It’s that time of year when many people will be planning their last minute summer holidays, and deciding whether to go abroad or stay in the UK. Both have their advantages, but in recent years more and more people have been choosing the latter option and staying to explore the best that the UK has to offer in terms of food, scenery, and activities.

One of the UK’s most popular destinations for tourists is the Jurassic Coast in Devon and Dorset. Stretching for 95 miles, this area of coastline is famed for its stunning natural landmarks, beautiful beaches and abundance of prehistoric fossils.

In 2001 it was awarded World Heritage Status, putting it in the same league as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef in terms of unique natural beauty and scientific value. This kick-started a huge wave of interest in the region, with visitors flocking in from all over the UK and around the world.

Hundreds of millions of years ago, the Jurassic Coast area was a tropical paradise teeming with an incredibly rich and diverse collection of marine life. The remains of these creatures can now be found embedded in the cliff faces or nestled amongst the rocks on the beaches around Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

A day’s fossil hunting makes a great family activity – you can either join a guided expedition with local experts or simply go looking by yourselves. Either way, whatever you find is yours to keep.

Also not to be missed is the spectacular Durdle Door, the perfectly formed rock arch jutting out from the coast near Lulworth – instantly recognisable from the thousands of postcards, calendars and guidebooks on which it appears. Taking a swim underneath the arch is a wonderful experience, although inexperienced swimmers are advised to exercise caution because currents can be strong. Durdle Beach is great for relaxing and sunbathing in the shadow of the arch if you don’t fancy having a swim!

As well as the beautiful scenery, the Jurassic Coast area has gained a reputation for excellent food and drink, with seafood the prime local speciality. The seaside town of Weymouth hosts an annual three day seafood festival each summer, with some of the best chefs in the area gathering to cook mouthwatering fishcakes, paella, and many other seafood dishes.

There is plentiful accommodation along the coastline – everything from rented cottages to family-run B&Bs and grand Georgian hotels. There are also several fantastic holiday parks, which offer facilities for camping and caravanning as well as fully-furnished family apartments and wooden lodges.

These holiday parks are a fun and family-friendly way to experience the Jurassic Coast. With all the amenities you need right there on site, you have more of your day to spend exploring the Coast without having to waste time looking for shops or places to eat.

In short, the Jurassic Coast has everything you could possibly want for a perfect family getaway – unforgettable scenery, plentiful activities, incredible food and a wide choice of accommodation – all waiting for you in Dorset without you even needing so much as a passport!

Author Bio: For fabulous Jurassic Coast holidays visit Newlands Holiday Park, a popular Dorset holiday park that is perfect for Jurassic Coast camping.

Category: Travel
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