Kids

The UK quest
Fossil-hunting on the Jurassic Coast, Devon and Dorset
Massive natural erosion is currently exposing new crops of fossils along the 95-mile coastline spanning Dorset and Devon. Awarded Natural World Heritage status in December 2001, the Jurassic Coast reflects 185 million years of evolution.

Jurassic lark: fossil fun in Charmouth

The lower Jurassic clays of Charmouth in Dorset make it one of the best places to find fossils, and Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers ‘Fossil Fantastic’ weekends for families. The centre’s wardens teach visitors how fossils are formed and how to identify them. There are workshops in fossil-mould-making and ammonite-slice-polishing, interactive computers, hands-on displays, guided fossil-hunts on Charmouth beach and video microscopes to examine finds. A highlight of the weekend is building a giant marine reptile sculpture on the beach using pebbles and sand. The centre shows two short films in its theatre, for an additional £1 for adults, 50p for children. Feature continues

If all those fossils leave you yearning to see a living creature, visit the swannery in nearby Abbotsbury, where you can walk among 600 nesting swans.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset (01297 560772/www.charmouth.org). Adm free. Fossil Fantastic weekend £40, children £30 excluding accommodation and meals. Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Rd, Abbotsbury, Dorset (01305 871858/ www.abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk/swannery). Adm £7.50, £4.50 children.

Getting there Waterloo to Axminster (Adult Saver Return from £50;www.thetrainline.com) then 31 bus which runs Axminster to Weymouth, stops in Charmouth and runs in line with train arrival times.

Where to staySwansmead B&B (www.swansmead.co.uk/ 01297 560465/gilly@swansmead.co.uk), a two-minute stroll from Charmouth beach and enjoying views over the sea from the dining room and bedrooms. Large family room (double bed and large bunk beds) from £25 per person per night. There are many other B&Bs, hotels and homes to let in the surrounding area (www.lymeregisholidays.com). A three-bedroom holiday home costs around £600 a week.