Black Ven Dorset
Discover ancient treasures on the Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, a dynamic fossil hunting ground with Europe's largest mudslide.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Exposes more of the beach
Black Ven Dorset
Best Time
Exposes more of the beach
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient treasures on the Jurassic Coast at Black Ven, a dynamic fossil hunting ground with Europe's largest mudslide.
"Brilliant town & a stunning part of our coastline for fossil hunting!"
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is often muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Always check the tide times before visiting to maximize your beachcombing time and ensure safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ammonite Discoveries
Black Ven Beach
Hunt for ancient ammonite fossils, a common and exciting find on this Jurassic Coast gem.
Mudslide Spectacle
Black Ven Cliffs
Witness Europe's largest mudslide, a dynamic geological feature that constantly reshapes the coastline.
Fossil Hunting Adventure
Black Ven Beach
Explore the beach for belemnites, echinoids, and other prehistoric marine life revealed by erosion.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fossil Hunting Hotspot
Coastal Erosion & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is often muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Always check the tide times before visiting to maximize your beachcombing time and ensure safety.
🔨 Bring a Fossil Hammer
A small hammer and chisel can help you carefully extract fossils from the rock.
🎨 Creative Inspiration
Artists find inspiration here for paintings and artwork, capturing the unique coastal scenery. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Footwear
The beach is often muddy and slippery. Waterproof boots are highly recommended for comfort and safety.
⏳ Check Tide Times
Always check the tide times before visiting to maximize your beachcombing time and ensure safety.
🔨 Bring a Fossil Hammer
A small hammer and chisel can help you carefully extract fossils from the rock.
🎨 Creative Inspiration
Artists find inspiration here for paintings and artwork, capturing the unique coastal scenery.
💎 Look for Woodstones
Keep an eye out for woodstones, which can contain numerous small ammonites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Black Ven as a prime location for fossil hunting, with many families and individuals enjoying the thrill of discovery. The dramatic coastal scenery and the unique geological features, like the large mudslide, are also highly praised. Some visitors note the muddy conditions and the need for sturdy footwear, but this is generally seen as part of the authentic coastal experience.
"We drove to Charmouth to park up & hit the beach for some good fossil hunting. We didn't do a fossil walk or anything like that. We took our own hammer. We spent our time walking along Black Ven & we found an ammonite, common I know but still it was ammonite. My boys were so excited by the discovery.
Afterwards we headed into town to get a feed. Brilliant town & a stunning part of our coastline."
Warren Duffus
"Beautiful location for fossil hunting!"
Kev 57731
"Great place to unwind."
Brussel Sprout
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Black Ven is located between Lyme Regis and Charmouth on Dorset's Jurassic Coast. The easiest access is often from Charmouth Beach car park. From there, you can walk along the coast path towards Black Ven.
Yes, there is parking available at Charmouth Beach. This is a popular starting point for exploring Black Ven and the surrounding coastline.
You can reach Lyme Regis or Charmouth by bus, and then it's a walk to the beach. Check local bus timetables for the most up-to-date information.
Access is typically via Charmouth Beach. Be prepared for a walk along the coastline from the main beach area to reach the base of Black Ven.
Absolutely! Black Ven makes for a fantastic day trip, especially for fossil enthusiasts and nature lovers. Combine it with a visit to Lyme Regis or Charmouth.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Black Ven itself is a natural coastal area and does not require an entrance ticket. Parking at Charmouth Beach may have a fee.
Black Ven is accessible at all times, but it's best to visit during daylight hours and always check tide times for safe access to the beach.
While not always available directly at Black Ven, Lyme Regis Museum and local guides sometimes offer fossil walks in the wider Jurassic Coast area, which may include Black Ven.
The beach access itself is free. However, parking at Charmouth Beach, which is the most convenient access point, typically incurs a charge.
Yes, fossil collecting is permitted at Black Ven. However, it's important to do so responsibly and ethically, respecting any local guidelines.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Black Ven is renowned for ammonites, belemnites, and occasionally echinoids and reptile bones like Ichthyosaur vertebrae. The eroding cliffs constantly reveal new finds.
Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential due to the muddy and slippery terrain. Layers of clothing are advisable as coastal weather can change quickly.
Yes, children often enjoy the adventure of fossil hunting. However, adult supervision is crucial due to the coastal environment and potential for mud.
The terrain is a mix of shingle beach and very muddy slopes, especially at the base of the cliffs. It's a dynamic landscape shaped by erosion.
Directly at Black Ven, facilities are minimal. However, Charmouth and Lyme Regis nearby offer amenities like cafes, toilets, and shops.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic coastal landscapes, the unique mudslide formations, and of course, any fossil finds. The interplay of light and shadow on the cliffs can be stunning.
Definitely. The rugged coastline, the sea, and the imposing cliffs offer dramatic scenes for landscape photographers.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for landscape shots. Midday can be harsh, but good for spotting fossils.
Absolutely! Documenting your fossil finds is a great way to remember your discoveries.
Generally, no specific restrictions apply to personal photography. However, always be mindful of other visitors and the natural environment.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families:
* Sturdy, waterproof footwear is non-negotiable for navigating the muddy terrain.
* Bring a small bucket and spade for collecting finds and building sandcastles (if the sand is visible!).
* Supervise children closely, especially near the water and the base of the cliffs, as the area can be slippery and unstable.
* Consider a guided fossil walk if available in the wider Lyme Regis/Charmouth area for expert insights and a more structured experience.
🎨 Artists and Photographers
+1Tips for creatives:
* Visit during golden hour for the most dramatic lighting on the coastal scenery.
* Focus on textures and patterns in the rocks and mudslides for abstract compositions.
* Document your fossil finds – they can be fascinating subjects for sketches or detailed photographs.
+1* Be prepared for the elements; bring waterproof gear and a sturdy tripod for stable shots in windy conditions.
💎 Fossil Enthusiasts
+1Essential advice for fossil hunters:
* Research common finds in the area to know what you're looking for. Ammonites and belemnites are abundant.
+1* Carry appropriate tools: a small hammer, chisel, and a brush can help in careful extraction.
* Be patient and observant. Sometimes the best finds are small or partially exposed.
* Consider joining local fossil hunting groups or forums for tips and to share your discoveries.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Geological Marvel of Black Ven
The erosion process at Black Ven is dynamic. Heavy rainfall can accelerate the mudslides, bringing down large quantities of rock and sediment. This is precisely why it's a treasure trove for fossil hunters. Visitors often find ammonites, belemnites, and even fragments of marine reptile bones. The sheer volume of material constantly being exposed makes it a unique and ever-changing fossil hunting ground.
+1While the geological activity is exciting, it also necessitates caution. The cliffs are unstable, and the beach can be very muddy and slippery. It's crucial for visitors to be aware of the tides and the potential for cliff falls. Despite these risks, the allure of discovering ancient life makes Black Ven a must-visit for anyone interested in geology and paleontology.
Fossil Hunting Etiquette and Tips
When searching, look for interesting shapes and textures in the rocks. Ammonites are often found as coiled shells, while belemnites resemble small bullet-like or cigar-shaped fossils. Don't be afraid to gently tap rocks with a small hammer and chisel, but always do so responsibly, avoiding damage to the cliff face or large sections of rock. Remember that the goal is discovery, not destruction.
+1It's also important to be aware of the local regulations and ethical considerations. While collecting is generally permitted, avoid taking excessively large specimens or disturbing sensitive areas. Many visitors share their finds online, inspiring others and contributing to a community of fossil enthusiasts. Some artists even find inspiration in the unique fossils and coastal scenery.
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