Museums and visitor centres

The Jurassic Coast is home to an outstanding collection of Museums and Visitor Centres, each of which offers a unique take on their slice of the Jurassic Coast story. Collectively, these organisations are known as the ‘String of Pearls’, and help to unite the 95 miles of the World Heritage Site into a single coherent story.

Many of these venues are actively involved with the Jurassic Coast Trust and contribute greatly towards interpreting the Jurassic Coast’s epic story, and towards engaging people of all ages and backgrounds with all manner of displays, exhibitions and activities.

East Devon Museums & Visitor Centres

Beginning in the west, Fairlynch Museum in Budleigh Salterton is well worth a visit and is one of Britain’s few thatched roof museums. From here it’s a short drive to Sidmouth Museum and their outstanding collection of Triassic fossils collected from the nearby ‘red rocks’.

Heading East, the charming Beer Heritage Centre is well worth a visit and is located handily by Beer Beach. Further inland, Honiton Museum offers a selection of displays including the renowned ‘Honiton Hippo’.

West Dorset Museums & Visitor Centres

Crossing into Dorset, Lyme Regis Museum is a must-visit and is your #1 destination for all things Mary Anning. Just around the corner is Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, a mecca for fossil lovers and home of some outstanding local discoveries. Either venue is ideal for a guided Fossil Walk – book early to nab your place!

West Dorset also includes a triple-header of venues exploring this section of the Jurassic, in the form of Bridport Museum, Beaminster Museum and West Bay Discovery Centre. Each contains fascinating fossils that record creatures from the tropical sea that used to cover this part of Dorset.

Dorchester, Weymouth and Portland Museums & Visitor Centres

Dorset Museum in Dorchester is the largest in the county and well worth a visit, having been newly upgraded in 2020. It boats an outstanding fossil collection in the Natural Dorset Gallery, as well as a section dedicated to local hero Thomas Hardy.

The Fine Foundation Wild Chesil Centre, found between Weymouth and Portland, is a must-do for wildlife fans and also boasts a multi-award winning café. Portland Museum explore the amazing history of the island, its colourful characters and rich geological history.

Purbeck Museums & Visitor Centres

Heading into Purbeck, Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre is an essential visit for anyone exploring Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door, whilst Kimmeridge boasts a pair of outstanding venues – The Etches Collection fossil museum in the village and the Fine Foundation Wild Seas Centre at the Bay.

Sitting above Swanage is the outstanding Durlston Country Park, whilst the town itself also has a well-reviewed museum. Nearby Wareham Museum rounds out Dorset’s assortment of venues, with plenty to keep any Jurassic Coast fan going throughout their visit.