Dorset and East Devon’s newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site is without a doubt the place to visit for anyone with a love of England’s unspoilt coastline. Known as either The World Heritage Coast or sometimes the Jurassic Coast due to the rich fossil beds to be found in many areas this truly is one of the great undiscovered stretches of England’s coastline – please when you visit take care to keep it this way and respect it’s natural beauty.

Stretching for 95 miles from Exmouth in east Devon to the east and Swanage in Dorset to the west the entire coastline is a journey through the past with it’s magnificent geological outcrops from the Triassic and Jurassic eras with their rich fossil beds and dramatic structures. As you travel along the length of the coast you’ll be amazed by the way the sea has not only shaped the coast over the past but still continues to do so.

Much of the World Heritage Coast can be walked along the Dorset Coastal Path but for the less energetic many of the most interesting sections can be reached by car. However to really appreciate the majesty of the coast the best way to view it is probably by sea. In many of the towns along the World Heritage Coast you’ll find boat trips available that will take you along the coast for a different perspective.

Along the World Heritage Coast you’ll find many interesting towns to visit and base your stay both large and small including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Beer, Seaton and Budleigh Salterton in Devon and Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Bridport, West Bay, Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester, Lulworth Cove and Swanage in Dorset. All these places offer a wide range of places to stay with plenty of visitor attractions, pubs and restaurants to keep you occupied when you’re not exploring the coastline or searching for dinosaurs!

Between the towns and just a few miles inland the many small villages in the area are all welcoming and able to offer their own choice of places to stay ranging from small friendly B & B’s to quality hotels and picturesque country cottages.

For a selection of links to other world heritage coast web sites please take a look at
www.worldheritagecoast.org