Spring

Spring is a time for new beginnings. On the Jurassic Coast, the lingering frosts thaw, leaves and flowers return to the trees, and light shines on our beloved rocks once more. It’s the perfect time to put those plans you hatched over Winter into action – discover a new favourite place to go or thing to do and enjoy it all year long.

Experience something new

Spring is the perfect time to delve into a new activity. Ever tried coasteering? How about kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding? Now’s the perfect time of year to give it a go before outlets and venues become too busy.

There’s also some superb heritage activities here – how about taking a ride through history at Seaton Tramway or Swanage Railway? One of the best ways to experience the Jurassic Coast is from the sea, so a Spring boat trip makes a brilliant day out as well. We heartily recommend the trips available from the World Heritage Site’s westerly and easterly bookends (Exmouth and Poole respectively), where you’ll see our renowned rocks in all their glory.

See our gardens spring into life

This is the best time of year to visit some of our charming parks and gardens. There’s Abbotsbury Sub-Tropical Gardens (and its accompanying Swannery) of course, which makes for a day’s discovery by itself.

Sidmouth is home to Connaught Gardens which is accessible via a sloping concrete path from the seafront and is the perfect stop for a bit of contemplative Spring time walking.

Lyme Regis has Langmoor Gardens, which sits atop the famous seafront and offers spectacular views over Lyme Bay. There’s a woodland walk and some interesting sculptures on display (see if you can spot the ammonite and the ichthyosaur at opposite ends of the garden), all accessible via smooth paths, making it a good option for those with buggies or wheelchairs.

Gear up for events season

Staying in Lyme Regis, the famous Fossil Festival takes place there every May and is the perfect opportunity to explore your passion for all things palaeontological. There are displays from many different organisations, hands-on science demonstrations and talks, so it’s well worth a visit.

Elsewhere, Spring represents the beginning of the Jurassic Coast events season, with food festivals, local markets and exhibitions happening nearly every day. See our What’s On guide for everything that’s coming up.