The coastline of Devon and Dorset has been attracting visitors for hundreds of years.
Today most families come for the beaches, but it is also brings many people interested in geology, fossils and history.
Here's how to explore this historically-rich and beautiful stretch of English coastline with your kids.
The 95 miles of coastline between Orcombe Point in Devon and Old Harry Rocks in Dorset is nicknamed the Jurassic Coast, and in 2001 was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status.
This stretch of English coastline abounds with fossil-filled cliffs, beautiful beaches and wonderful sites to explore making it a fantastic destination for your next family holiday.
History
The geological history of the Jurassic Coast goes back millions of years, as we explore below, but many of the Jurassic Coast Gateway Towns also have their own important histories.
Lyme Regis is linked with the 1685 Monmouth Rebellion, when the Duke of Monmouth landed there.
Links to the Monmouth Rebellion can also be viewed at the historic county town of Dorset, Dorchester which has several museums and other interesting features.
More recent history, especially history linked to the Second World War, can also be viewed, with beaches used for training for the Normandy landings.
The ghost village of Tyneham is also a reminder of this period.
It sits in the middle of an army artillery range and is only open during August and some weekends.
Many of the towns along the Jurassic Coast have been built up around tourism, with popular towns like Swanage and Weymouth attracting visitors since the Victorian period.
They remain popular today and have lots of different types of family-friendly accommodation available from caravan holidays and camping to hotels and holiday cottages to rent.
Geology
Scientists have been visiting the Jurassic Coast for hundreds of years, mainly due to the fact that in many locations 180 million years of geological history can be clearly observed.
Exposed sections of cliffs and outcrops show the strata of the different rock types laid down in the Mesozoic Era.
Features like Old Harry Rocks and Durdle Door still attract geological students and casual visitors today.
This makes it an amazing place to explore for any prehistoric or dinosaur-mad kids!
Fossils
The Jurassic Coast has been known for centuries for its fossil discoveries, and even today impressive specimens are uncovered every year.
It's the perfect place for a bit of family fossil hunting!
The area around Lyme Regis is particularly popular with fossil hunters, but those actively looking for fossils are encouraged to keep with the local code of conduct.
Victorian paleontologist Mary Anning, a native of Lyme Regis, was one of the first fossil hunters to record and preserve the amazing discoveries to be found along this coast.
Bear in mind that people are encouraged to look for fossils here, but are forbidden from digging out fossils that are still in situ.
Erosion continually uncovers new specimens, so it is better to recover the loose fossils that might otherwise be lost for ever.
The Beaches
During the summer many visitors make their way to the beaches of the Jurassic Coast which are perfect for families.
Around Exmouth and Orcombe Bay are two miles of sandy beaches, whilst other Devon beaches at Seaton, Beer and Budleigh Salterton are more noted for their pebbles.
The Dorset section of beaches along the Jurassic Coast are arguably more popular, and are sandier in nature, and the most popular beaches tend to be at Swanage, Studland and Weymouth.
Whichever beach you choose, there will undoubtedly be plenty of sunshine to enjoy it as this is amongst the warmest and sunniest places in the UK.
The Jurassic Coast is a great place for families to holiday, or head to for a day out or longer visit.
Many towns are great holiday destination for those wanting to spend an entire week in the area, whilst other places are a great place to visit for the day.
Enjoy exploring England's world famous Jurassic Coast!
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