As well as being ideal points of access to the Jurassic Coast, Gateway Towns provide a whole range of services which support the conservation and management of the World Heritage Site. Each town is also a destination in its own right.

The Gateway Towns are identified on the following list, by images of the road sign that most of them now have - which you will clearly see as you enter the towns concerned. These towns are also identified on the Gateway Town maps by an ammonite icon, based on the design of the one featured on these signs.

All the towns featured in the following list - not just the Gateway Towns - contribute so much to the overall visitor experience. Whether linking with major travel networks, providing a convenient base from which to travel out to the Jurassic Coast, or by offering a range of additional activities to engage in, the part they play is invaluable.