The Jurassic Coast is England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning 95 miles (155 km) from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset. Covering 185 million years of Earth’s history across the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, its cliffs and beaches expose a continuous sequence of rock formations, making it a global geological benchmark. Highlights include the limestone arch of Durdle Door, the near-circular Lulworth Cove, Chesil Beach’s 18-mile shingle barrier, and the fossil-laden cliffs at Charmouth and Lyme Regis, where Mary Anning discovered iconic ichthyosaur and plesiosaur skeletons. The South West Coast Path offers challenging hikes with breathtaking views, while guided fossil hunts and visitor centres educate on ancient seas, dinosaurs, and climate change recorded in stone.
Location: South West England, UK
Coordinates: 50.62, -2.27
Learn more: Wikipedia