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Old Harry Rocks
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The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast
Explore

The Jurassic Coast

The Dorset coastline runs from the sandy beaches of Bournemouth to the East Devon border. A millennia in the making, this rare coastline is dotted with dinosaur footprints and geographical marvels, earning it the title of the Jurassic Coast. The UK boasts only 25 World Heritage Sites, and the Jurasic Coast holds the distinction of being the first ‘natural’ World Heritage Site, making it the sole coastline in the UK to receive this status. What makes this coastline so exceptional? It offers an almost uninterrupted timeline spanning the Mesozoic Era, encompassing the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous ages, totaling 185 million years of coastal history. The Jurassic Coast showcases natural marvels such as Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, providing laypeople with breathtaking geographical wonders, extensive sandy beaches, fossils, and a rugged coastline.

 

Dorset Coasts Geographical Features

Geologists and geomorphologists consider this coast one of the world’s most significant sites for teaching and research. The rocks within the World Heritage Site are arranged from oldest to youngest as you move from west to east. This arrangement is somewhat unusual, as these rock layers originally formed atop one another. If they had remained undisturbed, we would have had to drill deep into the Earth to observe them. However, around 100 million years ago, massive tectonic forces tilted the rock layers, revealing the older rocks and creating a continuous sequence along the coast—an extraordinary event that allows us to witness these layers today.

Old Harry Rocks
Take a look at

Old Harry Rocks

Brilliant white chalk has been eroded into steep cliffs and the famous collection of sea stacks known as ‘Old Harry Rocks’.  There used to be an Old Harrys wife but this has sadly been eroded away.

The Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast

Jurassic Coast on TV

The Dorset Coast has been a frequent backdrop for major Hollywood blockbusters and television productions, captivating audiences with its stunning scenery.

The award-winning series “Broadchurch,” starring David Tennant and Olivia Coleman, made extensive use of West Dorset’s dramatic cliffs as a filming location. The gripping thriller, written by Chris Chibnall, showcased the region’s breathtaking coastal landscapes.

In 2015, “The Big Blue,” hosted by River Cottage favorite Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, aired on the BBC. The show was anchored from the dramatic clifftop setting of Durdle Door in Dorset, providing stunning visual backdrops to the program.

ITV1’s “Harbour Lives” partially filmed in Dorset, exploring the lives of those who live and work by the sea. Ben Fogle ventured along the Jurasic Coast, engaging with local communities and showcasing the area’s unique character.

Portland Harbour provided the setting for the film “The Boat that Rocked,” featuring Bill Nighy. The historic harbor, with its distinctive architecture and maritime heritage, added authenticity to the film’s nautical theme.

Lulworth Cove, with its picturesque cove and chalk cliffs, made an appearance in the Hollywood blockbuster “World War Z,” starring Brad Pitt. The stunning natural beauty of the location contributed to the film’s apocalyptic atmosphere.

The South West Coast Path

Walk the South West Coast Path

You can explore much of the Jurassic Dorset coast, as the South West Coast Path, England’s longest footpath, winds its way along the dramatic coastline. Enjoy exhilarating clifftop walks, but always maintain a safe distance from the edge. These coastal paths offer incredible opportunities for birdwatching, dolphin-spotting, painting, and simply soaking in the awe-inspiring beauty of the Jurassic Coast. However, it’s important to exercise caution after rainfall, as the paths can become slippery and landslides may occur. To ensure your safety, stick to the marked tracks and keep dogs on leashes.

For a more leisurely exploration, consider exploring the Jurassic Coast by bus. Hop on the X53 bus service, which traverses the coastline, allowing you to hop on and off at various points. This flexible approach enables you to walk specific sections of the coast path and then return by bus, making for a perfect day out.

Stay in a

Jurassic Coast Holiday Cottage

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Greenhayes
Langton Matravers
4.8/5
Lovely, traditional cottage with stunning country views to the coast. Ideal for a romantic getaway or for small families. Pet friendly.
4
2
1
2
Holiday prices from  £446
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Froxfield Cottage
Langton Matravers
4.9/5
3 Bedrooms. Froxfield Cottage is a cosy renovated quarryman’s cottage built in the 1850’s, sympathetically decorated in a mix of contemporary and traditional style.
6
3
2
1
Holiday prices from  £528
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Winspit View
Worth Matravers
4.8/5
3 Bedrooms. The bungalow is located on the edge of the village of Worth Matravers, in a rural idyll with fantastic views across open farmland to Winspit and the sea. A lovely holiday cottage to rent in Worth Matravers, an exclusive village in Dorset.
6
3
2
1
Holiday prices from  £682
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Seaspray
Swanage
5/5
Located steps away from the sandy beach and traditional promenade in Swanage, Seaspray is a three-bedroom, 1930s-style apartment with panoramic sea views. Situated on the wonderful seafront parade, this town centre location is perfect for families or friends seeking a relaxing coastal escape within a stone’s throw of many of Dorset’s prolific attractions.
5
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £449
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Canaan
Worth Matravers
4.9/5
4 bedrooms. A wonderful architecturally designed, large family holiday home in Worth Matravers. Completed to the highest standard and incorporating a sumptuous interior. It’s open plan design, galleried first floor landing and very large kitchen makes this the ideal choice for the extended family, walkers and those of you who wish to relax in this stylish property set in the heart of the English coastal countryside.
8
4
3
2
Holiday prices from  £968
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Tilshead
Langton Matravers
4.8/5
4 Bedroom, 3 bathrooms. Stunning countryside views with sea glimpses. Tilshead is a beautifully designed home nestled within the lovely village of Langton Matravers. This exceptional, bespoke house was created to offer a practical yet luxurious, contemporary residence complete with large relaxing garden. Graded four star gold by Visit England, this luxury Dorset holiday cottage is ideal for large parties or families.
8
4
3
2
Holiday prices from  £660
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Newton Manor Grange
Swanage
4.6/5
3 bedrooms. This beautiful four star holiday home is the ideal choice for a self catering holiday in Swanage. This home boasts large picture windows and is an unusual upside down house that takes full advantage of the views, across the seaside town of Swanage to the sea and the Isle of White beyond. WIFI.
6
3
2
0
Holiday prices from  £417
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White Sands
Swanage
4.9/5
4 Bedrooms. This stunning property is set on the cliff top in a secluded part of Swanage, boasting panoramic sea views over the bay toward Peveril Point, the Isle of Wight and Ballard Down. Situated just outside of the town centre and well away from any main road, it is beautifully quiet, ideal for those of you wishing to escape it all.
9
4
2
2
Holiday prices from  £974
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Seashell View
Swanage
4.9/5
A stunning 3 bed apartment with sea views – perfect for a family beach holiday in the coastal town of Swanage, Dorset.
6
3
1
0
Holiday prices from  £475
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Save 10% on stays between 1st Nov 2025 - 19th Dec 2025
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Balcony Apartment
Swanage
5/5
2 Bedrooms. Fabulous seaside apartment in Swanage. Stunning views from the balcony across the bay to the Isle of Wight. This spacious and comfortable property is equipped with all you might need for a family get away.
4
2
1
0
Holiday prices from  £714
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