The Jurassic Coast​ - A Walk Through Time

The Jurassic Coast is a  95 mile stretch of rugged coastline and beaches runnig from Studland Bay in Dorset in the east, to Exmouth in Devon to the West.  Classified as a World Heritage site, it is the only place in the world where you can witness 185 million years of history played out in the rocks before you.

When you walk the coastal path, you are literary walking through time, a continuous slideshow of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.  The strata of the eroding cliffs are stacked up like the pages of an ancient manuscript.  It may be difficult to fathom 185 million years, but just imagine 6 million grannies all lined up in a row for perspective!

Our tour may include the following: 

• Corfe Castle-  One of the oldest castles in Britain and the first built of local Purbeck stone in 1090 by the Norman invaders.  A royal castle throughout the middle ages, it was captured by Parliament forces in 1645 from the Royalists and destroyed by explosives. The ruins are still well worth the visit.
• Swanage Railway - a restored stream locomotive running on a 6 mile stretch of track from Swanage through Corfe village.
• Lulworth Cove-   This stunning natural horseshoe harbour is a great place to witness 185 million years of the earths evolution. From here we can take a gentle one mile stroll along the coastal path to witness amazing natural formations such as Durdle Door, Bats Head, and Scratchy Bottom and enjoy the fresh sea air or enjoy one of the cafes in the Cove. 
  

• Charmouth Beach – Visit the Jurassic Heritage Centre and enjoy a guided fossil hunt on the beach. If you are lucky you may find 100 million year old ammonite or perhaps a section of dinosaur backbone!  If you are unsuccessful during your fossil hunt, you can always get your own fossil from the Heritage Centre for a modest donation. 
• Lyme Regis - Relax in the historic seaside town of Lyme Regis.   The small fishing harbour called the Cobb is  protected from the waves by a stone wall first built in the 7th Century and given as royal charter by King Edward 1 in 1284.  Stand where Meryl Streep stood in a storm during The French Lietenant’s Woman.  The author Jane Austen holidayed here on several occasions and the harbour wall features in her novel Persuasion.  There are various fish and chip stands lining the harbour where you can get a takeaway and enjoy it whilst soaking in the sea air and breezes.   
• Chesil Beach - To the west of Portland is an 18 mile long shingle beach strip formed during the last Ice Age.  It acts as a natural barrier to the power of the wind and waves.  Here, the sound of the 18 billion shifting pebbles compete with the roar of the waves crashing down.  Truly an elemental site where sea, stone and sky meet!  
• Abbotsbury Swannery - Nearby is the wonderful and unique swan sanctuary, originally set up by Benedictine Monks in 1040.  It is now the world’s only protected breeding site for over 600 mute swans.

This a tour not to be missed.  The sea air will do you a power of good!

Pricing Chart per Day *

Number of Passengers/ Pick-Up Location	1-4	5-6	7-8
Salisbury	£340	£420	£470
Southampton	£360	£440	£490
Bath	£380	£460	£510
Heathrow	£570	£650	£700
Central London	£620	£700	£750

* Price in pound sterling.  Rate to be confirmed at time of booking.
For an exact quotation and reservation, please contact Holly.