What is the Jurassic Coast?<\/h2>\n
The Jurassic Coast is a fossil-hunter\u2019s paradise, a delight for wildlife enthusiasts, and a geomorphologist\u2019s wonderland of outstanding scenery where you can see coastal features evolving. Add to this pretty villages, industrial heritage, charming hotels and award-winning pubs and you could say the Jurassic Coast has it all.<\/p>\n
So exceptional is the geology of the area that the Jurassic Coast was designated a natural World Heritage Site in 2001 and its official titles is now \u201cThe Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage Site\u201d.<\/p>\n

Related articles<\/p>\n
Best walks in Devon<\/a><\/li>\n
Where to hike in Dorset<\/a><\/li>\n
Guide to the National Trails<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>
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Why is it called the Jurassic Coast?<\/h2>\n
The reason is that this stretch of coastline contains rocks from the well-known Jurassic period (between 201 and 145 million years ago).\u00a0In actual fact, the rocks don\u2019t just date from the Jurassic period but span the older Triassic and younger Cretaceous geological periods, too: so really it should be called the Mesozoic coast, after the era that comprises all three.<\/p>\n
Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast<\/h2>\n
One of the joys of the Jurassic coast is an afternoon spent fossil-hunting at Charmouth or Lyme Regis. It was here, in the early 19th century, that the world\u2019s first fossil expert Mary Anning<\/a> made her exceptional discoveries, including the first Ichthyosaur known to science. Anning\u2019s specimen of this marine reptile was 5.2m long.<\/p>\n
How was the Jurassic Coast formed?<\/h2>\n
The rocks are formed from mud and clay deposited in warm Jurassic seas, and within them are the fossilised remains of ancient sea creatures. The rocks are soft and the unstable cliffs ensure a constant supply of new material onto the beach \u2013 so despite hundreds of visitors, the supply of fossils is never exhausted. With a little patience, it won\u2019t take you long to spot the beautiful swirl of an ammonite shell in among the pebbles and experience the thrill of connecting with a creature that lived 195 million years ago.<\/p>\n
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Best places to visit on the Jurassic coast<\/h2>\n

Beer Quarry Caves<\/h3>\n
Beer stone has been quarried from underground tunnels just outside the village of Beer since Roman times. The unusual and extensive network of caverns at Beer Quarry Caves serves as a bat hibernaculum in winter and is open for guided tours in the summer.<\/p>\n

Old Harry Rocks<\/h3>\n
The end of the Jurassic Coast is just past the headland of Ballard Down, where the famous sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks are another stunning reminder of how the sea and the underlying rocks shape the landscape.<\/p>\n

Best Jurassic Coast walks<\/h2>\n

The Lulworth Cove Inn<\/h3>\n
Pub and restaurant with 12 rooms close to the stunning cove with a quirky beach-themed d\u00e9cor, not to mention the roll top bath in the bedroom. Double, from \u00a3100 a night.<\/p>\n
Book the Lulworth Cove Inn via TripAdvisor<\/a><\/p>\n

Where is the Jurassic Coast?<\/h2>\n
The Jurassic Coast is a dramatic 95 mile stretch of coastline stretching from Exmouth, East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset that is filled with history and fascinating geology.<\/p>\n

Where is the Jurassic Coast?<\/h2>\nThe Jurassic Coast is a dramatic 95 mile stretch of coastline stretching from Exmouth, East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset that is filled with history and fascinating geology.<\/p>\n

Best places to visit on the Jurassic coast<\/h2>\n

Beer Quarry Caves<\/h3>\nBeer stone has been quarried from underground tunnels just outside the village of Beer since Roman times. The unusual and extensive network of caverns at Beer Quarry Caves serves as a bat hibernaculum in winter and is open for guided tours in the summer.<\/p>\n

Old Harry Rocks<\/h3>\nThe end of the Jurassic Coast is just past the headland of Ballard Down, where the famous sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks are another stunning reminder of how the sea and the underlying rocks shape the landscape.<\/p>\n

Best Jurassic Coast walks<\/h2>\n

The Lulworth Cove Inn<\/h3>\nPub and restaurant with 12 rooms close to the stunning cove with a quirky beach-themed d\u00e9cor, not to mention the roll top bath in the bedroom. Double, from \u00a3100 a night.<\/p>\n

Where is the Jurassic Coast?<\/h2>\n
The Jurassic Coast is a dramatic 95 mile stretch of coastline stretching from Exmouth, East Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset that is filled with history and fascinating geology.<\/p>\n

Beer Quarry Caves<\/h3>\n
Beer stone has been quarried from underground tunnels just outside the village of Beer since Roman times. The unusual and extensive network of caverns at Beer Quarry Caves serves as a bat hibernaculum in winter and is open for guided tours in the summer.<\/p>\n

Old Harry Rocks<\/h3>\n
The end of the Jurassic Coast is just past the headland of Ballard Down, where the famous sea stacks of Old Harry Rocks are another stunning reminder of how the sea and the underlying rocks shape the landscape.<\/p>\n

The Lulworth Cove Inn<\/h3>\n
Pub and restaurant with 12 rooms close to the stunning cove with a quirky beach-themed d\u00e9cor, not to mention the roll top bath in the bedroom. Double, from \u00a3100 a night.<\/p>\n
Book the Lulworth Cove Inn via TripAdvisor<\/a><\/p>\n