Booking information
Contact an expert to discuss this weekend break
May 2027 - 5 days
Register at tours@newscientist.com and we will contact when confirmed details including dates and prices are available.
Discover the science of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the wonders of geology take centre stage, from the ever-changing coastal landscapes to the historic beaches and geology with insights from a variety of geology, palaeontology and palaeozoology experts. Discover the thrill of fossil hunting and enjoy a scenic coastal cruise showcasing breathtaking views of this spectacular region from a unique perspectives.
Embark on a captivating Jurassic Coast scientific tour from Exeter, tracing one of the world’s most remarkable geological landscapes. Travel west to Lyme Regis, the birthplace of modern paleontology, where you’ll explore fossil-rich beaches and visit the Lyme Regis Museum, learning about the pioneering work of Mary Anning and the fossils that helped shape our understanding of prehistoric life. Continue to Charmouth, where the cliffs and beaches reveal layers of Early Jurassic mudstones teeming with ammonites, belemnites, and ichthyosaur remains. Here, the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides a hands-on experience in fossil identification, while your geology expert explains how erosion continually exposes new scientific treasures. Journey eastwards to the iconic Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove, natural laboratories for studying coastal erosion, sedimentary formations, and the interplay of rock types in shaping the dramatic coastline.
Throughout the tour, a geology expert will accompany the group, offering a series of engaging talks and field insights, from the formation of the cliffs to the science behind fossil preservation, providing both a thrilling and deeply educational exploration of the Jurassic Coast’s 185-million-year history.
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a curious newcomer wanting to learn more about the history of one of England's most beautiful and historic coastal regions, this captivating short break will leave you with a profound appreciation for one of the world’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. This extraordinary destination is the only place on Earth where you can witness an unbroken sequence of rocks from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, spanning an incredible 185 million years of Earth’s history.
Day 1: Arrive in Exeter and meet the group
Check into your hotel located in the heart of Exeter. The remainder of the day is at leaisure.
Nestled on the banks of the River Exe, Exeter sits atop layers of Devonian sandstone and Permian red beds, offering a subtle glimpse into the region’s deep geological past. Famous for its stunning Gothic cathedral, historic quayside, and medieval streets. The city’s vibrant cultural sites provide a perfect introduction before exploring the natural wonders of the Jurassic Coast.
There will be a welcome meetings with your tour guide and expert. Afterwards, enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Day 2: Morning city tour and afternoon geology cruise
This morning, enjoy a guided city tour of Exeter, a historic gem in the heart of Devon. Discover the city’s rich heritage as you stroll through its charming streets, admire the magnificent Exeter Cathedral with its stunning Gothic architecture, and visit the remains of the ancient Roman city walls. Explore the bustling quayside, where old warehouses have been transformed into inviting cafés and craft shops, and learn about Exeter’s fascinating past and vibrant modern culture along the way.
After lunch, you will be transferred by coach to Exmouth marina to board your boat for your geology cruise along the Jurassic Coast, allowing a different viewpoint from the previous day’s exploration. After embarking in Exmouth harbour, known as the gateway to the Jurassic Coast, you will be introduced to your onboard geologist.
You will return to the hotel after the cruise for dinner.
Day 3: Lyme Regis Museum and fossil hunting
After an early breakfast, you will depart Exeter at around 9am and travel to the Lyme Regis by coach, a journey of around 40 minutes. On arrival you will explore the Lyme Regis Museum and Lyme Regis coastal path.
Begin with a private guided tour of the Lyme Regis Museum where you will learn all about the remarkable fossil hunter Mary Anning, her groundbreaking discoveries, and the pivotal role they played in shaping our understanding of prehistoric life. You will be accompanied by a member of the team from the Lyme Regis Museum who will offering an engaging insight into Mary Anning as well as exploring this beautiful coastline.
Afterwards, take part in a fossil walk accompanied experts from the Lyme Regis Museum on Lyme’s famous East beach and Black Ven. The walk a great way to learn more about the geology of the Jurassic Coast and to hear about the amazing fossils discovered here in Lyme Regis. The walk will last around 2 hours. Please wear sensible footwear and come dressed for the weather on the day.
Enjoy lunch at your own leisure in Lyme Regis.
In the afternoon, continue onto Charmouth and its world-renowned Fossil Beach where you will walk along cliffs and shorelines that reveal over 185 million years of geological history. Learn how shifting seas, volcanic forces, and ancient ecosystems shaped the dramatic landscapes visible today.
Visit the the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, examine real fossils and discover how erosion continues to expose new specimens, providing vital insights into prehistoric marine life. Then, head onto the beach for a hands-on fossil hunt — a chance to identify ammonites, belemnites, and other remnants of the Jurassic seas while deepening your understanding of paleontology and coastal science in action.
Continue eastward to Weymouth where you will spend the next two nights.
Please note todays activity will be subject to change due to tide times.
Day 4: Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove, Corfe Castle and The Etches Collection
Today you will visit the iconic limestone arch of Durdle Door — a natural laboratory for studying coastal erosion, sedimentary processes, and the power of the sea in sculpting geological formations.
Afterwards, explore nearby Lulworth Cove, a wonderful example of coastal geomorphology, where erosion through varying rock types reveals the forces that continue to shape this dynamic coastline.
Afterwards, visit Corfe Castle, discover how geology influenced human settlement, with its commanding position atop a natural chalk ridge formed in the Late Cretaceous period.
Conclude your day with a private tour of The Etches Collection in Kimmeridge, a museum of extraordinary fossils preserved in the local Kimmeridge Clay. Here, you’ll see marine reptiles, ammonites, and delicate fossils that provide vital clues about ancient Jurassic seas — a fitting finale to a day immersed in the deep-time science of the Jurassic Coast.
Return to Weymouth for a final dinner with the group.
Day 5: Weymouth departure
Depart after breakfast. For those wanting to extend their time in this region, please speak to one of the team from Kirker Holidays.
