The Jurassic Coast in Southern England has been classed a World Heritage Site due to its uniquely showcasing several geological time periods: Triassic (250 – 200 million years old), Jurassic (200 – 145 million years old) and Cretaceous (145 – 65 million years old).
Stretching 155 km from Swanage in East Devon to near Exmouth in East Dorset, this dramatic, sweeping coastline makes a fascinating and educational place to visit for the budding geologist or for people appreciative of scenic beauty.
flickr/Kevin Walsh
Massive upheavals in the earth, ice forming and melting, the pounding of the ocean against the coastline over tens of thousands of years have created many stunning examples of landforms, fossils and rock formations. So many in fact that the Jurassic Coast has been labelled an ‘outdoor laboratory’.
Scientists have discovered that the formation of each geological period is tilted, rather than on top of one another, which makes the Jurassic Coast easier to study as the oldest rocks and youngest rocks are in close proximity.
There are plenty of Visitor Centres and museums dotted all along the Jurassic Coast, providing exhibits, informational videos and fossil hunting walks. Some of the highlights include:
- Lulworth Cove for its folded rock layers and perfect crescent-shaped bay
flickr/Bobrad
- The shingle barrier bank at Chesil Beach
- Fossil hunting at Lyme Regis
- Colourful pebbles at Budleigh Salterton Beach
- The impressive rock arch of Durdle Door
flickr/Saffron Blaze
Be prepared to don your outdoor gear and go exploring whether it be along pebbled beaches or along cliff paths to get the most out of what the Jurassic Coast has to offer. Even though the erosion still at work makes the Jurassic Coast such an interesting place, there are still conservation regulations, such as only fossil collecting in certain parts or not removing coloured pebbles at certain beaches.
There are plenty of B&Bs, hotels and guest houses if you wish to visit the Jurassic Coast. Weymouth especially is a good place to stay, as is Lyme Regis. Check out these options for starters:
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