It’s the name we give to a 95-mile stretch of coastline in southern England. It runs along the bottom of the counties of Dorset and Devon.
The word ‘Jurassic’ refers to a time period in the dim and distant past, between 250 million years ago and 145 million years ago. This was during the age of the dinosaurs, which is where the films get their name — and it’s also how old some of the rocks are on this stretch of coast!
At different points in history, this whole area has been desert, marshland, and even covered in tropical seawater. This means the geology, or rock formations, are fascinating, and there are also lots of fossils to be found. It’s a beautiful part of the country to spend time rock-pooling, fossil-hunting, and finding out about smugglers and pirates.
If you’d like to explore the Jurassic Coast this year, the good news is that there are three YHA hostels located right on it!
Hostels along the Jurassic Coast
YHA Beer
The youth hostel is a great accommodation choice for cheap family holidays and school trips. YHA Beer is located on the stunningly beautiful Jurassic coast, now listed as a world heritage site.
It’s great for geology, rock pools and fossil hunting, and of course, walking and photography.
YHA Lulworth Cove
Offering coastal and countryside getaways, this rural retreat is ideal for Dorset family holidays or weekend breaks. Surrounded by views of the Dorset hills, the hostel is only a one mile walk to the famous Lulworth Cove, an icon of the Jurassic Coast and considered one of the finest examples of this type of land formation.
YHA Swanage
A large, sea-facing Victorian villa, YHA Swanage is situated five minutes’ walk from the award-winning beach of Swanage – the only Blue Flag beach along the entire Dorset Jurassic Coast.
Spend a restful holiday building sandcastles, paddling in the sea and sampling local ice cream or alternatively, give coasteering or diving a go on this rugged coastline.
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