The Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast contains a globally important and unique record of the Earth's history. In recognition of this, it has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
In 95 miles of breathtaking coastline, you can walk through 185 million years of history. The Site runs from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland in Dorset and contains a complete record through the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods of geological time, stretching back to 250 million years ago.
The rocks dip gently to the east so the oldest are found in the west with younger rocks forming the cliffs to the east. The changing geology tells a fascinating story from ancient red deserts in present day East Devon, to tropical seas, a fossil forest and dinosaur infested swamps in what we now call Purbeck!
Today, the rocks create a beautiful and ever changing natural landscape, while their use in local buildings gives rise to the picturesque and distinctive character of the villages. The world famous Beer, Portland and Purbeck stones have been used in many of the finest buildings in Britain and beyond.
The Jurassic Coast was the first natural World Heritage Site to be designated in the UK, and stretches from Exmouth in the East Devon AONB through to Poole Harbour.
