If you know me, then you will know that I am really into history. Ancient history to be specific, but I tend to take an interest in any sort of British history. I have been to quite a few historical sites around the UK. If I’m in a new city, I always like to check out their castles and cathedrals (if they have one!) and any museums they may have. I have also got two archaeology related degrees. One thing that has always fascinated me is fossils. Ever since I was small, I have loved learning about fossils and have always looked for them when I’ve been on a beach. I even tried to make my own fossil by burying a shell in the garden. Obviously, 20+ years later I realise how ridiculous this was but at the time I couldn’t wait to dig up my fossil!
The Jurassic Coast
I have always wanted to visit the Jurassic Coast which is 95 miles of coastline from Devon to Dorset. Along the Jurassic Coast, which is a World Heritage Site, there are plenty of opportunities to go fossil hunting. I’ve only been to Dorset a couple of times and have only been to Bournemouth. I love travelling around the UK and I would love to go to Dorset next summer to have a walk along the Jurassic Coast to see if I can find any fossils.
Fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast
I have found fossils on a beach before, when I was on the Isle of Wight in 2012. I wish I had made more of an effort to visit the south coast while I was living in Winchester over the last year. I will definitely be making plans to go to the Jurassic Coast next year though. Lyme Bay Holidays have created the infographic below which you can use as a guide when you go fossil hunting. I will be printing this out and taking it with me when I do go!
One of the places I would like to visit most is Lyme Regis, which is nicknamed “The Pearl of Dorset”. Lyme Regis has a brilliant museum which displays many different types of fossils. I think that I would really enjoy a trip here. Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is also nearby and I’ve heard that is worth a visit too.
Have you ever visited Dorset or the Jurassic Coast?
O h I love Lyme Regis, it is a wonderful place – you have to visit! We often stay on the Jurassic coast, usually in Swanage. It’s such a great place to holiday with loads to see and do.
We went to the Jurassic Coast when my son was really into dinosaurs. We went to West Bay to fossil hunt (without success) and went to some shops in Lyme Regis that were selling fossils.