Welcome to the Jurassic Coast - Science and Heritage

The Dorset and East Devon Coast world Heritage Site, known as ‘The Jurassic Coast’ is home to an array of exemplary geological features and formations, palaeontological remains of internationally scientific importance and textbook coastal processes. 

Coupled with this outstanding Earth History spanning over 185 million years along 95 miles of coastline, is a rich local heritage and fascinating social history. The natural resources available here created the perfect place for early settlement and continues to provide a valuable resource for the communities of the Jurassic Coast.

For centuries, budding geologists and fossil collectors have gravitated towards the fossil-rich cliffs and beaches, lending itself to a wealth of scientific understanding that stems from the shores of the Jurassic Coast. 

2022 marked the 20th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast being inscribed as a World Heritage Site. Find out about the reasons for its World Heritage status and what we did to celebrate it. 

Discover more about the science and heritage of the Jurassic Coast here or plan your visit.