The incredible Jurassic Coast on the south coast of England joins the Galapagos Islands and the Great Barrier in being considered one of the wonders of the natural world. This World Heritage Site straddles parts of the South Devon and Dorset coastlines, stretching 153 kilometres from Orcombe Point near Exmouth in Devon at its western point, to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset at its eastern point.
Dotted with well-known seaside resorts such as Sidmouth, Seaton, Lyme Regis and Weymouth, this beautiful stretch of coastline not only offers amazing landscapes but also boasts fantastic beaches, an endless choice of tourist attractions, and great facilities in the main resorts.
The coastal path
The 1000 kilometre-long South West Coast Path takes in the whole of the Jurassic Coast, but alongside serious walkers many people enjoy gentle strolls along shorter stretches, just to get closer to the coastline and enjoy the far-reaching views. You can easily pick up and follow some of the path by looking out for posts marked with the acorn symbol.
A walk through time
Made up of Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous cliffs spanning the Mesozoic Era, the coastline documents some 185 million years of geological history. As a general rule the oldest rocks form the cliffs in the west, with progressively younger rocks as you move east, meaning visitors can take a ‘walk through time”. The red-coloured cliffs and rugged sandstone sea stacks at Ladram Bay in East Devon are one very famous section of the coast, as is the ‘Fossil Forest’ found on the cliffs east of Lulworth Cove.
Not just for walkers
Many visitors to the Jurrasic Coast tour the region by car. Couples are able to explore the winding country lanes and secluded spots in an eco freindly small car whereas larger families and groups will take advantage of a seven seat car to get around
Traces of the past
The beaches between Bowleaze Cove and Osmington reveal many traces of the past if you know what to look out for. There are fossilised burrows and clear ripple marks in the rock, and experts say these tell us that Dorset was once a tropical paradise on a par with the Bahamas.
Dinosaur footprints
Perhaps the most exciting feature for many younger visitors are the dinosaur prints and reptilian fossils that can be seen in local museums. Many of these were uncovered by quarrying activities in Purbeck – and more recently on Portland Island. You can see dinosaur footprints at Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre, and fossil cycads and the remains of tropical reptiles at Portland Museum.
Fossil-hunting
You can also go fossil-collecting yourself, with Charmouth and Lyme Regis both being well-known spots. The best time to go is after rough weather, and alongside more common ammonites you might find belemnites and even ancient bones from the extinct marine ichthyosaurs.
Boat trips
Boat trips offer the chance to see the cliffs and coastline from a different perspective, with trips running from various spots along the coast. If you visit seaside resorts with harbours you’ll usually see boards advertising boat trips on the quayside.
Events
Guided fossil walks run throughout the year on the Jurassic Coast, with dates and times available from local tourist information offices. The Creative Coast initiative also hosts family events that aim to blend culture and science, one of which is the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival due to take place from 29 April to 1 May 2011, backed by UNESCO.
