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It is a site of outstanding international importance for Earth Science. For this reason the Dorset
and East Devon Coast – the Jurassic Coast – was designated as England’s first natural World
Heritage Site in 2001. – from the Jurassic Coast website.

Perhaps the very best way to appreciate the Jurassic Coast is from the sea. On the water, you can
get up close and personal to dramatic sea stacks, admire sweeping beaches and intimate coves in
all their glory, look in awe at the cliffs (from a safe distance!) and really get a feel for the
spectacular geological processes that make this place what it is. Add to that frequent bird sightings
and, if you are lucky, maybe even a pod of dolphins or the odd seal.

There are several boat trip operators who will help you get out on the water. Go to the Jurassic
Coast website for more information.

Lyme Regis. A mediaeval town that was once a haunt for smugglers – before a fashion for sea
bathing gave it a more respectable air and it became a resort town of some note. Edward II used it
as a naval base during his wars with the French and the Duke of Monmouth landed here in 1685
to lead his ill-starred revolution against King James II.

The Cobb. The harbour for Lyme Regis is called The Cobb. No satisfactory explanation of the
name exists but a man-made construction has served as a refuge here since at least 1313.
Walking the wall is the best way to see The Cobb, although the Health and Safety people do their
best to put you off with gaudy yellow notices. Meryl Streep managed to get to the end of The Cobb
in the filmThe French Lieutenant’s Woman in bad weather so it can be done (although rumour has
it that it was a stunt man dressed in her cloak). However, in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, Louisa
Musgrove jumps off the steps, falls, and is concussed – so mind how you go!

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum. A private museum which is owned and run by Palaeontologist Steve
Davies and his wife Jenny. The museum contains a spectacular collection of the local Jurassic
marine fossils. The collection is probably the best fossil collection on public display in SW
England. In Coombe St, Lyme Regis.

The Lyme Regis Museum. If you are interested in the Jurassic Coast attractions this is a great
place to start. It houses some fantastic fossils and is a place to learn about the long history of
fossil collecting in the area and the deep links between Lyme Regis and the history of science
going back two hundred years. Find out about Mary Anning, the greatest fossil hunter that ever
lived and William Buckland, known as ‘the father of geology’.

Sidmouth. A dignified seaside resort snuggled between the red cliffs and the green fields of the
Sid Valley.

The infant Princess Victoria, later to become Queen Victoria, briefly lived here at Woolbrook
Cottage, now the Royal Glen Hotel. The death of her father, the Duke of Kent, a few weeks later
cut short her stay.

The Donkey Sanctuary. Slade Farm is home to 500 donkeys, many of them rescued from
situations of cruelty and neglect. You can get up close and personal with these remarkable and
affectionate animals. Great stop for kids. Restaurant on site.

Durdle Door. Durdle Door is one of Dorset’s most photographed landmarks. The name Durdle
comes from the Old English word “thirl” which means to pierce, bore or drill. Easy to see how the
formation got its name. It was created when the immense power of the Atlantic waves pierced,
bored or drilled a hole in the limestone rock to form a natural arch.

Go to our side trip notes for more information . . .