Visitor Centres provide an additional level of information and interpretation about the Jurassic Coast, particularly from a local perspective.

This section is being further developed but you may find the following list of Visitor Centres and Museums helpful. For up-to-date contact information, please refer to the individual Gateway Town pages for the latest VIsitor Centre and Museum details.

The following visitor centres and museums all explore an aspect of the Jurassic Coast, as well as many other local stories of interest.

Everything from fossil walks and interactive displays, to the geology, wildlife and evolution of the Jurassic Coast are on offer at these centres, along with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Fairlynch Museum, Budleigh Salterton

Contains a wealth of material and archives relating to local history, nature, archaeology and geology relating to the World Heritage coast, with emphasis on the East Devon pebble beds.

Sidmouth Museum

The museum houses a variety of fossils, rocks, mosaics and other artifacts unearthed in the local environment. Walks along the Jurassic Coast can also be booked from here.

The Fine Foundation Centre, Beer

The Fine Foundation Centre run by Beer Village Heritage is situated on the left at the bottom of Sea Hill, Beer and tells the stories of the village of Beer and its place along the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and in the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

It aims to celebrate the life of the village both in the past and the present, and to explore its potential impact on the future.

Read more about Beer and the Fine Foundation Centre

Beer Quarry Caves, Beer

Although not a visitor centre as such, the Quarry Caves in Beer offer an incredible opportunity to get underground and see inside the cliffs first-hand. The 90 Acres of vast underground workings have been mined since Roman Times, and fascinating tours are available.

Tel:01297 680282
www.beerquarrycaves.com

Lyme Regis Philpot Museum

A range of Lyme Regis' famous fossils can be seen in the geological galleries. You can also take a journey through the local history of Lyme and discover the fascinating life of fossil hunter, Mary Anning, whose fossil collecting began the study of geology.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Charmouth is world famous for fossils and the centre explains what they are and how to find them safely and without causing damage to the cliffs or beaches. You can also learn about projects on local biodiversity, geology and coastal science. There are Wardens on hand to tell you about your finds and fossil-hunting walks can be also booked here.

Chesil Beach Centre

This small centre explores biodiversity of the internationally important Fleet Lagoon, and the unique geology and formation of the colossal Chesil beach. There are also fantastic views, and telescopes to view local wildlife.

Portland Museum

A small museum which covers the Island's history of smuggling and shipwrecks, quarrying and also houses a comprehensive fossil collection.

Portland Bill Visitor Centre

The centre provides an introduction to Portland Bill, the lighthouse and the geology.

Dorset County Museum, Dorchester

Welcome to the Dorset County Museum, where the story of Dorset's rich landscape unfolds in a range of fascinating displays. The Museum was founded in 1846 to help protect and record the county's unique historical and natural environment.

Lulworth Cove Heritage Centre

The centre follows the evolution of the beautiful cove through millions of years. It also covers the fascinating history of the surrounding landscape and the local wildlife.
Please note that access to the Fossil Forest is through MoD land which is closed when they are firing, however it is open most weekends. 

Dorset Wildlife Trust Fine Foundation Marine Centre

There is a wealth of information on the rich marine life at Kimmeridge Bay and the surrounding Purbeck Voluntary Marine Nature Reserve. The centre also offers 'Snorkelling for softies' and a live underwater camera.

Durlston Country Park

The combination of unrivalled geology and wildlife make Durlston Country Park a very special place. Come to the well-equipped visitor centre to experience live video pictures from the seabird colonies and the sounds of dolphins from an underwater hydrophone. The Castle is currently being renovated and will become a flagship centre for the Jurassic Coast.

Swanage Heritage Centre

Studland Visitor Centre, Knoll Beach

The National Trust visitor centre has an exhibition about the fascinating ecology of the sand dunes and the geology of the surrounding site.