The Jurassic Coast
All of our holiday parks are superbly located right on, or close to, the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast – a 95 mile stretch of dramatic Dorset and Devon coastline of international geological importance.
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.’
Fossils, fossils and more fossils
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.
Jurassic Coast Trust
The Jurassic Coast Trust is the independent charity, responsible for managing the Jurassic Coast. Their mission is to enable everyone to have the best possible experience of the Jurassic Coast, whether they want to learn, enjoy, work or study. West Dorset Leisure Holidays is a proud business partner of the Jurassic Coast Trust and through the kindness of the guests that stay with us and their voluntary donations made with each booking, you have helped raise over £100,000 for the charity since 2008! This allows them to continue to maintain and improve this coastline for everyone’s enjoyment.
Plan your holiday
There is an incredible array of places to visit during your Jurassic Coast holidays, including bustling towns, world famous beaches, exciting events, award-winning places to eat, fantastic attractions, unique rock formations and much more. Make the most of these places while enjoying the sunshine – in fact Dorset has 364 hours more sunshine than the UK average!
One of the best ways to explore the Jurassic Coast is by walking the South West Coast Path and our parks are very popular with walkers and dog owners who can choose from over 4,700 footpaths and bridleways criss-crossing their way across the county. Another great way to explore the coastline is from the water! There are some great boat trips, fishing excursions, kayaking, paddleboarding and coasteering activities across the county, not to mention sailing opportunities at Weymouth & Portland which helped host the 2012 Olympic Games. Dorset is well known for it’s choice of attractions and there is something for everyone. Some of the highlights include The Tank Museum, Monkey World, Swanage Railway, Farmer Palmer’s Farm Park, Lyme Bay RIB Charter to see the Jurassic Coast from the sea, Athlehampton House & Gardens, Abbotsbury Swannery, Corfe Castle and much more!
To see the whole range of our recommendations for the best places to visit in Dorset, visit our Holiday Planner.
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.
