The Jurassic Coast is 200 million years old and full of fossils and prehistoric remains – and it has now been recognised as the best coastal walk in the UK
With one of the finest ranges of beautiful coastal walks in Europe, choosing a good place for a staycation can be tricky.
But one beautiful stroll has been crowned the most picturesque coastline for a summertime walk. With staycations and coastal trails likely to be in high demand this year, footwear brand Fitflop has decided to choose a winner out of the UK’s 60 most popular coastal walks – and the Jurassic Coast of Dorset came out as the winner.
With ranks based on Tripadvisor reviews, TikTok posts and Instagram data, the Jurassic Coast – which stretches 95 miles from Old Harry Rocks at Studland Bar in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon – came in as a well-deserved winner. Over 200 million years old, the coastline was England’s first natural UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of just four across the whole UK.
It is well known for its fascinating prehistoric remains and is one of the most popular places to visit in the UK for fossil enthusiasts. The best spots for fossil hunting are along the Dorset stretch of coastline, between Lyme Regis and Chartmouth. Discoveries here date back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, between 65 and 200 million years ago.
There are a plethora of museums dedicated to fossils and dinosaurs in the towns near the coastline, including the Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge, the Dinosaur Museum in Dorchester, and the Lyme Regis Museum, where you can delve into the life of renowned fossil hunter Mary Anning.
One of the most iconic landmarks on the Jurassic Coast is the Durdle Door, a natural limestone arch that majestically stands vertically out of the sea. Other highlights include the breathtaking Lulworth Cove, Ladram Bay, and the Golden Cap.
Scattered along the coastline are several ancient castles and Roman forts. The ruins of Corfe Castle in Wareham, which was established by William the Conqueror and was destroyed during the English Civil War, are a two-hour walk from the Old Harry Rocks.
If a lengthy walk isn’t your cup of tea then Corfe can also be visited by hopping on Swanage Railway’s steam trains. Another option is Lulworth Castle, which was constructed between 1588 and 1609, and still stands today. The castle is merely three miles from Lulworth Cove, making it a convenient detour from your coastal walk.
