Discover Dorset’s Prehistoric Past On The Jurassic Coast

There are a range of short breaks in Dorset that will give you a full and fun experience, but we have a personal recommendation. If you’re a fan of the prehistoric past, then get yourself to the Jurassic Coast to experience history at its finest, and to really throw yourselves back in time.

Historic Landscapes

The Dorset coast is a geographer’s dream, with multi-coloured geological strata, visible erosion and naturally sculpted rock formations. As well as these special attractions, there are also classic sandy beaches, walkable headlands and some cute hidden coves, all perfect for the outdoorsy type.

The cliff erosion processes that have been happening for hundreds of thousands of years along the Jurassic Coast have created beautiful, natural landscape formations such as Chesil Beach. Plus, they lead to new fossils being discovered all the time!

Fossil Hunting 

Fossil hunting in Charmouth is a fun and easy beachside activity that will amuse adults and little ones. This area is particularly rich in fossils, but that doesn’t mean they come easily! You have to have oodles of patience and be prepared to commit a bit of time to it.

If you want to increase your chances of finding a nice specimen the you might consider joining a guided Fossil Walk, leaving from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Accompanied by an experienced member of staff, you should stand a good chance of uncovering all sorts of keys to the past.

Be sure to try this experience in the winter months, as the harsher weather often exposes things that would be hidden during calmer seasons, making it even easier to bag yourself a unique souvenir to take home.

Scelidosaurus

While you’re at the Coast Centre, you simply have to take a look at the full scale Scelidosaurus cast that is on display there. This dinosaur is unique to the Dorset Coast, and fossils of its kind have only ever been found between Charmouth and Lyme Regis.

The creature was 4 metres long, had a horned beak, and was one of the earliest dinosaurs to have armour in the form of bony plates and spines on its back! Not one to miss if you’re into anything from the Cretaceous period.

Pilosaur, anyone?

Didn’t find your own fossil on this trip? Feeling sold short? Breaks in Dorset wouldn’t be the same without the option to visit Dorset County Museum, where an impressive Pilosaur skull is located. It’s nearly 2.5 metres long, originally belonging to a 16 metre-long sea-swelling creature from 155 million years ago! Not one to miss, that’s for sure.

If you’re looking for short breaks in Dorset, you’ll find a multitude of options to cater to whatever your Jurassic wishes may be! Head down to the coast and treat yourself (and whoever you’re travelling with) to a weekend away in some of the most geologically inspiring countryside in the UK.

Author Plate

Michael Paul is the Managing Director of Michael Paul Holidays, a holiday property agency offering a handpicked range of accommodation in wonderful UK locations. Whether you are looking for the best short breaks in Dorset or the cosiest cottages and log cabins in Scotland, he and his team will find you that perfect property for an unforgettable trip.