We are very spoilt living in our home county of Dorset, as not only do we have the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Jurassic Coast on our doorstep, but much of the county is classed as an area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Jurassic Coast itself is 96 miles of stunning coastline from Old Harry Rocks in Dorset to Orcombe Point in East Devon where the rocks record 185 million years of the Earth’s history.
Best walks along the Jurassic Coast
We have yet to walk the entire Jurassic coast, but do have some favourite spots we enjoy exploring, with our closest being Old Harry Rocks in Poole, which you can walk to, or explore from the water by kayak or paddleboard.
The walk from Lulworth Cove to Durdle Door is spectacular as you get to see one of the most famous and perfect examples of a cove in the world and the limestone arch of Durdle Door, one of Dorset’s most photographed and iconic landmarks.
Best day out for History lovers
Tyneham Village and the stunning beach at Worbarrow Bay is the perfect day out for people looking for a bit of history.
The fascinating thing about Tyneham village, is that it was evacuated in 1943 during WWII and has been deserted ever since, however, although most of the small village is derelict, inside each of the homes are information plaques about what the buildings were used for and who lived in them, along with historical photographs, a staged school house and St Mary’s Church.
It is a mile long walk down to the beach, but it is well worth the walk as one of the most beautiful bays along the Jurassic Coast, perfect for swimming, kayaking or just a paddle.
Best day out for Fossil Hunters
Perfect for beginners, Charmouth and Lyme Regis are world-famous for fossil collecting and you have an excellent chance of finding fossils loose on the beaches in this area.
I highly recommended you visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre before you start your search as they are a mine of useful information and show you what to look out for and where to find it. They even have a video microscope available for you to examine your fossil finds and during school holidays and on some weekends, they also run fossil hunting expeditions for a small additional charge.
Kimmeridge Bay is famous for its fossil finds which regularly fall from the unstable rock face and its unique geology means that it is home to many interesting marine creatures. It is here you walk along huge rocks and literally see huge ammonites appear under your feet.
Lyme Bay Holidays has put together this fabulous infographic for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.
Best views along the Jurassic Coast
One of my favourite views has to be across Chesil Beach. With two panaromic viewpoints to find, I think my favourite is the one from the Olympic rings at Portland
Have you visited the Jurassic coast – what is your favourite bit of coastline?