rambling Rose as the title character. Some of her more popular films include The Fault in Our Stars , Little Women , and Star Wars: Episode VIII- The Last Jedi . She also appeared on television in series such as Big Little Lies , Twin Peaks , and Enlightened . Dern's most recent film credit was in the 2022 film The Son , and she is set to appear next in the upcoming miniseries Palm Royale .

Jeff Goldblum as Dr. Ian Malcolm

Dr. Ian Malcolm is a mathematician specializing in chaos theory in Jurassic Park . He is played by Jeff Goldblum , who brings some much-needed comedy to the film. Dr. Ian Malcolm has appeared in all of the Jurassic Park sequels except for Jurassic Park III . Goldblum was already known for his role in The Fly , but playing Dr. Ian Malcolm skyrocketed his career.

After Jurassic Park , he worked on films such as Independence Day , The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou , and The Grand Budapest Hotel . He is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe as well, having played the character of Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok . His popularity even scored him his own show on Disney+ titled The World According to Jeff Goldblum . We are looking forward to Goldblum's multiple upcoming projects, including his portrayal of the Wonderful Wizard of Oz in the Wicked musical films and his role in the Wes Anderson movie Asteroid City .

Related: New 'Jurassic Park'-'Transformers' Collaboration Recreates Iconic Scene

Richard Attenborough as John Hammond

The man who started the whole adventure is John Hammond. He is played by Richard Attenborough who manages to make the character likable, despite the fact that his crazy idea led to all the chaos. Attenborough was born in England but went on to wear many hats in Hollywood including actor, producer, and director. He returned as Hammond in The Lost World: Jurassic Park .

Attenborough took part in notable films before and after Jurassic Park, including acting in The Great Escape , Doctor Doolittle , and Miracle on 34th Street . The films A Chorus Line , Cry Freedom , and Gandhi were directed by Attenborough. He also produced the latter two films and won two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for Gandhi . Attenborough was honored with multiple Golden Globe and British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) nominations and wins. Impressively, he also served as the president of the BAFTA and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA). Unfortunately, Attenborough passed away in 2014 at 90 years old, leaving a lasting mark on cinema history.

Samuel L. Jackson as Ray Arnold

Ray Arnold is the chief engineer of Jurassic Park , played by superstar Samuel L. Jackson . Arnold was sadly killed (offscreen) by a pack of velociraptors. At the time of this portrayal, Jackson had not yet risen to the level of fame he enjoys today. What helped him get to the top was his role in Quentin Tarantino 's Pulp Fiction as Jules Winnfield, for which he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Throughout the years he has had continued success and is an A-list Hollywood actor. He continued to work with Tarantino on some of his biggest films including Django Unchained , The Hateful Eight , and Kill Bill: Vol 2 . He is part of some of the most popular franchises of all time, playing Nick Fury in multiple Marvel TV series and films and playing Mace Windu in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Jackson received an Academy Honorary Award in 2022 for being "A cultural icon whose dynamic work has resonated across genres and generations and audiences worldwide." He has also received nominations and won multiple awards such as Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and NAACP Image Awards. In June 2023, Jackson will be returning to his role as Nick Fury in the Marvel Disney+ series Secret Invasion . His other upcoming projects include a live-action adaptation of Afro Samurai , the MCU film The Marvels , a voice role in the animated film Garfield , and appearances in the movies The Kill Room , Argylle , Damaged , and The Piano Lesson .

Joseph Mazzello as Tim Murphy

Playing the dinosaur-obsessed grandkid of John Hammond is Joseph Mazzello . When Jurassic Park premiered, Mazello was only nine years old. Imagine getting your big break as an actor before your tenth birthday! Working with the directorial giant Steven Spielberg has been great for Murphy's career. Mazzello reappeared as Tim in The Lost World: Jurassic Park .

He has gone on to continue acting throughout the past thirty years, appearing in a number of notable projects including the films Bohemian Rhapsody and The Social Network and the TV shows Justified , American Crime Story , and The Pacific , which is produced by Spielberg himself.

Ariana Richards as Alexis "Lex" Murphy

Tim's older sister Lex Murphy was portrayed by Ariana Richards . Richards was thirteen when the film premiered. Lex is a "computer nerd" whose skills end up coming in handy once things begin to go haywire. Returning to her role as Lex in The Lost World: Jurassic Park was one of Richards's last projects. The few other films she did after that were Angus , Tremors 3: Back to Perfection , and Battledogs . After that, she decided to move to Oregon and is focusing on life as a painter and artist. Richards told People that she was inspired to paint her first watercolor from her work on the film, stating, “I wanted to boil down the whole experience of Jurassic into my art. I painted an image of me from the Jell-O scene." Clearly despite her distance from Hollywood, she still holds her experience and her cast mates close to her heart. She was in attendance at the premieres of Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom and Jurassic World: Dominion .

Apart from these actors, Jurassic Park also starred Bob Peck as Robert Muldoon, Martin Ferrero as Donald Gennaro, B.D. Wong as Dr. Henry Wu (a character who gets a much bigger role in the Jurassic World movies), Wayne Knight as Dennis Nedry, Jerry Molen as Dr. Harding, Miguel Sandoval as Juanito Rostagno, Cameron Thor as Dr. Lewis Dodgson, and many more.

• Jurassic Park

‘Jurassic World 4’: Everything To Know So Far About The Return Of The Dinos Reportedly Starring Scarlett Johansson

Both dragons and giant lizards might be having a moment lately, but in 2025, dinosaurs will be making a comeback! Again!

It was announced earlier this year that another Jurassic Park movie is on the way, just two years after Jurassic World Dominion rounded out the rebooted series. Life….. always finds a way . Just like movies.

David Koepp, the original screenwriter of the first three flicks, is set to pen the currently untitled sequel. The Fall Guy ‘s David Leitch was initially in talks to direct, but he was replaced with Gareth Edwards, director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and 2014’s Godzilla remake, so he definitely knows how to direct a big, scaly guy looking menacing on screen.

Edwards told Collider that he dropped everything to join the movie. “I was about to take a break and I started writing my next idea for a film and this is the only movie that would make me drop everything like a stone and dive right in,” he said, adding, “to work with Frank Marshall and Universal and David Koepp, who’s writing the script, I think they’re all legends. So I’m just very excited.”

Steven Spielberg will still serve as executive producer, because he really did bring dinosaurs to an entire generation of moviegoers. Here is everything else we know about the upcoming installment.

The plot is being kept under wraps, but we can make some assumptions! First: there will definitely be dinosaurs somewhere in the story. That is a given.

Aside from that, we don’t really know where the story will shape up. It’s possible that the new installment will continue where Jurassic World: Dominion left off in 2022 now that dinos and humans co-exist. Or, the entire story could be rebooted and remade using the original novel as a guideline. We likely won’t know for a while.

In 2022, Producer Frank Marshall told Slash Film that there are many places that the story can develop from here. “We obviously want to make quality, good movies with great storytelling, great writers and directors, but we’re definitely looking to do more in the Jurassic World .”

The Hollywood Reporter first reported that Scarlett Johanson is in talks to lead the film, though it has yet to be officially confirmed. Oscar winner Mahershala Ali is also eying a role in the franchise. Meanwhile, Bridgerton breakout star Jonathan Bailey is reportedly attached to star, along with Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Rupert Friend. And a bunch of dinosaurs, hopefully.

Since there will be a whole new crew of dino hunters, it doesn’t seem like any of the original Jurassic Park icons will return. Sam Neill, Laura Dern, Jeff Goldblum, Chris Pratt, and Bryce Dallas Howard are not expected to reprise their roles in the upcoming sequel, though things can always change if Jeff Goldblum becomes too tired of doing all of those Apartment.com ads.

Release Date

Right now, the expected release date for the upcoming Jurassic Park is July 2nd, 2025, which feels quick. Filming is slated to take place this summer in Malta and early fall in London. Barring any complications or delays, it could be the blockbuster hit of next summer.

There is no trailer just yet, but you can check out the animated series Jurassic World: Chaos Theory now on Netflix.

Watch CBS News

This week on "Sunday Morning" (June 2)

By David Morgan

Updated on: June 2, 2024 / 1:34 PM EDT / CBS News

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET.  "Sunday Morning" also  streams on the CBS News app  beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. ( Download it here .) 

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WATCH THE FULL JUNE 2 BROADCAST!

      COVER STORY: Trump's guilty verdict: A stress test for democracy | Watch Video Being found guilty of 34 felony counts would normally mark the end of someone's political prospects. But as longtime Trump chronicler Michael Wolff notes, the former president has built his career, and brand, on grievances – and this week's conviction in a New York courtroom is not stopping Trump from running for another term in the White House. CBS News chief election & campaign correspondent Robert Costa reports.

For more info:

• "Landslide: The Final Days of the Trump Presidency" by Michael Wolff (Henry Holt and Co.), in Hardcover, Trade Paperback, eBook and Audio formats, available via Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
• Rebecca Roiphe, professor, New York Law School
• Attorney Todd Blanche

STAGE: "Illinoise" and the origin of an unlikely Broadway musical (Video) The new Broadway show "Illinoise" is a choreographed indie-rock musical with no dialogue, based on Sufjan Stevens' 2005 concept album. It's received four Tony Award nominations, including best musical. "Sunday Morning" contributor Kelefa Sanneh talks with choreographer Justin Peck, playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury, and musician Shara Nova about the show, an ode to the origins of storytelling and theatre-making.

• "Illinoise," at the St. James Theatre, New York City | Ticket info
• Sufjan Stevens
• Justin Peck
• Follow Jackie Sibblies Drury on Instagram and Twitter/X

        ALMANAC: June 2 (Video) "Sunday Morning" looks back at historical events on this date.  

BOOKS: How James Patterson completed Michael Crichton's "Eruption" | Watch Video Writer Michael Crichton, whose blockbuster novels, films and TV series included "Jurassic Park" and "ER," died in 2008, leaving behind an unfinished thriller about a volcanic eruption that imperils all life on Earth. Bestselling author James Patterson was tasked with completing Crichton's book, and now, 16 years later, "Eruption" is finally being unleashed in bookstores. Correspondent Tracy Smith talks with Patterson, and with Michael's widow, Sherri Alexander Crichton, about bringing back the voice of a master storyteller.

READ AN EXCERPT: "Eruption" by Michael Crichton and James Patterson

WEB EXTRA: James Patterson on the "gift" of a new Michael Crichton thriller (YouTube Video)

• "Eruption" by Michael Crichton and James Patterson (Little, Brown & Co.), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook and Audio formats, available June 3 via Amazon , Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org
• michaelcrichton.com
• jamespatterson.com

         PASSAGE: In memoriam (Video) "Sunday Morning" remembers some of the notable figures who left us this week, including NBA Hall of Famer and sportscaster Bill Walton.

U.S.:  The Supreme Court case that could impact the homeless coast-to-coast  | Watch Video In 2018 many Western officials were outraged by a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that said Boise, Idaho's ban on camping outdoors – aimed at deterring homeless people from sleeping on the streets – was "cruel and unusual punishment" prohibited by the 8th Amendment of the Constitution. Now, the city of Grants Pass, Oregon, has challenged that argument before the Supreme Court, and what the Court decides will impact how all cities and counties across the country can handle the unhoused. Correspondent John Blackstone reports.

• City of Grants Pass, Oregon v. Johnson (SCOTUSblog)
• Idaho Legal Aid Services
• Erwin Chemerinsky, dean of UC Berkeley Law School
• Kate Colin, Mayor of San Rafael, California
• Attorney Theane Evangelis

POLITICS: Reality, as Trump supporters see it (Video) Former President Donald Trump's critics have been vocal about what a potential Trump election victory in November might mean for the country. In a visit to a campaign rally in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, "Sunday Morning" senior contributor Ted Koppel talks with Trump supporters to find out what they believe would be the consequences of another Trump election loss. He also visits the battlefield at Gettysburg, where a "war on memory" continues to be waged. 

• Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania (National Park Service)

MUSIC: Cyndi Lauper: Showing her true colors (Video) Cyndi Lauper was a pop music dynamo and MTV-favorite singer who later won a Tony Award for her songs for the stage musical "Kinky Boots." But she wanted more than to just have fun. The subject of a new documentary on Paramount+ called "Let the Canary Sing," Lauper talks with correspondent Anthony Mason about how music made her tumultuous home life better; how she had to be convinced about her breakout record, "Girls Just Want to Have Fun"; and about criticism from producer Quincy Jones that she was a "troublemaker."

To watch a trailer for "Let the Canary Sing" click on the video player below:

• cyndilauper.com
• "Let the Canary Sing" streams on Paramount+ beginning June 4
• Power Station at BerkleeNYC , New York City

"The Greatest Night in Pop" streams on Netflix

SPORTS: Swimmer Katie Ledecky on the Chinese doping scandal and the Paris Olympics | Watch Video Katie Ledecky won her first Olympic gold at age 15, and today has more individual Olympic gold medals than any woman swimmer in history. As she gears up for the Paris Olympics this summer, Ledecky talks with correspondent Elaine Quijano about reexamining the results of the 2021 Tokyo Games after news that Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned substance just months before the competition. She also talks about her preparations for the Paris Games, the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, and beyond.

WEB EXTRA: Olympian Katie Ledecky on the Chinese doping investigation (Video)

WEB EXTRA:  Gold medal swimmer Katie Ledecky on "beating the boys" (YouTube Video)

• "Just Add Water: My Swimming Life"  by Katie Ledecky (Simon & Schuster), in Hardcover, Large Print, eBook and Audio formats, available via  Amazon ,  Barnes & Noble  and  Bookshop.org
• Team USA: Kate Ledecky
• Follow Kate Ledecky on  Instagram  and  Twitter/X       

         COMMENTARY: Douglas Brinkley and the lesson of Trump's guilty verdict | Watch Video The historian notes the felony conviction of a former American president by a jury of peers, proving all are equal under the law, would never have taken place in countries ruled by authoritarians.

For more info: 

• Presidential historian Douglas Brinkley

NATURE: Orangutans in Borneo (Extended Video) We leave you this Sunday with orangutans, hanging out on the island of Borneo in southeast Asia. Videographer: Justin Grubb.

WEB EXCLUSIVES:

THE BOOK REPORT: Reviews from Washington Post critic Ron Charles  | Watch Video This month's fiction and non-fiction titles include an unfinished thriller by "Jurassic Park" author Michael Crichton, completed more than 15 years after Crichton's death by bestselling writer James Patterson.

READ AN EXCERPT: "Eruption" by Michael Crichton and James Patterson Michael Crichton's thriller about a massive volcanic eruption in Hawaii was unfinished when the "Jurassic Park" author died in 2008; 16 years later, James Patterson, the bestselling writer behind the Alex Cross series, has completed Crichton's work.

READ AN EXCERPT: "The Ministry of Time" by Kaliane Bradley A delightful mix of historical fact and science fiction, this debut novel is the story of a secret British agency that plucks doomed people from the past.

READ AN EXCERPT: "Challenger" by Adam Higginbotham The British journalist and author of "Midnight in Chernobyl" returns with his exhaustively-researched new book about the 1986 space shuttle disaster.

READ AN EXCERPT: "This Strange Eventful History" by Claire Messud The bestselling author of "The Emperor's Children" returns with a multi-generational story of family secrets spanning World War II to the 21st century.

GALLERY: D-Day - When the Allies turned the tide June 6, 1944 marked one of the world's most gut-wrenching and consequential battles. Nearly 160,000 American, British, Canadian and French troops participated in the invasion of northwest France, known as Operation Overlord.   

FROM THE ARCHIVES: Richard Sherman (YouTube Video) Richard Sherman, half of the Sherman Brothers songwriting duo who penned Disney classics like "It's a Small World" and music for "Mary Poppins," died Saturday, May 25, 2024 at the age of 95. In this October 20, 2013 "Sunday Morning" report, Nancy Giles sat down at the piano with Robert Sherman for a supercalifragilisticexpialidocious trip down memory lane, complete with earworms. 

The Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning" is broadcast on CBS Sundays beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. Executive producer is Rand Morrison.

DVR Alert! Find out when "Sunday Morning" airs in your city  

"Sunday Morning" also  streams on the CBS News app  beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET. ( Download it here .) 

Full episodes of "Sunday Morning" are now available to watch on demand on CBSNews.com, CBS.com and  Paramount+ , including via Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV/FireTV stick and Xbox. 

Follow us on  Twitter ;  Facebook ;  Instagram ;  YouTube ;  TikTok ; and at  cbssundaymorning.com .  

You can also download the free  "Sunday Morning" audio podcast  at  iTunes  and at  Play.it . Now you'll never miss the trumpet!

David Morgan is senior producer for CBSNews.com and the Emmy Award-winning "CBS News Sunday Morning." He writes about film, music and the arts. He is author of the books "Monty Python Speaks" and "Knowing the Score," and editor of "Sundancing," about the Sundance Film Festival.

More from CBS News

Transcript: North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum on "Face the Nation," June 2, 2024

The Book Report: Washington Post critic Ron Charles (June 2)

Transcript: Preet Bharara, former U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, on "Face the Nation," June 2, 2024

Full transcript of "Face the Nation," June 2, 2024

Mapping lava flows with groundbreaking field instrument

Viscosity-measuring instrument can increase understanding of lava and inform disaster response efforts.

Millions of people live near active volcanoes that are constantly monitored for signs of an impending eruption. When one occurs, scientists and governments rely on data to estimate the extent of the possible damage, informing evacuation plans and disaster response efforts. The nature of eruptions, unfortunately, means collecting data about them can sometimes be as challenging as organizing a response.

In Review of Scientific Instruments , by AIP Publishing, researchers from the University at Buffalo developed a tool for measuring the viscosity of lava that could increase our understanding of molten rock as well as better improve models of its movement, giving authorities crucial guidance for keeping people safe.

For fluids like lava, viscosity is the measurement of how fast it flows. A low-viscosity fluid flows fast like water, while a viscous fluid acts more like molasses. When a volcano erupts close to human structures, viscosity measurements tell first responders how much time they have to react, and current methods are often insufficient.

"In places like Iceland or Hawaii that have pretty frequent lava eruptions that impact infrastructure like roads and communities, there is uncertainty involved with the estimation of where the lava may travel and how quickly it may go there," said author Martin Harris.

The issue, according to Harris, is that viscosity measurements are almost always conducted in a lab. This makes the experiments easier and safer, but a key piece is always missing.

"When lava erupts from a volcano, a lot of different gases are trapped as bubbles within the lava," said Harris. "When we do measurements in the lab, we cannot put the gas back in. So, what we measure is a representation of the lava without all the different components, and we miss something that influences how the lava can flow."

The only solution is to take measurements in the field. This, however, comes with its own set of challenges. Field viscosity measurements on lava date back nearly a century without much success. Many past attempts have featured metal rods inserted into lava, pushed by hand or by spring-loaded piston, or even fired into the lava like a spear, to estimate the viscosity of the flow.

The University at Buffalo team kept the classic metal rod and attached it to a force gauge for accurate measurements. They coupled it with a second rod to measure displacement and designed the entire instrument to be both lightweight enough to be hand-held and durable enough to hold up in a volcanic environment.

After finishing the device, the team tested it on a trip to an active volcano in Iceland.

"We spent almost two weeks accessing different locations around the Litli-Hrútur eruption," said Harris. "It was a lot of very long hours in a pretty intense environment, but I think in the end, we were all really impressed and satisfied with the work that we were able to do."

In their field trial, the researchers collected dozens of measurements of the lava in different locations and at different times. This type of data is crucial, they say, as it shows not just what the lava is like in a single moment but how it evolves as it spreads and cools.

"It was the first time that people have done these measurements across these different transects of the lavas," said Harris. "The really exciting thing about this instrument is that we were able to show this change in the physical properties of the lava with time and space."

The team hopes to further refine their instrument and make it available to research groups and monitoring stations at volcanoes around the world.

• Natural Disasters
• Environmental Policy
• Decade Volcanoes
• Shield volcano
• Igneous rock
• Stratovolcano
• Global climate model
• Volcanic ash
• Volcanic rock

Story Source:

Materials provided by American Institute of Physics . Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• M. A. Harris, S. Kolzenburg, I. Sonder, M. O. Chevrel. A new portable penetrometer for measuring the viscosity of active lava . Review of Scientific Instruments , 2024; 95 (6) DOI: 10.1063/5.0206776

Cite This Page :

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