I am all for a staycation. There are so many places in the UK that we are yet to discover, so at least once a year we like to stay put in the UK and have a few nights away somewhere new. Last year we were able to go down to Dorset and cross off a few things on the bucket list, like visiting the Durdle Door and other parts of the Jurassic Coast in Dorset.
It is such a stunning part of the UK. In fact, the Jurassic Coastline is one of the most famous parts of Dorset. It is also one of England’s World Heritage Sites, and it spans over a distance of around 95 miles. Believe it or not, the Jurassic coast ranks among wold-famous sites like the Great Barrier Reef and the Grand Canyon, as a natural wonder of the world; definitely worth a visit, right? Especially if you can find somewhere to stay like the Dorset holiday cottages from Lyme Bay Holidays.
Parts of the Dorset Jurassic coast are famous around the world for fossils, hence the coastline’s name, and there are new specimens are being uncovered pretty regularly. I remember when we visited last year with the children, they were fascinated by the stunning rocks that we found; we smashed them open and found sparkly minerals inside, so there are so many amazing natural things to discover. We’ve been having fun with out own fossil hunt at home too, which was really fun for the children to learn about and discover.
Here are just a few of the highlights that you can find on the Jurassic Coast
Lulworth Cove
The rocks at the very edge of the cliffs on the coast have eroded much more slowly than the rocks behind them, which explains Lulworth Cove’s horseshoe shape. There’s a beach, heritage centre, and a small village with a hotel and ancient pubs. This is the area of Dorset with the famous Durdle Door rock formation.
Fossil Forest
East of Lulworth is the area known as Fossil Forest. Known for all of the fossils that you can find, due to the algae growing around the tree stumps and fallen logs. It is a good place for a day out and a great way to spend time on the coast soaking up the outdoor atmosphere.
Lyme Regis and Charmouth
Lyme Regis and Charmouth are two spots in Dorset that are best for fossil hunting. Ammonites, much like the ones that we have been discovering at home, are some of the most found fossils there, as well as Belemnites and bones from the Ichthyosaurs; pretty incredible.
Durlston Head
Durlston Head, with the stunning Victorian Durlston Castle right by, offers amazing views of the English Channel, Durlston Bay and even over to the Isle of Wight. The wild coastal scenery is accessible from nearby Swanage, another area close to the beach that is stunning.
Have you got any plans to head off over Easter or in the summer, somewhere in the UK? It would be great to hear what you think.
*this is a collaborative post – all opinions are my own.
We went to Bournemouth last year but didn’t explore the beaches. Fossil hunting is great fun with or without kids! You forget what a lovely place the UK is sometimes
We LOVE the Jurassic Coast. So many beautifully stunning spots and lots of fun.
My children would love a staycation like this, we’ve not ventured to Dorset before so this might be something to look into for later in the year
Sarah | Boo Roo and Tigger Too recently posted…Easter Chick Sugar Cookies
Omg! This post could not have come at a more perfect time – I am off to Dorset tomorrow for the weekend. This looks so much fun – thanks for the tips!
Fashion and Frappes recently posted…London Day Trip: Cycling in Canterbury, Whitstable and Herne Bay
I don’t think I’m going to be doing too much over the easter holidays as I have just four days off, although the Jurassic coast is on my to visit list x
Dorset has been on my travel wishlist for a while now, it always looks such an amazing place! We love a staycation too and always try to do a few each year. Our Easter plans have changed as we’ve had to cancel our Yorkshire Dales break due to illness 🙁 hopefully we’ll manage a few days out exploring somewhere new though.
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I love a good staycation. Usually, we opt for going to Scotland or North Wales as we live in the NW and it’s easily accessible. I guess because we live up north we have neglected the beautiful places the south has to offer – especially that region.
What a great idea for a stay cation. Educational, but also very exciting too xx
That looks like a fun family staycation that had you guys filled with loads of memories.
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I live on the Jurassic Coast and would also add that Durlston is home to the Great Globe, which is well worth seeing, plus a visit to Tyneham and Worbarrow Bay is a must too