Jurassic Coast, Devon and Dorset
The Jurassic Coast covers a staggering 185 million years of history and 95 miles from Exmouth in Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage. It became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 due to the importance of its rocks and fossils and to its unique and picturesque landscape.
The route of the Jurassic Coast takes in coastal towns and villages – Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton where the beaches are backed with towering red sandstone cliffs, the timeless charm of Branscombe and Beer and onto Seaton where a tramway takes you through wetlands that are a haven for birdlife. Over the border in Dorset is the historic harbour at Lyme Regis and the fascinating Undercliff Nature Reserve, and Charmouth where you can walk from Golden Cap, the highest point on the South Coast of England, to Seatown.
Then there’s the 18 mile stretch of Chesil Beach and Portland Bill with its impressive red and white lighthouse and Portland Castle, one of Henry VIII’s strongholds built to protect against Spanish and French invasion over 500 years ago. The final stretch includes Weymouth where the golden sands draw thousands of holiday makers each year; the much visited Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and beautiful Kimmeridge Bay, and then on to Swanage and the chalk stacks of Old Harry Rocks.
There are countless attractions that make for a brilliant day out along the coastline, among them are Otterton Mill, Beer Quarry Caves, Abbotsbury Swannery, Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens, Weymouth Sea Life Adventure Park and Swanage Railway. Thrill seekers will find fun and adventure with a range of exciting activities from sailing, kayaking and kitesurfing to coasteering, snorkelling and paddle boarding. Walkers can stretch their legs on the South West Coast Path, sea dogs can try their hand at mackerel or deep sea fishing, or for something more sedate and possibly one of the best ways to see the sights, you can board a boat and sit back for a leisurely cruise on the waters. Beautiful, absolutely beautiful.
All information correct at the time of writing