England is more than countryside and rainy cities. Take a trip to the under-the-radar destination, the Jurassic Coast, where you can see the unique land features and beauty England holds for yourself. The 95-mile rugged coastline and green hilltops make for a breathtaking sight, making the trip worth it for the visuals alone. It’s a paradise for those with an interest in geology. Jurassic Coast Trust explains that the Jurassic Coast contains rocks and cliffs that have been around for 185 million years. They’ve withstood the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous Periods and stand strong today, ready for your viewing.
If you’re less interested in geology and more curious about the available activities, there’s plenty for you to do as well. You can hike, search for fossils, or explore one of the beaches. You can also venture into one of the many coastal towns and villages and spend time in a museum, dine in a restaurant, or simply explore the town’s neighborhoods. Next time you’re in England, add this UNESCO World Heritage Site to your itinerary, whether for a day or a few.
Exploring the Jurassic Coast
There are several walking paths along the Jurassic Coast that you can explore on your own. Venture to places like the Durdle Door, essentially an arch connecting some hills to the ocean. Other excellent places to scour are Old Harry Rocks (jagged, white cliffs over the ocean) and 1,000-year-old Corfe Castle. If you’re curious about the landscape, wildlife, and history, you can opt for a guided tour. You’ll see the gorgeous formations and cliffs while learning about their history and significance.
Dorset Tours, which has a 5-star rating on Google, offers a variety of excursions. You can explore the most popular sites like the Corfe Castle and Durdle Door exclusively, enjoy other sites, experience teatime, or even customize a private tour. Jurassic Watersports offers kayaking tours, so you can see the Jurassic Coast from the sea if you book with them. While you’re trekking along the coast, you can hunt for fossils. Jurassic Coast Trust recommends the beaches in and around Charmouth and Lyme Regis for fossil hunting. Otherwise, visit the Sidmouth Museum to see fossils and the Portland Museum to learn about geological history.
Seafood and hotels
If you want to take advantage of the proximity to the ocean and, therefore, the abundance of seafood, stop by this region. The Jurassic Coast is home to plenty of great seafood restaurants. Some worth checking out include the award-winning Crab House Café in Weymouth, which is most popular for, as the name implies, crabs. The Oyster & Fish House in Lyme Regis offers fresh seafood and menus that change with the season.
When looking for places to stay on the Jurassic Coast, you can choose from small and large coastal towns. The Telegraph gave a 9 out of 10 rating to The Pig on the Beach hotel in Studland, England. It offers cozy rooms with an antique look and even has a spa for its guests. The hotel also offers packages that can help you save on rooms and activities, so be sure to check those out. The Priory, a hotel in Wareham, is a great space for couples, and families will feel right at home at The Castle Inn in West Lulworth Wareham.
