Jurassic Coast Path WalkThe Jurassic coast is part of the Isle of Purbeck in rural Dorset. Actually, Purbeck is not really an island, but it is part of the Dorset coast path, and remember, Purbeck is more than just an ancient name. A world apart, with Poole Harbour to the north and Bournemouth further east and to the south is the Jurassic Coast, England's first Natural World Heritage Site, passing through Swanage, Luworth Cove and further west to Lyme Regis. It has all been protected through centuries of private ownership, now reinforced by the National Trust and other conservation bodies. Beginning at the old town of Wareham, its centre is the famous and historic stronghold of Corfe Castle.  The downs lead east to white chalk cliffs and Purbeck's most dramatic scene - the three mile sweep of golden sand at Studland Bay which is the start of the Jurassic coastline. The beach below us is easily one of the best in Europe, with clean sand and safe bathing without waves, and the currents or steep shelving. It faces east and is protected from the prevailing wind from the English Channel.
Sandbanks Ferry is a vehicular chain ferry which crosses the entrance of Poole Harbour in the English county of Dorset. The route runs from Sandbanks to Studland and in doing so cuts the journey to just a few minutes. I personally prefer the drive to Swanage via Wareham passing the historic castle of Corfe and area. The castle is some fifteen hundred years old, and as I said, it has lots of history with ancient gruesome stories too. Click here to view the area from several miles up in space. The South Downs extend about 70 miles (100 km) through the counties of East Sussex, West Sussex, and part of Hampshire and Dorset. A downland is an area of open chalk hills. This term is especially used to describe the chalk countryside in southern England. Areas of downland are often referred to as the Downs. Downland is formed when chalk formations are raised above the surrounding rocks. The chalk slowly erodes to form characteristic rolling hills and valleys. As the chalk layer is generally tilted, chalk downland formations typically have a marked scarp slope on one side, which is very steep, and a dip slope on the other, which is much shallower. Where the downs meet the sea, characteristic white chalk cliffs can be formed, such as the White cliffs of Dover and on the Isle of Wight. 
South Downs View Magazine is the publication for residents and visitors to the South Downs. Produced by the South Downs Joint Committee, it was launched in May 2007 and will continue to be published on an annual basis.
With articles about cultural heritage, conservation, sustainable living, accessing sites by public transport and a list of events, it is quickly establishing itself as the definitive newspaper for the South Downs. Please click on the graphic to the right to view the publication, then come back here as we continue with our London Day Trips. You can read South Downs View here or pick up a copy at one of the many outlets across the area, including libraries, railway stations, tourist information centres and a variety of tourist attractions.
Let's recap on the background about this fossil loaded coastline: This Dorset and East Devon coastline was awarded World Heritage Status by UNESCO, the "United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation". The 95 mile long Jurassic Coastline is England’s first Natural World Heritage Site and stands within the ranks of other Natural World Heritage Sites such as the Grand Canyon in Arizona and the Great Barrier Reef off the east coast of Brisbane, Australia. Getting there by train: For a great London day trip to the Jurassic Coast I would suggest taking the Express Train from Waterloo Mainline Station in central London to Poole in Dorset. It's fast, comfortable and a very convenient way to travel. Click Here for the direct link for fares and timetables and special deals. Have a great Jurassic Coast story?
We all have very special travel adventures and an unbelievable story we would like to share..........or even give advice or recommend your favourite off the beaten track experiencees. What about that really nice pub or restaurant you rave about, or even that pictuesque hotel or B/B you stumbled upon on the Jurassic Coast. This is the place to share your story....Be one of the first to share ideas about the Jurassic Coast:
Jurassic Coast & Purbeck
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