The phrase “take a step back in time” may be overused, but it fits perfectly on England’s Jurassic Coast. Stretching roughly 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset, this UNESCO World Heritage coastline reveals around 185 million years of Earth’s history through its dramatic cliffs, fossil-rich beaches and striking rock formations.
The Jurassic Coast is a favorite for families, hikers, photographers and geology enthusiasts. You can hunt for fossils left on beaches at low tide, enjoy water sports, hike sections of the South West Coast Path, explore charming villages and sample traditional English hospitality in local pubs and tearooms. The coastline also offers cultural attractions such as medieval castles and links to literary and film history.
Weymouth in Dorset is a convenient starting point. Its three-mile golden beach and historic harbor make it a lively base for exploring the area. Seasonal attractions for children include donkey rides and Punch and Judy shows. Along the harbor, fishing boats and leisure craft share the water; shops, cafés and pubs line the waterfront, making it an inviting place to relax and plan your route.
For panoramic views, consider the Jurassic Skyline. Rising 174 feet in a rotating circular capsule, the attraction provides a sweeping perspective over the coast and local townscape, ideal for photography and orientation.
Durdle Door © PATRYK KOSMIDER – DREAMSTIME.COM
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door are among the must-see highlights. Lulworth Cove is celebrated for its scallop-shaped bay and clear blue water, where exposed layers of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock are visible along the shoreline. From Lulworth, a popular 1.3-mile stretch of the South West Coast Path leads to Durdle Door. This section is scenic and challenging, with steep, sometimes slippery terrain and rapid elevation changes, but the coastal views reward the effort.
Durdle Door is a natural limestone arch sculpted by wave action over millennia. The viewing points along the descent offer iconic vistas, and the small beach in front of the arch draws swimmers and snorkelers when conditions are calm.
Charmouth is known as one of the best places on the coastline to find loose fossils washed up at low tide. Visitors should not dig into the cliffs but can often find specimens on the beach. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre runs guided fossil walks and provides facilities to examine and identify finds. Nearby Lyme Regis also has strong fossil connections and the Lyme Regis Museum, which includes a wing honoring Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil collector and paleontologist who worked from the town in the early 19th century.
Lyme Regis is also home to the Cobb, an angled, curved 870-foot harbour wall famous for its dramatic views and its appearance in fiction and film. A walk along the Cobb is a classic local experience and gives a sense of the town’s historic maritime character.
Dorset’s coastline and countryside have long attracted filmmakers and writers. Locations across Dorset have featured in period dramas and major films, and the cliffs of West Bay were central to the first season of the TV series Broadchurch. Thomas Hardy set many of his novels in this region; his modest thatched cottage and other local sites reflect the landscape that inspired his writing.
Corfe Castle © IAN WOOLCOCK – DREAMSTIME.COM
Corfe Castle is a dramatic historic landmark not to be missed. Built around the time of King Henry I, the castle sits above a village that is ideal for a leisurely walk and a traditional cream tea—scones served with clotted cream and jam—at one of the local pubs or tearooms.
Accommodation along the Jurassic Coast ranges from country manor houses and boutique inns to contemporary seaside hotels with ocean views. Dining options suit all tastes, from classic fish and chips in a beachfront café to high-end restaurants showcasing regional seafood and seasonal produce.
Outdoor activities are abundant. The coast attracts rock climbers, mountain bikers and equestrians, while the sea supports swimmers, kayakers, divers, surfers and paddleboarders. For an adrenaline boost, try coasteering, which combines swimming, climbing, jumping and scrambling along rocky shorelines. With proper guides and appropriate routes, coasteering can be adapted for varying ages and abilities, including families with older children.
English cream tea © JAN SCHRODER
Whether you have several days to explore or only a short visit, the Jurassic Coast is accessible from London by train or car in roughly three hours, making it an excellent option for a weekend getaway or a longer coastal adventure. Public transport connects many towns, but renting a car gives flexibility if you plan to cover a larger portion of the coast.
Jurassic Coast Info to Go
Three railway lines link London with stations along the Jurassic Coast; travel time is about three hours depending on your destination. Local buses and taxis serve the towns and attractions, though hiring a car can simplify travel if you want to explore multiple sites and remote viewpoints.
Where to Stay in the Jurassic Coast
LYMPSTONE MANOR A notable Georgian manor house turned luxury hotel with an acclaimed restaurant led by a Michelin-starred chef. Courtlands Lane, Exmouth.
SIDMOUTH HARBOR HOTEL & SPA A contemporary spa hotel with many rooms and a restaurant offering sea views over Lyme Bay. The Westcliff, Manor Road, Sidmouth, Devon.
SUMMER LODGE COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND SPA A Relais & Châteaux property in an English country house setting, featuring a spa, indoor pool and several guest rooms and suites. 9 Fore St., Evershot, Dorset.
Restaurants in the Jurassic Coast
THE BLACK SWAN INN A cozy pub experience with real ales, homemade fish pie and a welcoming atmosphere, including a beer garden and open fire. 159 High St., Swanage, Dorset.
HIX OYSTER & FISH HOUSE An intimate restaurant in Lyme Regis offering seafood and smoked fish with excellent coastal views. Cobb Road, Lyme Regis.
THE PIG ON THE BEACH Located in a historic manor, the restaurant emphasizes local sourcing with produce from nearby suppliers and its own gardens, creating fresh British garden food. Manor House, Manor Road, Studland, Swanage, Dorset.
The Jurassic Coast offers a rare mix of natural history, outdoor adventure and English coastal charm. Plan according to tides and seasonal weather, take guided walks if you want deeper geological insight, and allow time to slow down and enjoy the unique scenery along one of England’s most remarkable shorelines.