What is the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is a 95-mile stretch of coastline in Dorset and East Devon, famous for its rocks and fossils spanning about 185 million years. It was England's first natural World Heritage Site, listed in 2001.
The cliffs record the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of Earth's history. Walking along the coast is like walking through time.
The coast is famous for fossils, including ammonites and remains of marine reptiles. Mary Anning, a fossil collector from Lyme Regis, made important discoveries there in the early 1800s, including an ichthyosaur skeleton.
Famous landmarks
Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch, and Lulworth Cove, a nearly circular bay, are among the most photographed places in England.
Other highlights include Old Harry Rocks, chalk stacks near Swanage, and Chesil Beach, a long shingle beach and lagoon.
Fossil hunting is popular at beaches such as Charmouth and Lyme Regis, but visitors are advised to search on the beach, away from unstable cliffs. Landslides are common as the cliffs erode.
The South West Coast Path follows the whole Jurassic Coast, offering spectacular cliff-top walks.