Fossil hunting, coastal walks and dinosaur footprints - one of our favourite family days out in Dorset

Fossils, footprints & unforgettable coastal adventures

Before moving to Dorset and staying at our own cottage, we explored the area with the kids and the dog in tow, discovering many hidden spots. We recently revisited some of our favourite places, which are perfect if you’re staying in one of our luxury holiday cottages in Dorset, particularly around Weymouth or Dorchester.

If you’re looking for a family day out in this part of Dorset, this is one of our favourite routes. It starts at Keates Quarry and ends at Kimmeridge Bay, with a stop at a museum we hadn’t visited before. It’s an easy, budget-friendly, adventure-filled day that curious young explorers will love.

Stop One: Keates Quarry – Dinosaur Footprints Near Dorchester

Start your day by parking at Spyway Car Park (BH19 3HG). It’s managed by the National Trust and approached via a narrow track.

From here, follow the signpost: Priest’s Way/Worth Matravers. It’s about a 20-minute walk, with beautiful open views along the way. As you walk across the quarry track, keep an eye out for a small gate on your left marked with a sign for the dinosaur footprints.

Go across the stepping stones, through another small gate, and then you’ll see them.

More than 140 million years ago, dinosaurs gathered here along the edge of a shallow lagoon. Today, over 100 fossilised footprints and tracks remain, preserved on a flat rock surface. They are thought to have been left by large plant-eating dinosaurs; the site offers an incredible moment standing exactly where they once walked.

It’s fascinating, and one of the most unique things to do in Dorset with kids.

Stop Two: Dancing Ledge – Coastal Views on the Jurassic Coast

If you’re up for a little adventure, continue along the coast path to Dancing Ledge.

The walk down is fairly straightforward, but do be prepared. It’s a bit of a climb on the way back up. That said, it’s absolutely worth it.

Dancing Ledge is a natural rock platform cut into the cliffs, originally quarried by stone workers. At low tide, a man-made tidal pool becomes visible, making it a brilliant spot for paddling and exploring. When the tide is in, much of this can be covered, so timing your visit makes all the difference.

The views here are wide, dramatic and stunning.

Stop Three: Kimmeridge Bay – Fossil Hunting in Dorset

A short 20-minute drive brings you to Kimmeridge Bay, one of the best places for fossil hunting in Dorset. You have to pay a toll charge to enter the bay and park your car. Facilities are limited, but there’s a great ice cream and takeaway van on top of the cliff.

This part of the Jurassic Coast is easily reached from both Dorchester and Weymouth, making it a brilliant addition to a day out in the area.

At low tide, the bay reveals flat rock ledges and rock pools, and hidden treasures from millions of years ago. Yes, fossils really can be found here.

Our son still proudly keeps the one he discovered here on a school trip. However, it’s worth knowing there is strictly no hammering or chiselling on the ledges, though walking and looking for fossils is allowed.

Final Stop: The Etches Collection Museum

Just a few minutes from the bay, The Etches Collection is a must-visit and one of the most impressive but lesser-known family attractions in Dorset.

This remarkable museum houses a world-class collection of fossils, all discovered locally. It offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life during the Jurassic period, with beautifully preserved specimens throughout.

One standout highlight is the life-size skeleton of a giant marine predator, often referred to as “Big Sara.” It’s incredibly striking and gives children a real sense of scale, something photos simply can’t capture.

Why the Jurassic Coast Is So Unique

Dorset is particularly rich in fossils thanks to its unique geology. Layers of sediment built up over millions of years, preserving ancient life. Over time, coastal erosion has gradually revealed these layers, uncovering new fossils along the way.

All of these locations sit along the world-famous Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Stretching for 95 miles, the Jurassic Coast reveals around 185 million years of Earth’s history within its cliffs.

It’s a natural history lesson, right under your feet.

Make a Break of It

Our collection of luxury holiday cottages in Dorset is perfectly positioned to explore the Jurassic Coast. Whether you’re travelling with extended family, looking for large group accommodation, or something unique like our Jurassic-themed cottage, you’ll find the perfect base for your stay.