3 days ago
10 things to do on England's Jurassic Coast
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There's more to England than meets the eye... here's where to start.
1. Family fun for all
Little ones will love a trip to Farmer Palmer's Farm Park in Organford, near Poole. There are meet the animal activities – the farm is home to alpacas and birds, as well as cows, donkeys, piglets and goats, and there is also a water splash park, a summer maize maze, picnic areas, a deer feeding safari and a World of Dinosaur Roar Discovery Trail.
2. Find a fossil
Millions of years ago, England's Jurassic Coast was roamed by dinosaurs and prehistoric sea creatures. Today, it is one of the best locations in the world to find fossils. Top hunting spots are the beaches at Lyme Regis and Charmouth. If you need guidance on what to look for, join a free guided fossil hunt at Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre where you'll find some previous historic finds on display.
Lower Jurassic ammonites from Lyme Regis
3. A room at the inn
The first guests stayed at The Castle Inn in the late 1600s. Today the pub and hotel near Lulworth Cove is one of Dorset's oldest establishments and it's still welcoming guests. With a thatched roof, lime-washed walls and rooms with heavy timber eaves and cosy fireplaces, this is as traditional and English as hotels get.
4. Take a snap at sunset
Stretching for 152 km, there are countless locations along the Jurassic Coast that make for picture-perfect moments. A favourite sunset spot is Durdle Door at Lulworth Cove with its striking natural limestone arch that stretches into the sea. It's about a 15-minute walk from the carpark to the beach so wear comfortable shoes.
Durdle Door by Dorset Beach
5. Go to a market or two
The villages lining the Jurassic Coast are home to plenty of local markets. At farmers markets you can pick up traditional Dorset produce – try Dorset Knob biscuits, warm apple cake, and Portland Pudding made with dried fruit and candied peel. If you're a vintage lover, don't miss Bridport Vintage Market on the last Sunday of the month.
6. Tea anyone?
The majestic Lulworth Castle has stood guard over the Lulworth Estate near Wool since the 17th century. See how the aristocracy lived, explore the ancient woodland and park and then stop at the Castle Tearoom for a cup of local Clipper Tea and a scone.
Lulworth Castle, Dorset, UK
7. In the steps of dinosaurs
Head to the coastal town of Swanage and follow the Spyway Dinosaur Footprints. More than 100 fossilised footprints were trapped and preserved in the rocks of a disused quarry – the massive prints date back more than 140 million years. While you're there, enjoy the views from the soaring clifftops and visit in spring and you may be lucky enough to see the rare early spider orchid in bloom.
8. Discover the dark side
In Weymouth, meet at the Nothe Tavern for a 90-minute walk that will reveal the darker side of this seaside town. Stay close to your guide as he shares ghostly tales and gruesome events that unfolded in the streets and laneways of Weymouth. Expect to discover some secret tunnels, haunted buildings and to hear stories of unsettling and spooky happenings. The Promenade area is allegedly haunted by an old woman who 'smells of death' and sits on a bench overlooking the sea.
Nightfall over Weymouth
9. Enjoy a seafood feast
When you're exploring the Jurassic Coast, it makes sense to also savour the fresh, locally-caught seafood as part of your visit. The expansive windows of the Seaside Boarding House at Burton Bradstock overlook Lyme Bay and the menu includes mouth-watering dishes including Portland Pearl oysters, fried baby squid with chilli, and battered cod with traditional English mushy peas.
10. Visit the tip of Dorset
The Isle of Portland is connected to mainland Dorset by 28km Chesil Beach. Spend a day driving around the twisting narrow roads of Portland, enjoying the views, and visiting landmarks like the red and white-striped Portland Bill lighthouse and the bleak Portland Castle dating from the 1500s.
Originally published as What to plan for a trip to England's Jurassic Coast
