The intrigue of a bygone era has a unique way of captivating the adventurer in you. Delving into the past is not merely about visiting museums or galleries, it’s about genuinely experiencing the thrill of discovery. And what better way to do this than by hunting for fossils? Not just anywhere, but in the UK’s renowned Jurassic Coast, a World Heritage site. This 95-mile stretch of coastline from East Devon to Dorset houses some of the most abundant and well-preserved fossils in the world. But where to stay while you embark on this Jurassic journey? Fret not, for your answer lies in the multitude of campsites that offer guided fossil hunting tours along this coast.
Unveiling the Charm of Lyme Regis
Located in West Dorset, Lyme Regis is fondly referred to as the ‘Pearl of Dorset.’ Known for its high concentration of fossils, Lyme Regis offers a prime location for fossil hunting. The town is also home to several campsites that provide guided fossil hunting tours.
One such campsite is the Wood Farm Caravan Park. This site not only offers an array of camping and caravanning facilities but also arranges fossil hunting tours along the beach. The park’s experienced guides provide an engaging and informative narration throughout the tour, making the experience both educational and enjoyable.
Another option is the Monkton Wyld Holiday Park. This park, nestled amidst lush greenery, offers excellent tent and caravan facilities. The park also arranges guided fossil hunting tours, allowing you to explore the deep secrets of Lyme Regis’s ancient coast.
Charmed by Charmouth
A little to the east of Lyme Regis, you’ll find Charmouth, another fossil-rich beach town on the Jurassic Coast. Charmouth beach is famous for its easily accessible fossil hunting spots. The beach is so teeming with fossils that you can often find them washed up on the shore after a high tide.
Charmouth Camping and Caravanning Club Site is a popular choice for campers. This campsite offers a variety of facilities, including clean water supply, electricity, and a dog-friendly environment. Moreover, it also organizes guided fossil hunting tours. The guides are well-versed in the art of fossil hunting and proficiently lead you to the promising spots where you can find incredible fossils.
Just up the road from Charmouth beach, you will find Newlands Holiday Park. This park boasts a range of facilities including an indoor heated pool, adventure playground, and a shop. They also organize guided fossil hunting tours, providing you with an enriching and adventurous experience.
The Wonders of West Bay
Further east from Charmouth, lies the picturesque town of West Bay. West Bay houses some of the Jurassic Coast’s most iconic cliff formations. These cliffs are a treasure trove of fossils waiting to be discovered.
West Bay Holiday Park is a fantastic place to set up camp. The park offers a range of accommodation options from holiday homes to pitches for tents and caravans. On top of the essential facilities, like a supermarket and laundromat, the park also offers a leisure complex complete with a pool and a bar. More importantly, the park provides guided fossil hunting tours, allowing you to discover the Jurassic past of the West Bay coast.
Graston Copse Holiday Park is another excellent choice for camping in West Bay. The park provides an idyllic setting amidst trees and alongside a gentle river. The facilities include a shop, dog exercise area, and a play area for children. And of course, they also offer guided fossil hunting tours, making it an ideal camping spot for fossil enthusiasts.
Enigmatic Eype
On the outskirts of West Bay lies the small and tranquil village of Eype. Eype’s beach is a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it also holds a high concentration of fossils.
Highlands End Holiday Park, situated on the clifftop at Eype, offers some of the most breath-taking views of the Jurassic Coast. The park includes a range of facilities such as a bar and restaurant, a leisure club with a gym and swimming pool, and a pitch-and-putt golf course. Apart from these, the park offers guided fossil hunting tours, making it an irresistible option for fossil hunting enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Jurassic Coast, with its abundance of fossils, offers an unrivalled opportunity to delve into the history of our planet. The various campsites catering to fossil hunting enthusiasts ensure a comfortable stay coupled with the thrill of discovery. Whether it’s Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay or Eype, each locale offers unique experiences and memories to cherish forever. There’s no better way to spend a day than hunting for fossils in the UK’s Jurassic Coast.
Exploring the Isle of Wight’s Jurassic Coast
Venturing away from the mainland to the Isle of Wight, you’ll find yourself stepping back in time as you explore this island’s part of the Jurassic Coast. The Isle of Wight is home to numerous fossils, including those of dinosaurs, making it a must-visit for any budding paleontologist.
Whitefield Forest Touring Park is an excellent place to set up camp while exploring the island. Surrounded by acres of beautiful woodland, this campsite offers facilities for motorhomes, tents and caravans. Amenities include potable water, showers, and trash disposal. As an added bonus, they also offer guided fossil hunting tours. Their experienced guides will take you to the best spots on the island, where you’re sure to find some remarkable fossils.
Another fantastic campsite on the Isle of Wight is the Orchards Holiday Park. This family-friendly site provides a wide range of facilities, including an indoor and outdoor pool, a grocery shop, and a games room. Additionally, they also organize guided fossil hunting tours on the Jurassic Coast, making it a favourite among families and fossil enthusiasts alike.
Durdle Door and the South West Coast
The South West Coast of the Jurassic Coast, particularly around Durdle Door, is yet another fantastic spot for fossil hunting. Here, you can find a range of fossils from the Jurassic era, adding to the excitement of your adventure.
Durdle Door Holiday Park is a great base for your fossil hunting expedition. This park offers a variety of accommodation options, including pitches for tents, motorhomes, and even glamping options for those who prefer a touch of luxury. The park offers key facilities like potable water, campfires, showers, and trash disposal. The park also arranges guided fossil hunting tours, ensuring that you get the most out of your fossil hunting adventure.
Golden Cap Holiday Park, located near the South West Coast, offers an impressive view of the Golden Cap, the highest point on the south coast. The park provides a wide range of facilities including a shop, a bar, a children’s play area, and pitches for tents, caravans, and motorhomes. More importantly, the park organizes guided fossil hunting tours, allowing you to explore the fossil-rich South West Coast.
In Conclusion
The Jurassic Coast in the UK is undeniably a paradise for fossil hunters. The abundant campsites along the coast not only provide comfortable accommodation options but also offer the exciting prospect of guided fossil hunting tours. Whether you choose Lyme Regis, Charmouth, West Bay, Eype, the Isle of Wight, or the South West Coast around Durdle Door, you are sure to have an unforgettable experience hunting for fossils. So pack your bags, get your motorhome or tent ready, make sure you have plenty of potable water and get ready to step back in time on your fossil hunting adventure!
