The late Jurassic geology here (157-145 million years old) shows a fall in sea levels and the establishment of coastal swamps and lagoons, as well as forests and salt flats that would persist into the Cretaceous. Lying above the Jurassic rocks is the younger, Cretaceous geology (145-140 million years old), which represents relatively similar environmental conditions of coastal swamps, lagoons, forests and salt flats. These environments supported life, including crocodiles, turtles, dinosaurs, pterosaurs, insects, plants, mammals and other reptiles. The area around Durlston Bay is an incredibly rich source of Early Cretaceous fossils and is scientifically renowned for important early mammal fossils.
This stretch of open coastline is characterised by sheer limestone cliffs plunging into the sea and featuring cliff quarries and quarry caves.
Must see areas include:
- Durlston Castle & Country Park (accessible paths and activities)
- Tilly Whim Caves
- Dancing Ledge
- Winspit
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