Best Things to Do on the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast is England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site — a 95-mile stretch of coastline from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, spanning 185 million years of geological history. Whether you're interested in fossils, dramatic scenery, historic castles, or simply a beautiful day out by the sea, here's our local guide to the very best things to do on the Jurassic Coast.
1. Visit Durdle Door
Durdle Door is the Jurassic Coast's most famous landmark — a spectacular natural limestone arch formed by the sea eroding a weakness in the rock. The arch is accessible via a footpath from the Durdle Door Holiday Park car park, with a moderately steep walk down to the shingle beach below. The cliff path above offers the classic postcard view.
To see Durdle Door with an expert guide, take a look at our Durdle Door tours.
2. Explore Lulworth Cove
Just along the coast from Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove is a near-perfect circular bay formed by the sea breaking through softer rock behind a resistant chalk barrier. The cove has a shingle beach, a heritage centre, and a village with cafés and a pub. It's also the starting point for the coast path walk to Durdle Door — about 1.5 miles each way.
Our Lulworth Cove tours include time to explore the cove and learn about its unique geology.
3. Discover Corfe Castle
A thousand-year-old ruined castle standing on a hill in the heart of Purbeck, Corfe Castle is one of Dorset's most atmospheric historic sites. Built by William the Conqueror and later destroyed during the English Civil War, the ruins offer panoramic views across the Purbeck countryside. The village below is one of the most picturesque in Dorset.
Our Corfe Castle tours include guided commentary on the castle's dramatic history.
4. Walk to Old Harry Rocks
Old Harry Rocks are a line of chalk sea stacks at the easternmost point of the Jurassic Coast, near Studland. The coast path from Studland or Ballard Down offers some of the finest views in Dorset, looking out across the English Channel toward the Isle of Wight. It's a relatively easy walk and a great spot for photography.
5. Explore the Isle of Portland
Portland is a tied island connected to the mainland by the famous Chesil Beach — a 18-mile shingle barrier. Portland offers dramatic clifftop views, Portland Castle, and Portland Bill lighthouse. For cruise passengers arriving at Portland Port, our Portland cruise excursions are the perfect way to explore.
6. Go Fossil Hunting
The Jurassic Coast is one of the best places in Britain for fossil hunting. Charmouth and Lyme Regis are the most popular spots, where fossils are constantly washed out of the cliffs by erosion. You can find ammonites, belemnites, and sometimes even ichthyosaur bones on the beach after storms. Always check tide times and stay away from the cliff base — the cliffs are unstable and rockfalls are common.
7. Take a Guided Tour
One of the best ways to experience the Jurassic Coast is with a knowledgeable local guide who can bring the geology and history to life. Our Jurassic Coast tours and Dorset tours cover all the highlights above in a single day, with comfortable transport and expert commentary.
For a more personal experience, consider a private Dorset tour or a small group tour.
Planning Your Visit
The Jurassic Coast can be visited year-round, but the best weather is typically from May to September. Car parks at popular sites like Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove can fill up quickly in peak summer, which is one advantage of taking a guided tour — you don't have to worry about parking. Always check tide times if you plan to walk on the beaches, and stay away from the cliff base due to the risk of rockfalls.