The Jurassic Coast is the name given to an area of 95 miles of UK coastline stretching from Exmouth in Devon to Swanage in Dorset. It was awarded World Heritage Site Status in 2001, in recognition of its iconic natural landmarks and its unique history and geography.
The name ‘Jurassic Coast’ is a reference to the area’s incredible geological make-up, with beaches, cliffs and rock formations dating back to the Jurassic, Triassic and Cretaceous periods – almost 200 million years of natural history in one little area of coastline!
The diversity of the Jurassic Coast is one of the reasons why it is considered so special, from the red cliffs of East Devon to the unique pebble formations of Chesil Beach. There are just so many great locations you won’t want to miss out on, so deciding where to begin on a Jurassic Coast holiday can be a real challenge.
The coast is well served by its gateway towns and villages, which have museums and visitor centres full of useful information to help you have a productive and enjoyable trip. These gateway towns include Lyme Regis, Beer, Swanage, Weymouth and Charmouth.
Each part of the coast has its own distinctive claim to fame. Charmouth and Lyme Regis are recognised as some of the best places in the entire UK for finding fossils, which are still emerging in astonishing numbers each year from the cliffs and beaches around the two towns. Lulworth has its beautiful crescent-shaped cove, formed over millions of years since the age of the dinosaurs. A little further down the coast is Weymouth, favourite resort of King George III, with its long, golden beaches and wonderfully warm climate.
With many people wanting to see as much of the coast as possible and not be tied to one place, camping has become an increasingly popular option for visitors to the Jurassic Coast area in the summer months.
With your own caravan or tourer, you can travel at your own pace and stop in at the many top class holiday parks dotted along the Jurassic Coast. These parks also have a wide range of pre-existing accommodation on offer for those without their own campers and caravans, all fully-fitted and priced to suit a range of budgets.
The advantage of camping in a holiday park is the freedom and sense of adventure you get, while at the same time having all the facilities and amenities you need close to hand. This makes it an ideal option for families with small children. A fun, comfortable family trip on the stunning Jurassic Coast, all at an affordable price – what’s not to like?
Jackie Ireland is Owner of Newlands Holiday Park.
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Useful links:
Camping in Dorset
Tourist attractions in Dorset
