10 GREAT THINGS TO DO ALONG
World class walks, spectacular sea views and some of the best food and drink on these shores, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset and east Devon is a haven for nature and seafood lovers. ALEX GREEN rounds up the highlights
1 WALK THE DINOSAUR
Explore 95 miles of stunning coastline from Exmouth in east Devon to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage in Dorset. The ground beneath your feet reveals 185 million years of environmental change and evolution. As the UK’s only Natural World Heritage Site, it’s a landscape like no other and provides a fascinating insight into three different time periods, from the oldest Triassic era defined by the red rock stacks in the east, through to the Jurassic era following in the footsteps of dinosaurs, before ending up at the youngest white chalk cliffs and soft limestone rocks of the Cretaceous period. jurassiccoast.org
2 ROCK THE BOAT
Take a boat trip from Exmouth to Sidmouth with Stuart Line Cruises to see layers of history revealed in the rocks from the vantage point of the water. Stopping off at the Orcombe Point Geoneedle, which marks the official start of the Jurassic Coast, and the red rock stacks of Ladram Bay, before sailing into the Regal seaside town of Sidmouth, this is a voyage not to be missed.
Expert guides that know everything about the wildlife and geology of this coastline make this a fascinating journey. stuartlinecruises.co.uk
3 FISHING AT BEER
Enjoy a fishing trip on one of the colourful fishing boats that line the pebble beach at Beer. This picture-postcard seaside town, is set against a backdrop of the Hooken Cliffs - a 400-foot-high wall of white chalk and limestone, formed more than 200 years ago during a landslip. After landing your catch, while away the afternoon along the high street of independent shops, interspersed with terraced town houses, and quaint thatched cottages. Round off the day by tucking into traditional fish and chips with a pint of beer.
After all, when in Beer, It would be rude not to. fishinginbeer.co.uk
4 SEAWEED PRESSING, LYME REGIS
The discovery of a series of seaweed pressings, in an antiques shop, inspired Melanie Molesworth and Julia Bird to set up their own seaweed pressing venture. Spend some time foraging on the beach for the best seaweed specimens, before venturing into the workshop to learn the art of pressing them. You’ll create your own beautiful pressings to take home, along with some instructions about how to complete the process. Afterwards, eat out at one of the fine sea
