World Heritage Day Festival
World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is celebrated every year on 18 April. The day shines a spotlight on the diversity, significance, and fragility of cultural and natural heritage worldwide. Established by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) in 1982 and officially recognised by UNESCO in 1983, it invites everyone to engage with heritage through themed activities, site visits, exhibitions, and talks. It’s a moment to reflect on why protecting our shared heritage is vital for future generations.
In 2026, we mark a special milestone: the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. This breathtaking 95-mile coastline, stretching from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, is celebrated internationally for its unbroken geological record spanning 185 million years, preserving rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. More than just a geological wonder, the Jurassic Coast offers a glimpse into Earth’s deep history—ancient landscapes, fossils, and the forces that have shaped our planet.
To celebrate, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery are hosting a special World Heritage Day programme featuring talks and presentations that explore the science, art, and stories of the Jurassic Coast. Join in for a day of expert insights, engaging storytelling, and celebration of one of Britain’s most remarkable natural landscapes.
Celebrate World Heritage Day and experience the wonder of the Jurassic Coast—a landscape of science, history, and beauty that belongs to the world.

Speakers
Family Activities
Tours
The Victorian Hall will feature a lively collection of stands from local museums, heritage organisations, and wildlife groups. Visitors can meet the people behind these organisations, explore their work, and learn how they are preserving and interpreting the region’s remarkable natural and cultural heritage. This vibrant showcase offers a hands-on, engaging way to connect with Dorset’s history, wildlife, and communities.
These currently include:
- Bridport Museum
- Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
- Dorset National Landscape Partnership
- Dorset Wildlife Trust
- English Heritage
- Lyme Regis Museum
- Portland Museum
- The National Trust
- Weymouth Museum
