DAY 1 - The Jurassic Coast

• Jurassic Coast

  9 hoursAdmission Ticket Free

  We Head West into Purbeck. The gateway to the Jurassic Coast. The Jurassic Coast is 95 miles of coastline on the south of England, stretching from Old Harry Rocks to Exmouth in Devon. Formed over 185 million years Mainly known for its rock formations, stunning coastline and fossils. Durlston Park First stop is Durlston Park. Known for its wildlife, again the gateway to the Jurassic Coast. You will see the castle built in the Victorian period and the Great Globe, which is one of the largest globed in the world. The globe was situated in 1891. And the start of the Jurassic Coast Old Harry Rocks. Corfe Castle / Village of Corfe Then it's off to Corfe Castle. The castle was built by William the Conqueror, during the 11th century, for defensive purposes. It was one of the first stone castles in England; most earlier castles were built with wood and earth. During Medieval times, Corfe became a Royal castle and King John kept his crown jewels there. Abandoned Tyneham Village *Tyneham Village is still owned by the MOD and has scattered opening times Then from Corfe it's off to Tynham Village. Tyneham Village where time stopped in 1943. In November 1943 notice was given to the villagers that they would be required to leave within 28 days as the area was needed for forces’ training. On 17 December 1943 the last villagers left believing that one day they would be able to return. Sadly this was never to happen. Lulworth Castle (Closed Saturdays) Lulworth Castle, built in the early 17th Century as a hunting lodge, became a country house at the heart of a large estate. Thomas Howard, 3rd Lord Bindon, built the Castle in order to entertain hunting parties for the King and Court. The Howards owned it until 1641 when it was purchased by Humphrey Weld, the direct ancestor of the present owners. Gutted by fire in 1929. Durdle Door Durdle Door is a natural arch cut into the Portland Stone (Limestone) found on the south coast of England in the county of Dorset. The rocks that the arch is made up of is thought to be approximately 140 million years old. Originally the arch would have been a series of caves along the coast, made from cracks in the layers of rock that have been hollowed out. It first appeared on the first edition of the Ordnance Survey map, dated 1811, spelt Dirdale Door. Lulworth Cove Head down to Lulworth Cove and see the famous Lulworth Crumple rock formation in Stair Hole. Lulworth Cove formed over 1000's of years to form a perfect horse shoe shape into the hill side. Perfect for the photographer in you! Weymouth & Portland On to the 'isle' of Portland, located on the World Heritage Coast, is an explorer's Island with curiosities of history and folklore just waiting to be discovered. We look west over the 18miles of Chesil beach and the southernmost tip of the Jurassic Coast. With its 3 castles and 3 lighthouses, this little island packs a punch! Abbotsbury The picturesque village of Abbotsbury steeped in history, yet a village where the present is very much alive and the future perpetually evolving. There’s much more than first meets the eye when you visit Abbotsbury, it was once home to a richly endowed abbey, founded in 1044. The remains are still visible and date from the 13th and 14th centuries. St Catherine’s Mount High on Abbotsbury hilltop sits St Catherine’s Chapel, a barrel-vaulted 14th century chapel built by the monks of Abbotsbury Abbey as a place of pilgrimage and retreat. We take in the fantastic views of the abbey ruins and the 22 mile look back over Chesil Beach and the Fleet. Broadchurch & Westbay Then we visit the famous town where Broadchurch was filmed! On our way to Westbay in the Market town of Bridport. The golden strata of nearby East Cliff are one of the most distinctive features of the Jurassic Coast, and the area is very popular with walkers. East Beach has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest, and forms one end of Chesil Beach, which extends 18 miles south east to the Isle of Portland. The cliffs here are very unstable, so it’s important to keep well clear of the cliff edges and bases. Drop off at your booked accommodation in Yeovil. FREE TIME IN YEOVIL After you have been dropped off at your preferred booked accommodation, you have free time to explore the ancient city of Exeter on the River Exe. Dating back to the Roman era, the Exeter City Walls surround its centre and Gothic Exeter Cathedral. Exeter Castle, a Norman landmark, overlooks leafy Northernhay and Rougemont Gardens. To their west, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) displays fine art and costumes. The vaulted, medieval Underground Passages snake beneath the city.