Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation
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Explore Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation
Lyme Bay and Torbay Essentials
This collection spans the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast and the South Devon shoreline. It features the prehistoric cave system of Kents Cavern, the 12th-century Torre Abbey, and the artillery fortifications of Dartmouth Castle. Natural landmarks include the golden sandstone cliffs of Golden Cap and the limestone plateau of Berry Head. The selection also covers the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark, the fossil-rich Lyme Regis Museum, and the historic West Bay Harbour.
11 places
Coastal Escapes & Beaches
This collection explores the diverse coastline of Lyme Bay and Torbay, spanning the UNESCO-designated Jurassic Coast and the English Riviera. It features geological landmarks ranging from 185-million-year-old sandstone cliffs to the distinct red breccia of Babbacombe. The list includes Blue Flag sandy beaches, secluded shingle coves accessible only by foot, and traditional fishing harbors. These locations offer specific opportunities for fossil hunting, rock pooling, and swimming in the sheltered waters of the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
16 places
Historic Castles and Ruins
This collection features significant coastal fortifications and atmospheric ruins along the South Devon and Dorset coast. At the mouth of the Dart Estuary, the 15th-century Dartmouth Castle and its counterpart Kingswear Castle represent some of England's earliest purpose-built artillery forts. Further along the coastline, the remains of the World War II Brownstone Battery and its associated spotlight station offer insights into 20th-century coastal defense. The list also includes the medieval ruins of St Gabriel’s Chapel, situated near Golden Cap.
5 places
Coastal Views & Cliffs
This collection features the dramatic limestone cliffs and fossil-rich shorelines of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching across Devon and Dorset. It includes prominent headlands like Berry Head, home to Napoleonic-era fortifications and rare seabird colonies, alongside expansive views of Lyme Bay. The selection highlights geological landmarks, secluded bays, and elevated viewpoints along the South West Coast Path, offering perspectives on 185 million years of Earth's history through its Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous rock formations.
10 placesMap of Lyme Bay and Torbay Special Area of Conservation
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