What is the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is a stretch of coastline protected by UNESCO for its historical significance and natural beauty.
It's a World Heritage Site that features a number of stunning natural locations and holiday destinations that offer unique geology and scientific value.
How did the Jurassic Coast get its name?
The Jurassic coast gets its name from the Jurassic fossils that can be found on some of its beaches.
Where is the Jurassic Coast?
The Jurassic Coast is located in the regions of Dorset and Devon in the southwest of England.
Specifically from Exmouth in Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, the coastline features many unique towns, villages and sites of natural beauty.
Covering most of Dorset's coastline and a chunk of Devons, the Jurassic Coast forms a prominent and important part of the UK's geological history.
How Long is the Jurassic Coast?
The coast stretches across 95 miles between Studland Bay in Dorset to Exmouth in East Devon.
This stunning stretch of coastline is 185 million years old.
Spanning across the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, this coastlines geology spans from 252 million years ago to 65 million years ago.
That means the Jurassic Coast formed during the separation of the supercontinent Pangaea.
Formed by the continent breaking apart and the opening of the Atlantic ocean.
Prehistoric animals that once roamed the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast truly lives up to its name and was once the home to prehistoric giants, animals and vegetation across land, sea and sky.
Gigantic dinosaurs like the sauropod, plesiosaurus, iguanodontidae and duriavenator once roamed the Jurassic Coast. Other animals including crocodiles, sharks and turtles also lived in the area.
This stretch of coastline has included a number of highly valuable sites that have given us insights and understanding of the diversity of life during the Mesozoic Era in particular.
What kind of fossils can you find along the Jurassic Coast?
There is a large array of fossils to be found on the Jurassic coast including Jurassic, Cretaceous and Triassic fossils.
You might be able to find the fossils of seashells, sea urchins and more on the beaches between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.
If you look har enough you may even find ammonites, belemnites, or fossils of marine reptiles like ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.
You can also find a vast amount on show at various visitor centres along the coast which also offer interesting facts and information about Jurassic Coast history.
Major towns, landmarks and castles
Featuring some truly stunning and diverse landmarks and sites of natural beauty, the Jurassic Coast has no shortage of incredible places to visit.
Some popular towns on the Jurassic Coast include Lyme Regis, Exmouth, Abbotsbury, Weymouth and Portland, all offering unique local areas, activities, cuisine and more.
The Jurassic Coast is also home to some of Dorset’s Castles and other attractions including Durdle Door, Nothe Fort, Lulworth Cove and Chesil Beach.
Where to stay on your Jurassic Adventure
As you can imagine, the Jurassic Coast is home to a large selection of accommodation, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when booking a trip here!
If you’re looking for a touch of luxury and want to be close to some of the area’s beauty spots and tourist haunts like Weymouth and Chesil Beach, take a look at our award-winning Dorset holiday parks.
Or explore some of our most popular holidays and start planning your next beach getaway of seaside adventure.
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