Dog-Friendly Jurassic Coast

The Jurassic Coast stretches 95 miles from Exmouth to Studland, showcasing 185 million years of geological history. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers dramatic cliffs, fossil-hunting beaches, and varied dog-friendly walking. From the iconic Durdle Door to Lyme Regis's fossil beaches, adventures span both Devon and Dorset.

Jurassic Coast Overview

The Area

Geography:

• 95 miles, Exmouth to Studland
• East Devon and Dorset
• UNESCO World Heritage Site
• 185 million years of geology exposed
• Dramatic cliff formations
• Varied beaches

Character:

• Geological wonder
• Fossil hunting heritage
• Traditional seaside towns
• Dramatic scenery
• South West Coast Path runs throughout

Why Dogs Love It

• Varied terrain
• Many dog-friendly beaches
• Excellent coastal path
• Year-round options
• Interesting exploring

Key Areas

West (Devon Section)

Exmouth to Lyme Regis: Red cliffs. Sandstone. Beer. Branscombe.

Highlights:

• Beer (pretty fishing village)
• Branscombe (National Trust)
• Sidmouth
• Budleigh Salterton

Central (Lyme Bay)

Lyme Regis to Portland: Fossil heartland. Blue Lias cliffs. Charmouth.

Highlights:

• Lyme Regis (fossil capital)
• Charmouth (fossil beach)
• West Bay (Broadchurch cliffs)
• Chesil Beach
• Portland

East (Purbeck)

Portland to Studland: Limestone. Dramatic formations. Iconic landmarks.

Highlights:

• Durdle Door
• Lulworth Cove
• Kimmeridge Bay
• Studland Bay

Best Dog-Friendly Beaches

Year-Round Dog Access

Generally Good: Many Jurassic Coast beaches allow dogs year-round. Check specific beaches for any restrictions.

Excellent Options:

Charmouth Beach: Dogs welcome. Fossil hunting. Good facilities.

Eype Beach: Dogs welcome. Quiet. Good walking access.

Seatown: Dogs welcome. Pub on beach. Good walking.

Ringstead Bay: Dogs welcome. Quieter. Good access.

Kimmeridge Bay: Dogs welcome. Rock pools. Interesting geology.

Beaches with Restrictions

Some popular beaches have summer restrictions. Check locally:

• Lyme Regis (some sections)
• Weymouth (main beach)
• Studland (some sections)

Strategy: Focus on year-round beaches or visit restricted beaches early/late in day.

Fossil Hunting

Dog-Friendly Fossil Beaches

Where to Hunt:

Charmouth: Best for finding fossils. Beach and foreshore. Dogs welcome.

Lyme Regis (Monmouth Beach): Famous fossil hunting. Check dog access for specific sections.

East of Lyme: Beach sections towards Charmouth.

Fossil Hunting with Dogs

Tips:

• Keep dog on lead if busy
• Watch for sharp rocks
• Don't let dog disturb fossil finds
• Focus on fallen material (don't dig cliffs)
• Tide awareness essential

Safety

Important:

• Don't approach unstable cliffs
• Watch tides
• Cliff falls happen
• Check conditions

Coastal Path Walking

South West Coast Path

Through Jurassic Coast: The coast path runs the entire Jurassic Coast. Dramatic walking.

Character:

• Steep sections (stairways to beaches)
• Varied terrain
• Stunning views
• Well-waymarked

Recommended Sections

Dramatic Walks:

Lulworth to Durdle Door: Iconic landmarks. Relatively short but spectacular.

Golden Cap: Highest point on south coast (191m). Dramatic views. Dogs welcome.

Charmouth to Lyme Regis: Undercliff walk. Atmospheric. Wooded and coastal.

Beer to Branscombe: Dramatic cliffs. Pretty villages.

Easier Walks:

Studland Beach: Flat beach walking. National Trust.

Chesil Beach: Unique shingle bank. Different walking.

Around Lyme Regis: Town and beaches. Various options.

Iconic Landmarks

Durdle Door

The Landmark: Natural limestone arch. Iconic Jurassic Coast image.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome on cliff path and beach (steep descent).

Notes: Popular. Can be very busy summer. Beach access via steep steps.

Lulworth Cove

Perfect Bay: Circular cove. Classic geology.

Dog Access: Check specific areas. Busy in summer. Seasonal restrictions possible.

Old Harry Rocks

Chalk Stacks: Eastern end of Jurassic Coast. Dramatic chalk formations.

Dog Access: Cliff path walk from Studland. Dogs welcome on path.

Golden Cap

Highest Sea Cliff: South coast's highest point. National Trust.

Dog Access: Dogs welcome. Good walking. Varied routes.

Towns and Villages

Lyme Regis

Fossil Capital:

• The Cobb (harbour wall)
• Town exploring
• Fossil shops
• Beaches (check dog access)
• Good facilities

Dogs: Generally welcoming. Some beach restrictions. Check locally.

West Bay

Broadchurch Location:

• Dramatic cliffs (as seen on TV)
• Harbour
• Beach (check dog access)
• Good facilities

Beer

Pretty Village:

• Fishing village
• Beach
• Caves nearby
• Dog-friendly atmosphere

Swanage

Victorian Resort:

• Sandy beach (restrictions apply)
• Steam railway
• Town exploring
• Good facilities

Accommodation

Where to Stay

Lyme Regis Area: Good facilities. Central for fossil coast.

West Bay/Bridport: Good variety. Dramatic scenery.

Swanage Area: Victorian charm. Beach access. Purbeck base.

Villages: Beer, Branscombe, Worth Matravers - quieter bases.

For accommodation details, see our Dorset guide and general Cottages guide.

Seasonal Considerations

Summer

Highlights:

• Best weather
• Full facilities
• Long days

Considerations:

• Beach restrictions in effect at some beaches
• Busy at popular spots
• Book ahead

Winter

Highlights:

• Fewer restrictions
• Dramatic weather
• Quiet beaches
• Fossil hunting excellent (storms reveal fossils)

Considerations:

• Weather exposure
• Some facilities closed
• Short days

Spring/Autumn

Often ideal. Good weather possible. Fewer restrictions. Quieter.

Dog-Friendly Pubs

Coastal Pubs

Notable Options:

• The Anchor, Seatown (on beach)
• The George, West Bay
• Various in Lyme Regis
• Purbeck pubs

Character: Traditional coastal pubs. Dog-welcoming. Often seafood.

Safety Considerations

Cliff Dangers

Real Hazards:

• Cliffs erode constantly
• Falls happen without warning
• Don't stand under cliffs
• Don't approach cliff edges
• Keep dogs away from edges

Tides

Awareness Essential:

• Some beaches cut off by tide
• Check tide times
• Know escape routes
• Especially fossil hunting

Fossil Hunting Safety

Best Practice:

• Collect from beach, not cliffs
• Don't dig into cliffs
• Watch above for falls
• Appropriate footwear
• Check conditions

Practical Information

Getting There

By Car: A35 main route through. Various access points.

By Train: Axminster (for Lyme Regis area) Dorchester (for Purbeck)

Best Time

Year-round appeal. Summer for beach weather. Winter for fossils and drama.

Frequently Asked Questions

185 Million Years Await

The Jurassic Coast offers geological drama, fossil hunting adventure, and excellent dog-friendly walking. From iconic landmarks to quiet beaches, this UNESCO World Heritage Site delivers memorable coastal experiences.

Luke explores the Jurassic Coast with Charlie, Buster, Ember, Simba, Max, and Molly. The pack has discovered that Charmouth's fossil beaches, Golden Cap's views, and the dramatic cliffs make this coast special.