Visiting The Coast
Our aim is to help you get the most out of your visit to the Jurassic Coast, while ensuring future generations are also able to enjoy this very special World Heritage Site.
The Jurassic Coast is well served by its Gateway Towns and visitor centres and museums.
In addition to the Gateway Towns, the 'Anchor Towns' of Exeter, Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch also provide an extensive range of visitor facilities.
Tourist Information Centres, located within some of these towns, provide invaluable points of contact for visitor information.
Some tourism businesses - including accommodation providers - along the Jurassic Coast have been accredited with Jurassic Coast Quality Business Scheme status.
They demonstrate high standards of operation and a commitment to the values of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
The Jurassic Coast Business Partner Scheme follows on from the Quality Business Scheme.
This new scheme will look for businesses who also support the conservation of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site.
Plan Your Visit from a great selection of accredited businesses, for the best places to stay, things to do and ways of exploring the Jurassic Coast.
View the list of external links to local tourism websites.
Download the Jurassic Coast Travel Map12.07 MB to help you plan your exploration of the Jurassic Coast. (This is a 2012 version so please check all services and routes on travelinesw
Download the Jurassic Coast 'miniguide'6.98 Mb to help you plan your trip.
Print out the information panel for the area you are interested in, for easy reference while visiting:
Exploring the World Heritage Site is best done on foot or by sea. The entire Site is accessible via the South West Coast Path National Trail and there are numerous boat trips offering Jurassic Coast tours along the coast.
Public transport - including a dedicated Jurassic Coast Bus - is available between many of the towns and villages which act as gateways to the Site. Watch a video of the X53's journey
Download a PDF English version of the Jurassic Coast Miniguide1.63 Mb
Download a PDF French version of the French Miniguide 2005-61.53 Mb
Download a PDF Dutch version of the Dutch Miniguide 2005-61.52 Mb
Download a PDF German version of the German Miniguide 2007-vlr1.65 Mb
Download a PDF Spanish version of the Spanish Miniguide 20073.30 Mb
Download a pdf of the World Heritage Ste Map4.92 Mb
Visitor centres and museums
The visitor centres and museums along the coast show how each location makes the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site, showcasing the local geology and associated stories.
Read more: Visitor centres and museums
Gateway Towns
As well as being ideal points of access to the Jurassic Coast, Gateway Towns provide a whole range of services for visitors. Each town is also a destination in its own right.
The official Gateway Towns to the Jurassic Coast have road signs which you will clearly see as you enter the towns concerned.
All the towns featured in the following list - not just the Gateway Towns - will help make your visit special.
Travel Information
South West Coast Path National Trail
The South West Coast Path National Trail runs along the entire length of the Jurassic Coast and offers the walker stunning views, with a bird's eye view of many coastal features. From the Coast Path you can experience the drama of sheer cliff faces, wonder at the strangely eroded rock formations and above all, witness how the geology within the coast reveals itself - showcasing the Earth's History over the last 250 million years.
Guided walks and events take place throughout the year and details can be found in the What's On Guide on this website and in Tourist Information Centres along the coast. Visitor Centres and museums offer walks, talks and other events.
For Lulworth Range walks and Tyneham village opening times visit: www.dorsetforyou.com
The South West coast Path is easy to follow - just look out for the acorn symbols as you make your way along the path.
Visit www.southwestcoastpath.com for more information and check for any route changes at:
www.southwestcoastpath.com/faq/route-changes/
To celebrate the South West Coast Path Association's 40th Anniversary the whole of the 630 mile long path is to be walked as a series of 56 sponsored walks, each guided by a local expert. Why not join one or more of these, and with walks varying from 3 to 18 miles you're sure to find one that suits. Check out the Walks page to find out more about each one.
Plan Your Visit
Help Protect The Coast
Read more: Help Protect The Coast
Be Safe Along The Coast
Extreme weather: TAKE CARE
2012 has proved the wettest year on record and as a result there is and remains an increased risk of landslides and falling rocks for the next few months.
Therefore our advice, as ever, is to stay away from the cliffs at all times and to be vigilant, particularly for mud flows that may extend across the beaches and falling rocks from the cliffs.
Out on the coast path it is just possible to encounter a new, unreported landslide. Under such circumstances, we would advice you to turn around rather than attempt to cross broken and disturbed ground.