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February half term will be here before you know it and there are fewer places more exciting to explore than the Jurassic Coast. If you fancy becoming dinosaur hunters this February, here are our suggestions of things to do along the coast.
Spend some time at the beach
We’re due some good weather, so let’s all send good vibes to the sun so that it makes an appearance this half term. Whether its glorious sunshine or a bit overcast, there are an abundance of beaches to visit along the Jurassic Coast, some where you can play in the sand, some where you can brave the water and get involved with some watersports and some where you can discover something new by rockpooling or fossil hunting.
Some of our favourite beaches to visit along the Jurassic Coast are:
Chesil Beach, Dorset
Swanage Beach, Dorset
Knoll Beach, Studland, Dorset
Lulworth Cove, Dorset
Budleigh Salterton Beach, Devon
Bowleaze Cove, Dorset
Beer Beach, Devon
For beaches perfect for finding fossils, head to places like Chesil Beach and Budleigh Salterton, or for sandy beaches, Knoll Beach is a good shout as it is backed by sand dunes and forms part of the Studland National Nature Reserve. Lulworth Cove and Bowleaze Cove are both great for those that want to take in incredible views, while Swanage is a more traditional looking seaside resort, for those that want a prelude to their summer holidays.
If you are feeling a bit adventurous, book a session or two with Buddens Activity Centre, which is located in the heart of the Isle of Purbeck and gives you the opportunity to explore the region while keeping active. With everything from sailing, wind surfing and just about everything else you can think of, it’s a great way to keep you entertained over half term.
Explore the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path is the longest waymarked footpath, running from around 630 miles, 115 of which follows the Jurassic Coast. It’s a great way to see some of the region’s hidden gems and explore the full history of the coast, which ranges from Triassic all the way through to Jurassic.
Just make sure to check before you head out in case of path closures.
Alternatively, why not explore the Jurassic Coast from the water with a cruise from Stuart Line Cruises? They offer regular cruises of the coast, as well as themed voyages including their bird watching trips.
Visit a museum
Being a region full of history, there are museums all over for you to learn more about the incredible people who called the Jurassic Coast home and the various discoveries that have been made here. One of the most famous is the Lyme Regis Museum which is in the former home of Mary Anning, one of the UK’s leading fossil hunter. Elsewhere the Lulworth Cove Visitor Centre is a good place to find out more about Durdle Door and that region, while Sidmouth Museum is home to rare reptile fossils and bones, including the remains of a rhynchosaur.
Find a whole host of museums, many of which are free to visit here.
Another place you can learn more about the natural world is the Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. There are incredible views across the Jurassic Coast from the site, as well as a chance to learn more about a host of special and rare plants.
Want to find more things to do while in the region? Click here.
Looking for places to stay? There are a host of places perfect for families. One option is a holiday park like Freshwater Beach Holiday Park in Burton Bradstock. With their Jurassic Fun Centre on site, you have everything you need for a fun, family holiday. The site even has a steam room, sauna and gym, so the adults can be entertained too.
Another option is booking a self catering property like a cottage or lodge, where you’ll have your own space and privacy and more flexibility. Dorset Holiday Cottages has a portfolio of properties close to many of the Jurassic Coast’s popular attractions, beaches and more, they have something to suit every taste and budget.
Want more options? There are a host of properties from hotels to B&Bs and everything in between, just waiting for you. Whether you’re looking for a campsite, a hotel room or a holiday park with an array of facilities, you’ll find the perfect home from home for your visit to the Jurassic Coast.
Related
Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is no ordinary garden, with its own micro-climate in a sheltered woodland valley on the Jurassic Coast. The special plant collection has been built up over the last quarter of a century and with an interesting and full history makes for a ‘must see’ visit to Dorset.
holidaycottages.co.uk offers a beautiful selection of holiday cottages along the Jurassic Coast with properties throughout Dorset and South Devon. Each unique location provides the perfect base to explore the region's diverse landscapes whilst enjoying a variety of contemporary living or traditional accommodation options.
Locations don’t come better than the one you’ll find here at family-run Freshwater Beach Holiday Park, situated on a spectacular expanse of beach on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast. The park has its own private beach and whilst the coastline’s geology may stretch back millions of years, everything here at Freshwater Beach is bang up to date.
Buddens Activity Centre offers you the opportunity to explore the natural environment and take part in a huge range of outdoor adventurous activities in a stunning setting.
Stuart Line Cruises is a multi-award-winning, family-run business which has now been operating for over 50 years from Exmouth in Devon.
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