Dorset’s Stunning Jurassic Coast Article

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Dorset’s Stunning Jurassic Coast

Every year, thousands of tourists flock to the South of England to see the sweeping landscapes and dramatic cliffs of the world famous Jurassic Coastline. This article discusses what makes this area of the UK so unique and special.

Author: David Lakins

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The area is so unique that in 2001 it was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, putting it in the same bracket as the Grand Canyon and the Great Wall of China.

So what makes this area so special? This article gives an overview of the Jurassic Coastline and its key attractions, and offers advice on the most effective way to see the best the Dorset's coast has to offer.

What is the Jurassic Coast?

The Jurassic Coast is a 95 mile stretch of the coastline of Southern England. It spans an area from Old Harry Rocks (near Swanage in East Dorset) to Orcombe Point (close to Exmouth in East Devon).

The name ‘Jurassic Coast’ refers to the geological history of the area, which has beaches, fossils and cliffs which date to the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods – 185 million years of the earth’s history in one small stretch of coastline!

The area is a goldmine for fossil hunters, with dinosaurs and dinosaur footprints continually being discovered. West Dorset is considered the best place to look, and the best time is said to be during the winter months, when rough seas and bad weather have eroded away the soft clay and mud.

As well as its incredible history, the coast is also renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty. The natural arch at Durdle Door is an iconic and instantly recognisable feature of the coastline, as is the nearby Lulworth Cove, a perfectly curved natural cove just a short walk from Durdle Door.

There are a number of ‘gateway towns’ along the coastline which not only serve as access points to the Jurassic Coast, but also have plenty of unique charms and tourist attractions of their own.
Weymouth is a historic seaside town with an old harbour and a long sandy beach which is hugely popular with tourists in the summer. Its nearest neighbour is Portland, which has been selected as the venue for the sailing events in the 2012 Olympic Games.

A bit further down the coast, the picturesque little town of Lyme Regis is home to the Lyme Regis museum, where visitors can learn about famous local palaeontologist Mary Anning. Continuing westwards, Beer offers visitors the opportunity to explore a long network of caves and tunnels that are the reminder of 2,000 years of quarrying for Beer stone in the area.

What is the Best Way to See the Jurassic Coast?

There is a wide range of accommodation to be found in the towns and villages along the coast, from luxury hotels to family-run B&Bs. However, if you want a greater degree of freedom to explore the coastline without being tied to one place, there are many Dorset campsites and holiday parks which are open all year round, and these are ideal for those who have their own transport and want to experience as much of the Jurassic Coast as possible.

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If you are interested in a Lyme Regis camping holiday to see the fabulous Jurassic Coast, visit http://www.newlandsholidays.co.uk/ and check out the great deals on holidays at the most popular Lyme Regis holiday park

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