The Dorset and East Devon coast, known as the ‘Jurassic Coast’ is so geologically rich that it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a brilliant place to hunt for fossils, whether you are an expert palaeontologist or just out for a walk in this beautiful part of England. The natural limestone arch of Durdle Door and the beautiful Lulworth Cove are probably two of the most photographed landmarks in Dorset and should be included in any tour of southern England.
Cornwall DMC work as a specialist inbound tour operator for Southern England. Offering ground services and support to group leaders, overseas travel agents and tour operators looking to bring clients to the UK. Working in partnership to create new and innovative products tailored to special interests and specific markets.
For more information about Cornwall DMC or to get in touch please contact us.
The Isle of Portland is connected to the mainland south of Weymouth by a narrow neck of land. Portland Stone has been quarried for over 600 years; this limestone was used by Sir Christopher Wren for the rebuilding of St Paul’s Cathedral after the Great Fire of London in 1666. It has been used throughout the UK and has been used in many iconic buildings such as the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London, the British Museum, the Bank of England and the Cenotaph to name a few.
Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour is a nature reserve owned by the National Trust and is open to day visitors. With wonderful views of the Purbeck Hills the island is a unique haven for many types of wildlife including rare red squirrels. Brownsea Island is also rich in history and is where Lord Baden-Powell founded the Scouting and Guiding movement with the first camp being held here in 1907.
As you travel along the coast past Southampton into Dorset the focus of the coastline is on nature. The great bay of Poole Harbour with its creeks and saltmarshes is a great habitat for wading birds. The great shingle bank of Chesil Beach which stretches for 18 miles is one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks along with Durdle Door. Behind the giant pebble beach is the Fleet Lagoon which is home to many species of birds including the hundreds of swans that are resident at the Abbotsbury Swannery. Abbotsbury is a delightful Dorset village with thatched houses, a great monastic tithe barn which is nearly 300 feet long as well as the 14th C St Catherine’s Chapel on a hill overlooking the medieval swannery.
Bournemouth is the largest resort in Dorset with seven miles of sandy beaches, beautiful parks and flower gardens. There is plenty to see and do for all the family on a vacation here whatever the weather.
The little resort of Swanage is a fascinating place to stroll around with its lovely sandy beach and clear water, the nearby picturesque village of Corfe Castle with its ruined Castle of the same name is a great place to visit on any vacation to Dorset.
Weymouth became a popular resort during the reign of King George III, it was his favourite holiday location as the sea bathing was said to have greatly improved his health. The large golden sandy beach is backed by Georgian houses, cafes, restaurants and shops. The historic fishing harbour is a great place to relax and watch boats of all sizes coming and going.
Lyme Regis is a small resort on the Dorset/Devon border and has several distinguished literary connections. Jane Austen 1775-1817 came on holiday here and her last novel Persuasion is partly set in the town. Oscar Wilde took a vacation here, as well as JRR Tolkien and Beatrix Potter. The Cobb breakwater is used in the opening scene of the film The French Lieutenant’s Woman starring Meryl Streep which is based on John Fowles’s novel that is set in and around Lyme Regis. One of the town’s most famous residents was Mary Anning 1799-1847. She was an English palaeontologist who made Lyme Regis famous with her discovery of fossils on this beautiful coastline.
The Great British Coastline – Group Travel & Bespoke Individual Luxury Tours
