14 Reasons Why You Should Explore England's Stunning Jurassic Coast

The best and safest spot for you to start hunting is Charmouth. Eroded from the cliffs and scattered along the beaches, fossils are plentiful here! Be sure to stay safe when hunting; stay away from the cliff face and mudflows, only go out in low tide and be aware of other beach users.

Whether you prefer golden sand or a secluded cove, Dorset has it all. The unique collection of beaches that make up the Jurassic Coast offer you something new to explore at every stop – from crystal clear waters in Swanage, Donkey rides in Weymouth and 10 miles of sandy beaches stretching from Sandbanks to Hengistbury Head.

Historic Manor Houses, and beautiful gardens, are always on the list of ‘must-sees’ for visitors and locals alike. Unsurprisingly, The Jurassic Coast boasts a splendid selection, including Kingston Maurward, Abbotsbury Gardens and Athelhampton House. As you move towards Dorchester, you can also visit the house and gardens of English novelist and poet, Thomas Hardy.

There is a variety of fantastic establishments along the Jurassic Coast, offering tantalizing choices for all budgets & tastes. Taking full advantage of the 95 miles of coastline and countryside, Dorset impresses with its fresh and flavoursome sea food, free-range options and hearty, country lunches.

Offering beautiful backdrops, The Jurassic Coast has been attracting golfers to come and tee off from all over the globe. Whether it’s link or parkland golf, tree-lined fairways or marvellously lavish greens you’re looking for, you’ll find something that suits your needs over at Canford Magna, Moors Valley, Dorset Golf & Country Club, and many, many more.

Relax and enjoy your stay in Dorset, knowing that the perfect accommodation awaits. With choices in abundance, from self-catering cottages, a country house with all the works, camping and glamping options, tee-pees or a friendly B&B, you can pick the perfect spot for your time away on the coast!

One of the best ways to appreciate the scenery of the Jurassic Coast is by foot. Walkable all year round, The South West Coast Path offers some wonderful views, and hundreds of miles of interlinking footpaths, giving you countless options to pick your own hike, wherever you are on the coast.

Clear summer nights in Dorset, are some of the best times in the UK for stargazing. With little to no light pollution, what better way to spend an evening than viewing the beauty beyond from outside your tent, lodge or country home hot tub? You can expect the clearest of nights between March & October.

Folk, jazz and classical festivals fill the summer months in Dorset, as well as bigger names, such as Bestival & Camp Bestival. If it’s food you are after, The Jurassic Coast offers you copious country fairs, festivals and demonstrations also. Appearances from celebrity chefs are no rarity, and you can expect to see some recognisable faces at the UK’s largest free seafood celebration, The Dorset Seafood Festival, held at Weymouth Harbour.

Paddle boarding, surfing, kayaking and bodyboarding are a popular choice amongst visitors – with the addition of an artificial reef down at Boscombe beach, you can understand the appeal! If it’s diving beneath, not riding, the waves you’re after, then you can always book yourself a snorkelling or diving session too. Maybe that’s sounding a little too energetic? Relax, and enjoy the scenery on a chartered tour boat, or become a smuggler aboard the classic tall ship.

Stories of traditional folklore, papier mâché artists, and plenty of displays and activities surrounding The Jurassic Coast are just a few reasons to head down to Nature Rocks. A three day, family friendly festival, Nature Rocks offers you the opportunity to spend a long weekend exploring and educating yourself on the coast, the natural environment and local history.

Standing at 174 feet, The Jurassic Skyline tower overlooks Weymouth town, beach, pavilion, old harbour, the Nothe gardens and fort, and Portland harbour. Lasting 15 minutes, 69 passengers at a time can take advantage of a breathtaking 360-degree view of surrounding areas – on a clear day, Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door can even be spotted!

Set in a converted Victorian schoolhouse, you can discover the prehistoric world of dinosaurs right here in Dorchester. The Dinosaur Museum houses skeletons, life-size reconstructions, fossil displays and an excavation pit, allowing you to become a fossil hunter for the day!

The Dorset Country Museum is an independent museum with a mission to acquire, preserve, exhibit and develop collections relating to archaeology, literature, music, natural sciences and local history relating to Dorset. The history of this museum dates back to the 19th century, and is open to anyone who has an interest in Dorset’s past.