With properties located across Britain we have no shortage of interesting places waiting to be explored. From National Parks to AONBs, famous World Heritage Sites to lesser-known hidden gems, we have something to suit all.
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But perhaps one of our most popular (and one of our favourite!) areas has got to be the Jurassic Coast. Right down in the south of England, the Dorset and East Devon Coast is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, often referred to as the Jurassic Coast, recognised for its impressive geological history that spans an incredible 185 million years. This area of coastline is known for the huge number of fossils that are found on the beaches every year. Prehistoric remains are packed into its stunning cliffs and people come from all over to visit.
The Dorset and East Devon Coast World Heritage site is a glorious 95-mile stretch of coastal cliffs, beaches, coves and intricate rock formations. The South West Coast Path is England’s longest waymarked long-distance walking route and winds its way along the coast from Somerset, through Devon and Cornwall, all the way to Dorset. It’s an ideal option for those of you staying in the area and wanting to explore.
Take a look at our collection of properties in East Devon
Or our collection of properties in Dorset
Why is the Jurassic Coast so famous?
Back in prehistoric times, this whole area was covered by the sea. Molluscs and crustaceans and other small animals lived and died in the waters. Sediments washed down from the land forming the different layers of sedimentary rock that we can see in the cliff faces today. The sea eventually retreated from the land, leaving behind it the remains of the preserved sea creatures lingering in the cliffs.
The cliffs along here vary from sandstone to limestone to Jurassic clay and shale. They are soft and exposed to the elements; the erosion that takes place as a result carves the interesting land formations, arches, stacks and coves that characterise the coastline. It also means landslips and rock movement is common, exposing and moving fossils to the beaches and revealing layers upon layers of rock from the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods. It’s a mesmerising place to explore.
Jurassic Coast Walks
You can pick the Coast Path up wherever you fancy and walk for as long as you wish. A lot of our properties provide really easy access to it, so you’ll never be far away from a really good walk. The terrain varies, so there will be a doable section for all abilities. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, and with the far-reaching views off the sea always on one side, it’s a very beautiful route.
You can take a look at the South West Coast Path website to learn more about the best Jurassic Coast walks, see the different sections and plan your own route.
Jurassic Coast must visit attractions
If you’re staying in one of our charming holiday properties along the Jurassic Coast, there are a few places you won’t want to miss:
Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door beaches
Two examples of typical Jurassic Coast landforms, both of these landmarks have become important tourist attractions. They can be found between Swanage and Weymouth in Dorset and, not only are they stunning but, between them, they showcase excellent examples of how sea erosion is impacting the soft rock of the coastline, gradually wearing it away.
Both Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove have beautiful beaches to enjoy. Both are shingle beaches, made up of beauitiful white pebbles and have a good range of facilities to enjoy including toilets and refreshments. Lulworth cove is horseshoe-shaped with a nicely sheltered beach that is very popular for leisure activities.
Please note that Durdle Door beach is a steep 15 minute walk down from the car park, and not suitable for those with mobility issues.
Understandably, both of these beautiful beaces get rather busy during peak season, so we'd recommend arriving early to get a space and snap that all-important photo!
Recommended accomodation
We have a fantastic selection of holiday properties in Dorset which are perfect for exploring this part of the Jurassic Coast. Many are dog-friendly, while others are suitable for couples or large families, and come with a whole host of extra facilities such as swimming pools and hot tubs.
Old Harry
The Old Harry Rocks, also in Dorset on the Isle of Purbeck, are famous chalk formations comprising a sea stack and stump. Check out this National Trust circular walking route to explore the area.
Lyme Regis
This town continues to be a hotspot for fossil hunting. Known as the birthplace of Palaeontology, it was here that Mary Anning made many of her important finds and there is now a fossil museum here. The town itself is picturesque with a number of historic landmarks while the beach is a good one for fossils.
Chesil Beach
Close to Lyme Regis, Chesil Beach is an impressive 18 miles long and its pebbly shore is separated from the mainland by a saline strip lagoon. It too is great for fossil hunting, prone to little landslips, the cliffs and rocks are often disturbed enough to bring fossils into view. Ammonites are the most common ones here – they are little coiled shells, so keep your eyes peeled!
Beer Quarry Caves
In East Devon, the manmade caves of Beer, a town to the east of Sidmouth, are all that remain of the quarrying that took place here over the course of a 2000-year period. Beer stone was popular during the middle ages for building work on churches and cathedrals. The impressive limestone caverns are now a tourist attraction and open for guided tours during the high season. Take a look at the website.
Recommended restaurants and pubs near Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door
There is a good selection of pubs, cafes and restaurants to enjoy during your visit to this iconic stretch of coastline. The Boat Shed Cafe at Lulworth Cove is probably the most popular, thanks to its location right on the water's edge. Visitors (and their dogs) can enjoy breakfast, light meals, fresh ccakes and cream teas while drinking in the sea views.
The Weld Arms is another option - a charming thatched pub not far from Lulworth Castle, serving a delicious selection of local food and drinks. Or, for a more casual experience, pack some sandwiches and head up to Durdle Door Corner; a lovely picnic area that makes the most of the amazing views. You can also pick up ice creams and other hot and cold snacks.
Fossil Hunting
We can't talk about the Jurassic Coast without mentioning one of the top reasons people flock to this part of the coast... Fossil hunting! The Jurassic Coast is famous as being one of the best places in the world to find fossils, and you don't have to be an expert to do it! Anyone, young or old, can find an amazing piece of history.
Fossil hunting is not permitted at every beach on the Jurassic Coast. For the beginner, the best places to go fossil hunting are the beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis. It is also recommended to go in winter, when there are fewer crowds and the weather means more erosion is taking place, revealing more fossils. But the best piece of advice for anyone wanting to try their hand at fossil hunting is to go with a guide! The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and Lyme Regis Museum both run regularl guided fossil hunting walks.
What fossils can you find on the Jurassic Coast?
Here are three kinds of fossils known to be found on the Jurassic Coast. Of course, there are also plenty more, much rarer fossils which have been discovered on these beaches!
Iron pyrites/"Foo's gold" ammonites: These famous 'spiral'-shaped fossils are the shells of prehistoric sea creatures related to quid and octopus.
Belemnites: These long, thin fossis are parts of a squid-like animal, and are often found in fragments.
Fossil sea shells and sea urchins: These familiar shapes are a lot like the shells we find on the beach today. In the case of fossilised urchins, they are preserved in pieces of flint and can be very difficult to spot!
Jurassic Coast Boat Trips
The Jurassic Coast is never more beautiful than when viewed from the water. Gain a new perspective on these ancient cliffs from one of the many boat trips which travel this part of the coast. From our at sea, it's easier than ever to appreciate the thousands of years of history that's visible in the levels and stripes of the cliffs. Many of the boats also have expert skippers who can provide commentaty and insight on the area, as well as their great knowledge of the local wildlife.Who knows what you might spot?
Some recommend boat trip suppliers include:
The Best Jurassic Coast accomodation with Rural Retreats
We are lucky enough to have an incredible collection of properties on or close to the Jurassic Coast. With a range of shapes, styles and sizes in our portfolio you are guaranteed to find that perfect little bolthole for your coastal getaway.
Why not take a look at our collection of properties in East Devon and in Dorset to start planning your next break? Alternatively you can check our selection of coastal holiday cottages.