World class walks, spectacular sea views and some of the best food and drink on these shores, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and east Devon is a haven for nature and seafood lovers. ALEX GREEN rounds up the highlights.

1. Walk the dinosaur

Explore 95 miles of stunning coastline from Exmouth in east Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. The ground beneath your feet reveals 185 million years of environmental change and evolution. As the UK’s only Natural World Heritage Site, it’s a landscape like no other and provides a fascinating insight into three different time periods, from the oldest Triassic era defined by the red rocks stacks in the east, through to the Jurassic era following in the footsteps of dinosaurs, before ending up at the youngest white chalk cliffs and soft limestone rocks of the Cretaceous period. jurassiccoast.org

2. Rock the boat

Take a boat trip from Exmouth to Sidmouth with Stuart Line Cruises to see layers of history revealed in the rocks from the vantage point of the water. Stopping off at the Orcombe Point Geoneedle, which marks the official start of the Jurassic Coast, and the red rock stacks of Ladram Bay, before sailing into the Regal seaside town of Sidmouth, this is a voyage not to be missed. Expert guides that know everything about the wildlife and geology of this coastline make this a fascinating journey. stuartlinecruises.co.uk

3. Fishing at Beer

Enjoy a fishing trip on one of the colourful fishing boats that line the pebble beach at Beer. This picture-postcard seaside town, is set against a backdrop of the Hooken Cliffs – a 400-foot-high wall of white chalk and limestone, formed more than 200 years ago during a landslip. After landing your catch, while away the afternoon along the high street of independent shops, interspersed with terraced town houses, and quaint thatched cottages. Round off the day by tucking into traditional fish and chips with a pint of beer. After all, when in Beer, It would be rude not to. fishinginbeer.co.uk

4. Seaweed pressing, Lyme Regis

The discovery of a series of seaweed pressings, in an antiques shop, inspired Melanie Molesworth and Julia Bird to set up their own seaweed pressing venture. Spend some time foraging on the beach for the best seaweed specimens, before venturing into the workshop to learn the art of pressing them. You’ll create your own beautiful pressings to take home, along with some instructions about how to complete the process. Afterwards, eat out at one of the fine seafood restaurants in Lyme Regis, such as Hix Oyster & Fish House, situated within throwing distance of the sea. molesworthandbird.com

5. Fossil Hunting at Charmouth

Charmouth is the ultimate beach to find fossils, where you’ll also get a sense of the ever-changing nature of this fragile coastline. Cliff falls are a regular occurrence. Last year saw tonnes of rocks collapse into a pile of rubble within seconds, that’s why it’s essential to keep your distance from the base of the cliffs. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre tells you all about the geology of the Jurassic coastline with the help of interactive displays. Here, you can find a guide to take you on a fossil hunting tour of the beach and cliffs, showing you how to spot them and extract them safely. The beach is littered with ammonites if you know where to look. charmouth.org

6. Climb Golden Cap

Climb to the highest point on the south coast at Golden Cap and be rewarded for your efforts by the breathtaking sea views of Lyme Bay. Follow the South West Coast Path out of the small hamlet at Seatown, for the 30-45-minute hike to the 191-metre (627 feet) summit. Continue onto Charmouth (a total distance of 4.8 miles/7.7km) or take the slightly shorter distance along a circular route, taking you past the ruins of the 13th Century St Gabriel’s Chapel, then back downhill into Seatown. All good walks end at the pub and The Anchor Inn is the perfect resting place for weary feet. theanchorinnseatown.co.uk

Go fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast

7. Soak up the scenery

As the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic location, Durdle Door is a popular hotspot in summer. Top tip: avoid the crowds who park on the clifftops above by walking the Coast Path from Lulworth Cove. It’s a great spot for snorkelling to explore what lies beneath the surface. At sunrise and sunset, the limestone arch takes on a majestic quality in the golden light. Take a moment to enjoy this small beach in relative peace where you can sit, listen to the lap of the waves and gaze at one of the most beautiful views in Britain. southwestcoastpath.org.uk

8. Be more pirate

Get off the beaten track and embrace a sense of swashbuckling adventure, by exploring the pock-marked cliffs around Chapman’s Pool. It’s a scenic five-mile walk from the Square and Compass Inn at Worth Matravers, featuring hidden caves that once provided the perfect hideout for dealers in contraband. Chapman’s Pool itself is a wonderfully wild beach popular with wild swimmers, where a trickling stream joins the sea from a plunging ravine carved through high cliffs. swanage.co.uk/chapmans-pool/

9. Kayak at Old Harry Rocks

A three-hour sea kayak from Studland to the white chalk stacks at Old Harry Rocks, takes you through the rock arches and into the caves for an unforgettable adventure. Immerse yourself in the scenery with its crystal-clear waters that sparkle in the midday sun, while enjoying the views across Purbeck and to the Isle of Wight, with the Needles visible on a clear day. Along the way, you’ll pass secluded beaches that are only accessible from the water. adventuro.com

10. Festival fun

Camp Bestival, (July 25-28) is a uniquely situated family-friendly music festival, with views out to sea and the backdrop of Lulworth Castle. School’s out for summer and with a line-up that caters for all ages, from the worlds of music and children’s entertainment, happy days are guaranteed. Among the line-up this year is Sophie-Ellis Bexter, Pete Tong, Orbital and Paloma Faith. campbestival.net