Why visit the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast isn’t just any coastline; it’s a stunning stretch that spans 95 miles of England’s southern edge, and it’s so remarkable that it was awarded World Heritage status in 2001 for its geological significance.

Imagine journeying back 185 million years as you wander from Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in Devon. Along the way, the cliffs, spectacular arches, and sea stacks not only tell the dramatic story of Earth’s formation but also showcase the world’s most complete record of the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods.

Starting in East Devon, you’ll step into the oldest chapter of this coastline, dating back to the Triassic period. Whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter or a curious newcomer, the beaches here offer plentiful opportunities to uncover hidden remnants of ancient times. Come explore the Jurassic Coast and discover a world where every step takes you deeper into Earth’s prehistoric past.

Right next to the iconic Durdle Door, you’ll find another treasure of the Dorset Jurassic Coast: Lulworth Cove. It’s a breeze to visit both landmarks in a single trip, making for a perfect day of exploration.

Enclosed by towering white chalk cliffs, Lulworth Cove boasts an almost perfectly circular bay, a stunning result of marine erosion acting upon a sequence of alternating hard and soft rocks. As you stroll along the shore, you can witness the striking geological layers in the cliffs—each one a record of ancient shifts and slides. It’s a visual testament to the earth’s perpetual dance of creation and erosion.

Durdle Door is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Dorset and serves as the iconic emblem of the Jurassic Coast. This magnificent natural arch, sculpted from limestone by the relentless forces of erosion over millions of years, stands as a testament to nature’s artistry.

If you’re thinking of extending your visit, consider staying at the nearby caravan site. Or, for a unique twist on your holiday, check out some of the charming glamping spots scattered around Dorset. Either way, you’ll be perfectly positioned to enjoy the serene beauty and ancient wonders of this spectacular area.

Starting from the Isle of Portland, the impressive Chesil Beach stretches for 18 miles to West Bay. This remarkable barrier beach is distinctively disconnected from the mainland, crafting the Fleet Lagoon, a serene brackish-water lagoon nestled between the beach and the land.

Chesil Beach isn’t just a geographical marvel recognized from textbooks; it’s also steeped in enthralling local folklore and history. At the Portland end, the beach begins with pebbles nearly the size of fists, gradually shrinking to fine grains by the time they reach West Bay. According to local legend, smugglers once used the size of these pebbles to navigate in the dead of night, determining their location along the dark shoreline by the feel of the shingle beneath their feet. This unique feature made Chesil Beach an invaluable guide in their clandestine endeavours.

Venture along the “Jurassic Coast” and you’ll find more than just pebbly beaches and windswept paths—this is a realm where cozy pubs beckon travelers and museums celebrate a rich tradition of pioneering fossil discoveries. It’s a journey through time, filled with timeless charm and exciting exploration.

Among the most iconic sights on the Jurassic Coast are Durdle Door, with its majestic sea arch, and the beautifully horseshoe-shaped Lulworth Cove. Both of these geological marvels are situated about 15 kilometers east of Weymouth, at a critical point where the Jurassic era melds into the Cretaceous period. These features owe their stunning resilience to a particularly tough band of Portland Stone, which stands strong against the relentless assault of the ocean waves, unlike the surrounding softer rocks.

The formation of Lulworth Cove began when a persistent stream finally breached this hard limestone barrier, allowing the sea to carve into the softer clays behind it and create the renowned embayment. A similar process of erosion sculpted the awe-inspiring Durdle Door, offering visitors a picturesque glimpse into 185 million years of Earth’s dynamic geological and evolutionary history. Here, you can soak in the spectacular views, delve into landmark attractions, and lose yourself in the natural beauty that has captivated so many before.

Are you a fan of the hit ITV crime drama, Broadchurch? If so, get the lowdown on behind the scenes information of the cast, producers and all the Dorset filming locations.

Our Jurassic Spectacular Tour visits the Broadchurch location. See the tour here: Jurassic Spectacular Tour

Broadchurch was penned by Doctor Who and Torchwood writer, Chris Chibnall, with each series boasting a star studded cast including David Tennant, Olivia Colman and Arthur Darvill.

Broadchurch …the story
Broadchurch first hit our screens back in March 2013 with the second series following in early 2015 and the final series in 2017. The premise has always been to explore how a tragic incident affects a small, close-knit community, and how the characters react to the media attention and the mutual suspicion that arises. Broadchurch is unique in how it shows how something terrible can happen in such a beautiful place.

The Dorset landscape was always intended to be a main character of the drama; Chris Chibnall wrote Broadchurch “as a love letter to the scenery of the Jurassic Coast which used key landmarks as part of its story.

The landscape informs the drama: the cliffs, the sea, the beach are all key elements of the story.”

Intimacy and secrecy surround the series keeping us continually guessing and on the edge of our seats.

Broadchurch cast and crew on filming in Dorset!
The spectacular location not only looked great on screen but it also found it’s way into the hearts of the cast and crew, who have adored Dorset, and who can blame them!

David Tennant, who played DI Alec Hardy commented after filming the last series in Dorset “I will miss our trips to the coast. West Bay and the Jurassic coastline I will definitely need to visit because there is something very special about that place and it is an extraordinary part of the country”.

Olivia Colman, who played DS Ellie Miller talked about Dorset’s beauty when being on location filming for the first series – “being on the cliff at Bridport in the sunshine during the first week of filming was just amazing. Idyllic”

Andy Buchan, who played Mark Latimer was asked if he would miss the locations that have become part of the Broadchurch phenomenon, to which he replied “I think I would take a holiday in Dorset every 10 minutes if I could. It is a spectacular part of the world. From the scenery to the people, the whole package down there is spot on.”

Jodie Whittaker who played Beth Latimer comments “I love being in Dorset. It’s a brilliant place to be and film”.

Julie Hesmondhalgh, who played Trish Winterman in the third series said “Well it was absolutely wonderful being down in Dorset, really beautiful and I had a period of time in the summer when I was down a lot and I had a little caravan on the beach (Freshwater Beach Holiday Park). I used to walk over the cliffs to West Bay to work in the morning and in the middle of summer it was absolutely lovely. It doesn’t get any better than that!”

When asked what she thought of West Bay, Eve Myles, who featured in the second series, replied “I’d never been there before – how glorious is that place and why haven’t I been before? It’s two hours from my house door to door, I’ll be going there a lot more. I was spotting out places to take the children next summer. It’s beautiful.”

Filming on the Jurassic Coast was a real bonus for Pauline Quirke, who played Susan Wright in the first two series, said “I have absolutely fallen in love with the place. I loved being at West Bay and when I got the chance I’d go off exploring. I have been to Lyme Regis and lots of other places just having a wander around with Bailey (her pet Labrador).”

“Even when the weather turned cold it was still beautiful.”