The Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast is England's only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site — 95 miles of coastline stretching from Orcombe Point in Devon to Old Harry Rocks in Dorset, spanning 185 million years of geological history. The cliffs expose layers of rock from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods in sequence, making it one of the most important geological sites in the world. Highlights include Durdle Door (a natural limestone arch that's one of England's most photographed landmarks), Lulworth Cove (a near-perfect circular bay formed by coastal erosion), the fossil-rich beaches of Charmouth and Lyme Regis (where Mary Anning made her revolutionary discoveries), and the 18-mile tombolo of Chesil Beach. The South West Coast Path follows the entire coastline. Fossil hunting on the beaches at Charmouth and Lyme Regis is one of the great free family activities in England — ammonites, belemnites, and occasionally larger finds wash out of the cliffs regularly. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre runs guided walks. The coast is accessible in sections — each beach and cove is a day trip in itself. The geology is genuinely world-class, and the scenery is extraordinary.