Making The Most Of A Long Weekend Away On The Jurassic Coast

Pick Your Destination

Covering about 95 miles of coastline, there are plenty of incredible places to stay along the Jurassic Coast, and the area you choose will direct some of the activities you take part in.

If you’re fancying a more action-packed weekend, then head to Weymouth where you’ll find a range of water sports and exciting activities.

For those looking for a calm weekend away, then Lyme Regis could be just the place; the incredible choice of Dorset Holiday Cottages from Lyme Bay Holidays means you’ll have a home from home during your stay.

The promenade in Lyme Regis, with the cliffs of Black Ven in the background.

Choose Your Activities

Before you travel it could be worth planning your activities ahead of time. Booking on certain excursions will ensure you get a place and picking routes for your walks or even just searching for the best spots for fossil hunting can all be super helpful.

Explore the History

The Jurassic Coast is steeped in history with plenty of amazing castles, forts and stately homes to explore. Corfe Castle is a particular highlight along with the abandoned village of Tyneham and the Nothe Fort in Weymouth.

Do some research before you travel and see which historical landmarks could be near to where you are staying and get out and explore.

Corfe Castle, Purbeck. © Chris Parker via Flickr

Go Fossil Hunting

Famous for its fossils, Lyme Regis has been attracting avid fossil hunters for generations, and getting out to explore the beaches could be a perfect way to entertain the whole family.

It’s important before you go however that you make note of which beaches you can take fossils from (Lyme Regis and Charmouth are best), and which areas are safe for fossil hunting, along with making a note of the tides before you venture out.

The time of year also plays an important part in your fossil hunting adventures; winter always proves a quieter time and the fossils are often easier to come by due to erosion!

Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast.

Take in the Nature

With lots of amazing scenery up and down the Jurassic Coast, there is so much to see. Some incredible not to miss spots are of course Durdle Door, the picture-postcard limestone arch in Dorset, and Chesil Beach, the 18-mile-long 15-metre-high shingle bank which is quite a spectacle.

Dog Friendly

If you’re planning on travelling with your four-legged friends, there are also plenty of dog-friendly outdoor and indoor activities to take part in. Do some research before you travel to find out the best walks for you and your pup, and the pubs and cafes which are happy to let dogs in.

Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast.

So there you have it, some fantastic ideas of things to do on your weekend away on the Jurassic Coast. There is so much to do and see in this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site, you may want to stay more than just a long weekend!