Destination Focus: Fossil hunting and feasting in Dorset

Few coastlines can lay claim to 185 million years of the earth’s history, yet this is the prize for visiting Dorset’s Jurassic Coast.

Each stop along the Dorset coast will provide you with an insight into local life, with each location offering its own unique charm to explore

Strike out along the South West Coast Path, crash along the waves on a Rigid Inflatable Boat or stay put in one of its glorious resorts, Lyme Regis, Studland, Swanage and Weymouth – each one oozes charm and character.

This World Heritage Site probably features more iconic geographical landmarks than any other, presenting no shortage of jaw-dropping photo ops. If you’ve yet to visit, must-sees include Old Harry Rocks, Lulworth Cove, Durdle Door, Chesil Beach and West Bay to name a few. Just be sure to plan ahead to avoid the crowds, these world-famous sites draw plenty of visitors.

Take the family fossil-hunting, star-gaze over the sea, try coasteering or wine-tasting at a local vineyard, the experiences on offer are far from sleepy! Fore / Adventure run great outdoor adventures including kayaking, foraging and feasts - we spoke to them for a blog here.

Dorset may have rolling farmland, thatched-cottage villages and spectacular gardens, but its lively pubs, festivals and entertainment programme are cutting edge.

Dorset’s local dialect has more than 50 words and phrases for food, so little wonder it boasts celebrity restaurants with menus making the most of local produce. Check out locally made Gelato ice-cream, Blue Vinny cheese, Conker or Lilliput Gins, micro-breweries like Hall & Woodhouse and Piddle Valley, and the world’s only pure milk Black Cow vodka. Then there’s the cider…

If you're looking for a hotel or B&B on the Dorset coast then there are plenty of great options, otherwise take it easy at a holiday park, there's also lots of great camping and glamping sites! Explore more of the South Coast here.

Top places to visit on the South West Coast Path in Winter from a trail runner!

Frances Mills is a trail runner and tour guide for Active England Tours, she has spent the past three winters running around the 2,700 miles of England’s Coast. This blog highlights some of Frances’ favourite places to visit along the South West Coast Path, including some great personal tales and also her top tips for winter travel in Cornwall.

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Destination Focus: Fossil hunting and feasting in Dorset

Each stop along the Dorset coast will provide you with an insight into local life, with each location offering its own unique charm to explore

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