This Jurassic Coast Gem Lets You See 145-Million-Year-Old Dinosaur Tracks Up Close

The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is famous for its 95-mile-long coastline that earned its name from the Jurassic rocks and fossils that are found there.

These give us a fantastic insight into what the prehistoric past was like when dinosaurs roamed Dorset around 145 million years ago.

Situated in the Purbecks, you can visit the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints.

Nestled within a quarry, the area in the Mesozoic Era would have been covered in swamps, lagoons and ancient rivers, and dinosaurs would have gathered around them to use as a watering hole.

The footprints found here today were likely made by Brachiosaurus, one of the tallest and largest dinosaurs, which would have been around 42 feet tall.

They were vegetarians and would eat hundreds of plants all day.

There are more than 100 fossilised dinosaur tracks found at the quarry and the first ones were discovered in 1997 by quarrymen Kevin Keates and Trevor Hayson.

Now owned and managed by The National Trust, it first opened to the public in 2016. Parking is available at the Spyway National Trust carpark in Langton Matravers.

From the car park, carry on south and then turn right onto Priests Way walking trail. You will then come across the gate that is signposted ‘Dinosaur Tracks’.

Once through the gate and after a walk across the field, you will find the information board and the giant footprints preserved in the ground.

The Spyway Dinosaur Footprints is a brilliant activity for all ages to take part in.

From captivating the imaginations of little ones to learning about the magnificent beasts that wandered the Jurassic Coast millions of years ago.

There are lots to do around the area, such as the town of Swanage, Wareham, and fossil hunting spot Kimmeridge Bay, so you can have a fun filled day out for all.

🦕 Visit the National Trust Website for more information.

📍 Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3HG