Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast near Lyme Regis

Much of the coast of Dorset has been designated a World Heritage Site for its geological importance. Dubbed "The Jurassic Coast", this area, stretches 95 miles from Studland Bay in the east to Exmouth in Devon.

Joining such natural wonders as Australia's Great Barrier Reef, and the Grand Canyon in the US as World Heritage Sites, the Juarassic Coast offers visitors an extraordinary glimpse into how our landscape was formed over time. In addition, the area is famous for the abundance of fossils which can be found there, ranging from simple ammonite shells to dinosaur skeletons.

The best place for visitors to try their hand at fossil hunting is at Charmouth, West Dorset. The visitor parking lot at Charmouth gives access to the beach, and a short stroll along the beach often results in discovery of small fossils.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (contact details below) provides information about the area's unique geology and tips for what to look for as you explore. They also offer regular guided fossil walks, which offer adults and children an introduction to fossil hunting under the leadership of an expert guide.

Coastal visitor centres

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Email info@charmouth.org
web

Resources

Jurassic Coast.org - the official guide to the Jurassic Coast
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Dorset Tourist Information Centres