Creating YouTube videos from around the South West of England, I have found myself in lots of destinations on the Jurassic Coast.
Its a joy to me to visit these beaches and although I am by far, not a Geologist, I really enjoy admiring the ancient and colourful cliffs and rocks that make up this 95 mile stretch of coast line as I explore it and spend time enjoying its glorious beaches.
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Where is the Jurassic Coast
The Jurassic Coast runs from Orcombe Point in Exmouth, which is in East Devon to Old Harry Rocks which is near Swanage in Dorset.
Why is it called the Jurassic Coast?
It’s called the Jurassic Coast because in the cliffs there are fossils which originate from the Jurassic times which was 200 – 145 million years ago.
Is the Jurassic Coast good for fossil hunting?
Absolutely, the Jurassic Coast is fantastic for fossil hunting.
Where are some good fossil hunting beaches on the Jurassic Coast?
Two of the best beaches to go looking for fossils on the Jurassic Coast are Charmouth and Lyme Regis. I have visited both of these beaches for my youtube channel. When I visited Charmouth I saw many people tapping with little hammers looking for fossils.
When is the best time to find fossils on the Jurassic Coast?
The best time to find fossils of animals that swam in the sea in Jurassic times is in the winter after a big storm.
If you want to go out in an organised group and be led by an expert join a fossil hunting walk from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or the Lyme Regis Museum.
The Lyme Regis Museum is built on the site of Mary Anning’s old home and offers lots of interesting fossil displays and educative fossil exhibitions. It’s an ideal place to take the family while visiting the lovely seas side resort of Lyme Regis.
In a recent visit to Lyme Regis I saw the new statue of Mary Anning in Lyme Regis. I show it near the beginning of this video.
Who was Mary Anning?
Mary Anning is a famous fossil hunter who lived and searched for fossils in Lyme Regis in the 19th Century.
She made some amazing discoveries in the town and these led her to became famous throughout the world.
She found, researched and sold many fossils from the time of the dinosaurs and used them to make money to help her provide for her family.
She uncovered the first complete Ichyosaur fossil that was ever found. This ichycosaur has been displayed in the Natural History museum in London.
Is the Jurassic Coast a good place to visit for a holiday?
With a mix of sandy beaches, shingly shorelines, rugged coastal paths, pretty villages and terrific towns the Jurassic Coast is an ideal coast of England to visit for holidays, whether a solo traveller, a couple or a family group.
A Geologist’s dream, a fossil hunter’s paradise I would highly recommend paying the area a visit.
Can I get to the Jurassic Coast by train?
You can get trains to Weymouth, Exmouth or Axminster and then travel to other locations from those by bus. There is a very reliable Jurassic Coaster service, which during good weather has many open top services.
Check out www.travelinesw.com to get information on how to travel by public transport from one place in the South West of England to another place in the South West of Engand.