The Jurassic Coast

When we planned this trip we never expected to inspire young children to ask questions like:

Is a Tyrannosaurus Rex larger than a Diplodocus? How many Durdle Doors are there? How many Tyrannosaurs could fit under Durdle Door? Was Mary Anning the first person to find fossils or the first woman to find a complete fossil skeleton? How expensive are crystals? How old is a jellyfish, if they predated dinosaurs? How do the continents move?

We had only hoped to have a coach tour, spend time together with friends and meet new people in the dispersed community of Ukrainian refugees. Instead our coach journey was a joy and an inspiration to the youngest in our group.

Our first port of call was Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door. Most made it to Durdle Door and back, though the path was steep and the day hot. Some had coffees at the Cove.

Credit: Oksana Homonets

Credit: Oksana Homonets

Credit: Tetyana Grebenets

We came to Weymouth Beach and joined the fun fair, some even taking a donkey ride and many more heading for the Sunflower Cafe.

Weymouth Beach

Credit: Maryna Dovbysh

The donkeys at Weymouth Beach.

Credit: Oksana Homonets

At the Sunflower Cafe in Weymouth

Credit Maryna Dovbysh

An amazing cherry and chocolate cheesecake with latte at the Sunflower Cafe.

After the sand was well rubbed into our clothes and skin we re-joined the coach and headed to Portland Bill and the most southern part of Dorset, as far from Shaftesbury as we could go!

Looking down on Portland Harbour from the Olympic Rings at Portland heights.

The sky was blue for the end to our day.

Portland Bill

At Portland Bill. The sun begins to fall on a super trip.

Credit Tetyana Grebenets

There was just enough time for games of cards and darts and a sundowner on The Eight Kings patio. Unable to stay for their traditional midsummer Christmas dinner we headed off with our reliable and skilled Vale Coaches’ driver Tina and were back home by 9.30pm.

Weary but happy!