Explore the Jurassic Coast
Jurassic Coast stretches over 150 kilometers along the south coast of the England, encompassing regions of Devon and Dorset. The area which you can explore is vast and it is something that deserves the attention and awe because of its special landscape.
The coast offers many interesting things to see and places to visit. Sometimes it is hard to select what you want to experience when there are plenty of options, so here is mine personal selection of beautiful places to see on the unique Jurassic Coast.
Beautiful and interesting places to see on the Jurassic Coast
ABBOTSBURY SUBTROPICAL GARDENS
Beautiful gardens just inland of the Jurrasic Coast. Well worth of visit and I am sure you will be satisfied. Choose a sunny day and enjoy all the colors of plants and trees. The gardens have altogether a very meditative feel about them. In order to experience it, visit on working days or in early mornings on weekends. Close to the gardens is more popular Abbotsbury Swannery with another ticket. If you cannot decide should you go to the gardens or to the Swannery, I would choose the gardens unless the swans are "your special thing".
CHARMOUTH
The center of the so-called fossil searching. Charmouth Heritage Coast Center, with free entry, located on the beach, exhibits some of the fossils found on the spot and important historical events. After you seen that, it is time to get exploring! This place is wonderful to walk around. It is open and inviting, as there are many groups of people doing the fossil search. You can have equipment to do that or you can just try do it with hands provisionally. If this is something you haven't experienced before, it is really worth of visiting to get close to this unusual imprint of a time long gone. Take care not to get very close to the edge of the cliffs and act reasonably as the English coastal cliffs are prone to erosion, which means that they are falling. Always check the weather before and plan your trip preferably on clear and sunny days.
CHESIL BEACH
This very long gravel beach is part of Jurassic Coast. Great for stopover to soak up seaside air. Interesting thing about this beach is that pebbles show a remarkable gradation in size. Starting on one side they are few centimeters big and gradually decrease in their size along the route till few millimeters. People landing on the beach at night are said to have been able to work out their location based on the pebble size. The sorting of the pebbles is due to the difference in wave height and direction along the beach.
CORFE CASTLE
Corfe Castle is a historical ruin with plentiful history spanning over 1000 years. Nicely settled on the rolling hills, these ruins have beautiful views. It's a storytelling place that serves as enhancing background for photography. Take time to visit the village bellow as it has a nice atmosphere.
MAIDEN CASTLE
Do you enjoy ancient history? Then this spot is for you. Even if you are not that much into history, this place is still worth of your time since it is one of the largest and most complex Iron Age hill forts in Europe. It is truly a vast one! When you reach the top it does have nice views on Dorchester, Poundbury, grazing sheep, all the greenery and when I was there, there was one pale but still visible crop formation. This place has an amazing value and just being there on that breeze and soaking in the sunshine is an experience by itself. Don't just pass it by. Check it out. It is free and visitable during daytime.
DURDLE DOOR
After you pass all the military area, you will reach Durdle Door. Beach and special formed arch that greets you as you stroll down the stairs to the sea. It is a very popular area where you can enjoy the fresh air and super cold water. People use this rock to jump into the cold water during summer time...but the water, even during warm days, is very cold. You go in and turn into a popsicle. The way how to enjoy beaches in England is on the seashore. Having a bonfire (if allowed), with drinks and chips on a warm blanket...and watch towards the sea. That's English seaside.
POUNDBURY
Poundbury is an experimental urban extension that is made in accordance with the principle of architecture and urban planning as advocated by present King Charles. He is known for his stance in supporting the "old ways" of architecture. I cannot say that I enjoyed Poundbury much, but I appreciate the idea behind it. This place, Corbusier's nightmare, shows how it is strangely possible to build a community based on a more traditional approach to architectural expression even in postmodern world. Well, it's royalty, so it can pass I guess. Personally, I cannot say that I enjoy post-war architecture, nor the coldness of modern architecture, but copying traditional architecture without genius loci that is connected with natural development over time does give some plastic atmosphere. That's how Poundbury feels. However, every pair of eyes has a different stance about it. Go and walk around. There are some elements that are really good if you are into architectural details. Please, be warned if you are one of those fanatical minimalist who cannot bare to see anything else but pure emptiness: don't go. I never understood how a building can be insulting to someone, but yet to some people it is. Plenty of details for your eyes? Then don't go there. Go to Tate Modern. That's empty. I can also say (but I don't) that I am insulted by buildings that are just empty...yet I don't go around telling others that I feel insulted by them. Be open minded.
Respect and explore the JURASSIC COAST as it represents unique natural and historical heritage. Come and visit!
If you had been to the Jurassic Coast, what was your favorite part?