Take a step again in time – some 185 million years again in time – alongside the wild and rugged Jurassic Coast in Southwest England.
England’s solely pure World Heritage Website, this 95-mile portion of the coast has a reputation that signifies its geological significance. Working from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, its distinctive rock formations and fossil-rich cliffs amaze guests from everywhere in the world. And if rocks aren’t your factor, the pristine seashores, charming seaside cities and wide-ranging journey experiences attraction to only about each type of traveler.
Right here’s all you want to learn about visiting the Jurassic Coast, and the perfect issues to do on this stunning stretch of sand and sea.
What’s the Jurassic Coast?
To grasp what makes the Jurassic Coast so particular, we have to rewind a bit. Nicely, greater than a bit: suppose 252 million years.
The rocks alongside this stretch supply an virtually full document of the Mesozoic Period (roughly 250 to 65 million years in the past). They’re seen traces of the large environmental modifications that performed out over the millennia, beginning with the Triassic Interval (252 to 201 million years in the past), when this a part of Nice Britain was a baking desert and the shifting of the earth’s crust deposited layers of sediment on prime of one another. Shifting west alongside the coast, you’ll discover rocks fashioned through the Jurassic Interval (201 to 145 million years in the past), when the water rose to type a tropical sea.
When the ocean ranges fell after which rose once more through the Cretaceous Interval (145 to 66 million years in the past), the older rocks had been buried beneath newer sandstone and chalk, preserving them till millennia of abrasion carved this geological layer cake into the exceptional landscapes we are able to see right this moment. Fossils of creatures lengthy extinct have additionally been preserved among the many cliffs’ many strata, with extra regularly being revealed as erosion from wind and waves continues to do its factor.
The extraordinary geology is the primary attraction of the Jurassic Coast
All alongside the coast, this unimaginable historical past takes form – actually – within the type of uncommon rock formations and delightful bays. The perfect-known attraction is Durdle Door, a 200ft-tall limestone arch over the ocean linking two distant seashores, and one in every of Devon’s hottest spots. It’s finest considered from the coast path as you stroll over the cliffs from Lulworth Cove, an ideal semi-circle of sea enclosed inside bright-white chalk cliffs.
Different geological highlights of the shoreline embrace Previous Harry Rocks, chalk stacks that line up with the Needles on the Isle of Wight; the bizarre rock layers of Kimmeridge Bay; and Chesil Seashore, an 18-mile barrier seaside linking the Isle of Portland with the mainland and forming a wildlife-rich brackish-water lagoon on the Fleet.
The towering golden cliffs at West Bay had been used as a backdrop for the favored ITV collection Broadchurch, whereas the picturesque harbor and quaint seaside city at Lyme Regis are the center of Dorset’s fossil-hunting historical past.
In East Devon, don’t miss Orcombe Level Geoneedle in Exmouth, which marks the start of the World Heritage Website, or the distinctive crimson sandstone sea stacks in Ladram Bay.
Take a stroll alongside the South West Coast Path
Working uninterrupted for 630 miles from Minehead in Somerset to Poole Harbour in Dorset, the South West Coast Path is the UK’s longest National Trail, taking within the full 95 miles of the Jurassic Coast alongside the way in which.
Relying in your pace, you may stroll the entire route in about 10 days, or select one or two sections for a shorter coast stroll. Attempt the Golden Cap round stroll to climb the best level on the south coast of England; hit the wild and rugged cliff paths round Portland Invoice; or wander the coastal paths across the Isle of Purbeck, the place you may discover disused quarries and distinctive wild-swimming spots.
Search for fossils at Lyme Regis and Charmouth
Lyme Regis grew to become a world-famous fossil searching vacation spot when Mary Anning found a near-complete ichthyosaur, a big marine reptile, right here round 1836. At present, it’s nonetheless a preferred spot for fossil collectors, with new finds being found on a regular basis. Look out for the “Ammonite Pavement” on Monmouth Seashore, when low tide exposes a rock shelf containing a whole bunch of fossils.
Stroll alongside the seaside between Lyme Regis and Charmouth to identify fossils mendacity among the many shingle. Watch out, although: the seaside can generally be minimize off at excessive tide, and the cliffs are harmful in locations, particularly after rain. Amateurs are suggested to e book a guided fossil-hunting tour reasonably than go it alone; these will be booked by means of the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.
Make a splash at Kimmeridge Bay’s rock swimming pools
The sweeping curve at Kimmeridge Bay is a part of a Marine Particular Space of Conservation, making it a wonderful location for snorkeling and scuba diving. However you may also discover this wealthy marine life on the seaside itself.
The bay’s distinctive geometric rock cabinets and ledges are suffering from rock swimming pools at low tide. Don’t miss the Wild Seas Centre, a small, free museum on the slipway, to study a little bit extra concerning the native marine life.
Cool off with a spot of untamed swimming
Alongside the Jurassic Coast, skilled wild swimmers will discover a wealth of thrilling swimming pools and hidden coves to plunge into. Chapman’s Pool and Worbarrow Bay supply distant seashores that may solely be reached by strolling. For one thing a little bit totally different, head to the tidal pool at Dancing Ledge, a man-made swimming pool that was blasted right into a pure rock shelf within the nineteenth century for the enjoyment of native schoolchildren.
Snorkel with seahorses in Studland Bay
Studland Bay, simply past the japanese finish of the Jurassic Coast, is among the solely identified breeding websites for each the spiny and short-snouted seahorse, making it one of many UK’s finest snorkel websites. Because the tiny creatures are masters of disguise, endurance is vital and is commonly rewarded with sightings, notably throughout summer time. Method slowly and take care to not disturb the seahorses or their habitat.
Hop aboard the historic Seaton Tramway
Take a trip again in time on board the Seaton Tramway, a community of narrow-gauge heritage trams working by means of the Axe Valley in East Devon. In addition to a style of historical past, these colourful open-top trams supply good views of the River Axe estuary and Seaton Wetlands nature reserve. Hold an eye fixed out for native birds and wildlife, together with kingfishers, herons, foxes and little egrets.
Get the adrenaline pumping with a water-sports journey
Boasting a mixture of sheltered bays and extra uncovered seashores with nice surf, the Jurassic Coast is the right vacation spot for journey. Thrill-seekers ought to strive coasteering at Lulworth Cove for an adrenaline-pumping method to discover the cliffs and rocks. Or hop on a inflexible inflatable boat (RIB) at Lyme Bay or Weymouth for a fast-paced tour of the seafront.
Previous Harry Rocks, Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove are spectacular backdrops for a spot of sea kayaking – although amateurs could be suggested to e book a guided tour as currents will be difficult. For a gentler trip, Weymouth Bay, Studland Bay and Portland Harbour are extra sheltered spots – and perfect for paddleboarding.
You can even strive your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing or crusing classes at areas alongside the coast (strive Portland or Poole), or take a ship tour from any of the bigger harbors for one thing much less hands-on.
The perfect occasions to go to the Jurassic Coast
Summer season affords the perfect probability of good climate for seaside days and water sports activities on the Jurassic Coast, in addition to a busy program of festivals and occasions to entice vacationers of all pursuits. Notice that since that is the busy season, common spots like Bournemouth Seashore and Durdle Door will be very crowded, particularly through the summer time college holidays.
Whereas summer time can generally be too scorching for climbing, the spring and autumn shoulder seasons are perfect for coastal walks. Spring is very pretty, with an array of wildflowers scattered throughout the grassy headlands and in woodlands. These are additionally the perfect occasions of yr to identify each wildlife and fossils.
Quite a few meals and seafood festivals run alongside the coast all through spring and summer time. One of many greatest is SEAFEAST, the Dorset Seafood Festival, held on Weymouth’s colourful harborside in September.
Winter is neglected by most vacationers, however in the event you courageous the unpredictable British climate you’ll discover there’s nonetheless loads to do. Seals come ashore to breed through the autumn and early-winter months, so hold an eye fixed out when strolling (briskly) alongside the coastal paths.
get to the Jurassic Coast
The closest worldwide airports are at Bournemouth, Exeter and Southampton, though most guests from abroad will doubtless fly into one of many bigger London airports.
When you’re renting a automobile on arrival, it takes about 2 hours to drive to Bournemouth or Poole. From both of those cities, it’s simple to start out a highway journey alongside the coast, calling at whichever villages and sights take your fancy.
Taking public transport from London to the Jurassic Coast is simple
South Western Railway runs a service from London Waterloo to Weymouth that takes just below 3 hours. From Weymouth, you should use the X53 and X54 Jurassic Coaster buses from First Bus to journey to most cities between Poole and Axminster.
The practice from London additionally stops at Bournemouth and Poole, which place you nearer to the japanese finish of the Jurassic Coast. From right here, you should use the Purbeck Breezer companies to succeed in Studland and the Isle of Purbeck.
One of the best ways to discover the Jurassic Coast is by automobile
The simplest method to discover the Jurassic Coast is by automobile, however keep in mind that a few of the extra distant locations are accessed by slender nation lanes and will have restricted parking.
Lots of the busier cities, reminiscent of Weymouth and Bournemouth, function park-and-ride companies throughout summer time. Use these to keep away from getting caught in seaside site visitors within the city facilities.
The Jurassic Coast additionally has an intensive public transport community for individuals who need to discover and not using a automobile. Bus companies are pretty frequent and name at a lot of the main locations. The Jurassic Coaster buses (First Bus X52, X53 and X54) run between Axminster and Poole, whereas the Purbeck Breezer (Extra Bus) companies join Bournemouth and Poole with Swanage, Wareham and the Isle of Purbeck.
There are numerous lodging choices on the Jurassic Coast
With 95 miles of shoreline to discover, you’re spoiled for alternative with regards to selecting a spot to remain on the Jurassic Coast.
The biggest city round, Weymouth is properly related to the delights of the coast in each instructions, making it base for exploring the world. Quite a few beachfront motels are near all of the bars and eating places of the energetic city heart, whereas households would possibly need to contemplate the favored Waterside Holiday Park and Spa in town outskirts. For these on a funds, the clifftop campsite at close by Eweleaze Farm boasts some glorious views.
The quaint seaside city of Swanage is ideally poised for exploring Studland Bay and your complete Isle of Purbeck, with lodging choices starting from a YHA hostel to cosy B&Bs. In close by Studland, luxurious boutique lodge The Pig on the Beach is thought for its top-quality restaurant and dazzling sea views.
In the direction of the japanese finish of the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is one other common seaside city with a variety of motels and lodging choices, whereas Sidmouth affords up the grandeur of a Victorian seaside resort.
For one thing a little bit totally different, strive glamping at Durdle Door or in a Lyme Regis beach hut. Followers of quirky historical past will doubtless benefit from the Smuggler’s Inn at Studland, a comfortable boutique inn and pub which was as soon as a hangout for an notorious native smuggling gang.
