The Jurassic Coast
Discover a coastline shaped by millions of years of history, where towering golden cliffs meet turquoise waters, hidden coves sit between rolling hills and every beach holds the promise of a new adventure. The Jurassic Coast is one of the most spectacular stretches of coastline in the UK and with 95 miles of UNESCO World Heritage Site to explore, there’s something extraordinary waiting around every corner.
From searching for prehistoric fossils on ancient beaches to walking dramatic clifftop trails, exploring picturesque fishing villages and relaxing beside the sea, a holiday on the Jurassic Coast is all about making memories in an unforgettable setting. Whether you’re travelling as a family, escaping for a romantic break, or bringing your dog along for the adventure, you’ll find endless ways to experience this remarkable part of Dorset and Devon.
With six family-run holiday parks from West Dorset to the Isle of Purbeck, West Dorset Leisure Holidays puts you right at the heart of the Jurassic Coast. Wake up to panoramic sea views, pitch up beneath the stars with the sound of the waves, or settle into a comfortable holiday home, with beautiful beaches, coastal walks and some of Dorset’s best-loved attractions waiting to be explored. Choose your perfect base and discover the Jurassic Coast at your own pace.
185 million years of history
The UK’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Jurassic Coast ranks alongside the Grand Canyon, Machu Picchu and the Galapagos Islands as one of the natural wonders of the world.
The rocks along the coastline record 185 million years of the earth’s history through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, with the oldest red sandstone rocks at Orcombe Point in the west and the youngest white chalk rocks at Old Harry Rocks in the east.
The UNESCO World Heritage Status was awarded in 2001 and recognises the Jurassic Coast as being of ‘outstanding international importance and therefore as deserving special protection.’
Step back in time with fossil hunting
The Jurassic Coast is simply a walk through time and the beaches, cliffs, landslips and features teach us about the natural processes that formed this coastline and the history of the creatures that used to live here.
There are many areas of the Jurassic Coast that are abundant with fossils, showing dinosaurs, forests and reptiles that used to live here and show how life has changed, survived and adapted.
The Jurassic Coast is world famous as a place for fossil hunting. Visit the Fossil Finder to see hundreds of specimens that have been found along the Jurassic Coast.
Places to Visit
Chesil Beach
Lulworth Cove
Old Harry Rocks
Lyme Regis
Durdle Door
Burton Bradstock
Dancing Ledge
Portland Bill
Seatown Beach
Weymouth
Swanage
Eype Beach
Charmouth
Activities and Attractions
Burton Bradstock SUP
Lyme Bay RIB Charter
Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park
Lyme Regis Crazy Golf
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Jurassic Coast Guides
Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre
Swanage Railway
Holidays with West Dorset Leisure Holidays
The Dorset coast is the perfect place for a holiday in the UK. West Dorset Leisure Holidays have family-run parks on or near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. The parks are in great locations to visit all of the best locations on the coast and in the countryside.
