World Heritage Day on the Jurassic Coast
World Heritage Day is celebrated every year on the 18th of April.
It’s a day where people across the globe celerate and appreciate the planet’s most extraordinary places. There are over 250 Natural World Heritage Sites spread across more than 100 countries – places recognised by UNESCO not just for their beauty, but for their global importance. Collectively, the environments chosen help to tell the story of the Earth’s history and are home to over 20,000 endangered species, playing a vital part in preserving our planet’s biodiversity.
Natural World Heritage Sites
The list of Natural World Heritage Sites is a truly special one, and the awe-inspiring locations below barely scratch the surface:
- The Grand Canyon (USA)
- The Great Barrier Reef (Australia)
- Iguazu Falls (Argentina / Brazil)
- Yellowstone National Park (USA)
- The Dolomites (Italy)
- The Galapagos Islands (Ecuador)
- Ha Long Bay (Vietnam)
- The Great Himilayan National Park (India)
- And so many more…
The Jurassic Coast
Here in Dorset, we’re proud to have the only Natural World Heritage Site in England right on our doorstep – The Jurassic Coast.
Stretching for 95 miles along the South coast of England, from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. The coastline here is famous for its geology, as the cliffs reveal an almost continuous record of 185 million years of the Earth’s history.
Towering rock formations have helped scientists study coastal erosion, creating some incredible and world-famous landmarks. The geological structure of the cliffs here means that some layers erode much quicker than others, resulting in dramatic landforms that attract visitors from around the globe. Another draw is the abundance of fossils that can be found here – in fact, the Jurassic Coast is widely known for being one of the best places in the world for fossil hunting. The ever-changing faces of many of the cliffs constantly expose fresh material, making it relatively easy for amateurs to discover ammonites and other small remains on certain stretches of the coast.
As well as being a record of the past, the coastline provides home to a range of wildlife today, including endagered or protected species such as grey seals, bottlenose dolphins and peregrine falcons.
Celebrate World Heritage Day
There are all sorts of ways you can appreciate our coastline this World Heritage Day, here’s just a few ideas:
- Go For A Walk – Lace up your boots and explore the South West Coast Path, you could even climb Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast.
- Hunt For Fossils – Head to Charmouth, Lyme Regis or Kimmeridge Bay for your best chance of seeing some ammonites, or go to a visitor centre for some advice and informative exhibits.
- Visit A Landmark – Snap some pictures of iconic locations, like Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Old Harry Rocks or Chesil Beach.
- Explore A Town – Visit local shops and grab lunch in a pub, somewhere like Lyme Regis or Bridport.
- Relax On The Beach – There are some incredible beaches, from the sandy and sheltered bay at Weymouth, to the dog-friendly hidden gem of Eype.
Golden Cap
Charmouth
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Lyme Regis
Kimmeridge Bay
The Etches Collection
Durdle Door
Lulworth Cove
Old Harry Rocks
Chesil Beach
Bridport
Weymouth
Eype Beach
World Heritage Day 2026
Each year there is a specific theme, and 2026 is no different. This year, the theme is:
“Emergency Response for Living Heritage in Contexts of Conflicts and Disasters”
Essentially, this means that the focus is on protecting important clutural and environmental places that are as risk from things like natural disasters, climate change and conflict, and what plans are in place in case these things occur. Here on the Jurassic Coast, we’ve seen first hand the effects of climate change, with an increase in erosion and cliff falls as a result of intense storms. Last year, a portion of the money we raised for local charities went to the South West Coast Path Association to be used to help repair the trail after storms, and in February, it was needed nearby after a landslide near Charmouth.
Find Out More
If you’d like to find out more information about some of the things we’ve mentioned in this blog post, take a look at the topics below…
Unique Coastal Landforms in Dorset
The county of Dorset sits on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site, a breathtaking stretch of coastline known for its unique geological significance. The varying rock structures in this part...
Supporting the South West Coast Path after Landslides
The South West Coast Path is one of England’s mose iconic and beloved walking routes – a 630-mile National Trail that winds its way around some of the most dramatic...
Fundraising for Four Incredible Jurassic Coast Charities
At West Dorset Leisure Holidays, we’re proud to support the beautiful Jurassic Coast and the communities that help care for it. Each year, thanks to the generosity of our guests...
Visit the Jurassic Coast
If you’d like to visit the Jurassic Coast, our Holiday Parks are the perfect base from which to explore. Across our group of family-run Parks, we have a range of accommodation options to suit all families, including Caravans, Lodges, Holiday Properties and Glamping, as well as pitches for touring caravans, motorhomes, campervans and tents. Facilities vary by Park, from Highlands End with its Leisure Club, Bar & Restaurant, Foot Golf Course and Soft Play, to Graston Copse with its peace, quiet and countryside simplicity. With 5 Parks available to stay at, we’re sure we’ve got somewhere that’s just right for you. If you decide you really love it in this part of the world (who doesn’t!) then we’ve even got Holiday Homes for sale and seasonal touring pitches, so you can make visiting Dorset a regular part of your lifestyle.
Browse Holiday Homes For Sale
Timber Venture
Eype Beach
TH1
2 Bedrooms
50 x 20ft
2025 Lodge
Finance available with a £99,000 deposit
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