Jurassic Coast
An iconic and ancient landscape, that offers perfect walking through England’s only natural World Heritage Site. Starting in East Devon at Exmouth, known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, you’ll follow the acorn along the Coast Path that will lead you through 185 million years of history. A geologist’s playground, a wildlife haven, this prehistoric path is an ideal choice for your next coastal adventure.
On this stretch, exposed cliffs reveal the Earth’s history whilst you walk. From the striking red cliffs at Sidmouth, to the creamy-grey limestone at Beer and soft white chalk at Old Harry Rocks. Other landscape highlights include the great shingle bar of Chesil Beach, the semi-freshwater lagoon at Fleet, the fortress-like monolith of the Isle of Portland and the iconic arch of Durdle Door.
In addition to fascinating heritage, the Jurassic Coast stretch oozes classic seaside holiday charm, with places like Exmouth, Sidmouth, Lyme Regis, Weymouth and Swanage.
Deck chairs at Sidmouth. Photo Malcolm Stone
Suggested Itinerary
- Day 1: Exmouth to Sidmouth (12.5 miles)
- Day 2: Sidmouth to Seaton (10.3 miles)
- Day 3: Seaton to Seatown (14.2 miles)
- Day 4: Seatown to Abbotsbury (12.4 miles)
- Day 5: Abbotsbury to Ferrybridge (10.9 miles)
- Day 6: Isle of Portland Circuit (13 miles)
- Day 7: Ferrybridge to Lulworth Cove (14.5 miles)
- Day 8: Lulworth Cove to Worth Matravers (13 miles)
- Day 9: Worth Matravers to Studland (12.3 miles
The geology of this coastline however, is both a blessing and a curse. The cliffs here are vulnerable to slippage, especially in the Sidmouth area and in the Undercliffs in West Dorset. So we are working vigilantly with partners like The Jurassic Coast Trust and Dorset County Council to ensure access to the Path is safe and protected for all to enjoy. If you are planning to walk this section of the South West Coast Path we recommend checking our route changes page at part of your planning.
Read more about the damage we've seen on this section
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Cliff fall at West Bay in 2020. Photo by James Loveridge
- Eype rock fall: Cliff on South West Coast Path collapses
- Substantial rock fall near Thorncombe Beach
Explore some of the projects we're supporting in the area
Find local Way Maker Businesses
All our Way Makers help us look after the Path, so supporting them means you'll be helping too.
Tourist Information Centres
To find even more free information about visiting this area, check out the local Tourist Information Centres.
