Charmouth Beach
A fossil hunter's paradise on the Jurassic Coast, offering ancient treasures, stunning views, and classic seaside charm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for fossil hunting
Charmouth Beach
Best Time
Best for fossil hunting
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A fossil hunter's paradise on the Jurassic Coast, offering ancient treasures, stunning views, and classic seaside charm.
"It has everything, sand, shingle, rocks, fossils....loads to look at! Well worth the visit and very photogenic!"
🎯 Fossil Hunting Tips
Check tide times and look for ammonites and belemnites after storms. :rock:
🚗 Parking Convenience
Beachfront parking available, but can get busy. Pay on arrival. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Fossil Hunting
Charmouth Beach
Unearth ancient treasures like ammonites and belemnites on this renowned fossil hunting spot.
Jurassic Coast Views
Charmouth Beach
Marvel at the dramatic cliffs and stunning coastal scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sea Glass Discoveries
Charmouth Beach
Hunt for smooth, colorful sea glass smoothed by the waves, a unique beachcombing delight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Fossil Hunting Essentials
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Fossil Hunting Tips
Check tide times and look for ammonites and belemnites after storms. :rock:
🚗 Parking Convenience
Beachfront parking available, but can get busy. Pay on arrival. :car:
🍦 Ice Cream Delights
Fantastic selection of ice creams available at the beach cafe. :ice_cream:
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Walks
Enjoy scenic walks along the cliff tops for breathtaking views. :hiking_boot:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Fossil Hunting Tips
Check tide times and look for ammonites and belemnites after storms. :rock:
🚗 Parking Convenience
Beachfront parking available, but can get busy. Pay on arrival. :car:
🍦 Ice Cream Delights
Fantastic selection of ice creams available at the beach cafe. :ice_cream:
🚶♀️ Coastal Path Walks
Enjoy scenic walks along the cliff tops for breathtaking views. :hiking_boot:
💎 Sea Glass Hunting
Keep an eye out for colorful sea glass smoothed by the waves. :gem:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Charmouth Beach is widely praised as a beautiful and photogenic destination, particularly for its exceptional fossil hunting opportunities and the chance to find sea glass. Visitors appreciate the convenience of the beachfront car park and cafe, though some note it can get very busy. The dramatic coastal scenery is a consistent highlight, making it a memorable spot for many.
"We have just spent a great week in Charmouth and spent every day at the beach. It has everything you need for a great time by the sea. A very photogenic beach with the added bonus of fossil hunting and sea glass finding. £6 parking all day. Fantastic selection of ice creams. Charmouth fossils and the Heritage centre are great places to visit. Just wished we lived closer as this is my go to holiday destination."
Mark Leppard
"Wonderful place to visit. I decided to go fossil hunting and go to Charmouth instead of Lyme regis. It's a wonderful beach. There is a car park right on the beach front. There is a lot a coffee hut on the beach which is lovely. We actually found several fossils at this beach. It's a beautiful place to visit and highly recommend visiting"
Suzanne Foss
"What an amazing beach, its got everything, sand, shingle, rocks, fossils....loads to look at! Well worth the visit and very photogenic! A fascinating place to walk along! Pay on arrival at the carpark. Also has a lovely cafe and a fossil museum."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Charmouth Beach is located in Dorset, UK. You can reach it by car via the A35. There is a dedicated car park directly at the beach. For public transport, you can take a bus to Charmouth village and then walk to the beach.
The main car park is located right on the beach front. It operates on a pay-on-arrival system. Arriving earlier in the day, especially during peak season, is recommended to secure a spot.
Yes, you can take a bus service to Charmouth village. From the village, it's a short walk to the beach. Check local bus timetables for routes and schedules.
The Charmouth coastal path offers stunning views. You can access it from the beach car park, leading you along the cliffs. It's part of the larger South West Coast Path.
Charmouth is located in Dorset, England, on the Jurassic Coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entry fee to access Charmouth Beach itself. However, there is a charge for parking in the beach car park, typically a daily fee.
Charmouth Beach is accessible at all times. The car park has operating hours, which are generally from morning until evening. It's best to check local signage for specific times.
No, you do not need to book tickets to visit Charmouth Beach. It's a public beach, and entry is free. Parking fees apply if you are driving.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is an excellent resource for information on fossil walks and the geology of the area. Local guides may also offer organized fossil hunting tours.
While fossil hunting is encouraged, it's important to be mindful of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site regulations. Avoid taking large quantities or disturbing the environment. Respect the natural heritage.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The best time for fossil hunting is typically at low tide, especially after storms or high tides which can dislodge new fossils. Early mornings can also be less crowded.
Charmouth Beach is famous for its Jurassic-era fossils, including ammonites (like Caenisites, Microderoceras, Promicroceras, Cymbites, and Asteroceras Obtusum), belemnites, and occasionally ichthyosaur bones. 
Charmouth Beach is a mix of sand and shingle, with pebbles being more prevalent. This varied terrain is great for beachcombing and fossil hunting.
Dogs are allowed on Charmouth Beach, but there are restrictions during certain times of the year, particularly in the summer months on the main beach area. Always check local signage for current dog policies.
Facilities include a cafe, toilets, and kiosks in the car park. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is also nearby, offering educational exhibits and information.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located right on the beach, offering refreshments and ice creams. +1 Charmouth village also has several pubs and eateries.
The beach cafe typically serves light snacks, drinks, and a fantastic selection of ice creams. It's a convenient spot for a quick bite while enjoying the beach.
Absolutely! Charmouth Beach is a great spot for picnics. You can bring your own food and enjoy it on the sand or shingle. Remember to take all your litter with you.
Charmouth village has a few traditional pubs that offer meals and drinks. They are a short walk from the beach and a good option for a more substantial meal.
While there isn't a large shop directly on the beach, there are kiosks in the car park selling essentials and souvenirs. Charmouth village has a small shop as well.
📸 📸 Photography
Charmouth Beach offers stunning photographic opportunities, from the dramatic coastal cliffs and the sea to the unique textures of the shingle and the treasures found while fossil hunting. Sunsets here are particularly spectacular.
Golden hour, both at sunrise and sunset, provides beautiful lighting for photography. The dramatic light can enhance the textures of the beach and the rugged coastline.
Yes, absolutely! Documenting your fossil finds is a great way to remember your visit. Many visitors share their discoveries on social media.
The coastal path offers elevated viewpoints looking down onto the beach and out to sea. The beach itself provides a unique perspective of the cliffs and the waves.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal scenery. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of fossils and sea glass. A tripod is helpful for low-light photography during sunset. :camerawithflash:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Pack buckets and spades, wear sturdy shoes for walking on the shingle, and check tide times for the best fossil hunting opportunities. The beach cafe offers convenient snacks and ice creams, perfect for refueling little explorers.
💰 Budget Travelers
While parking has a daily fee, it's generally reasonable for a full day of enjoyment. Instead of expensive souvenirs, focus on the unique sea glass and fossils you might find – natural treasures that cost nothing.
🚶♀️ Solo Adventurers
Solo visitors can also enjoy the simple pleasure of beachcombing for sea glass or simply relaxing with a book. The local cafes provide a friendly atmosphere for a coffee or light meal, and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a great place to learn more about the area's unique geology.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Fossil Hunting
The best time to hunt for fossils is at low tide, especially after stormy weather, as the waves can unearth new specimens. When searching, look for the distinctive coiled shapes of ammonites and the bullet-like belemnites scattered amongst the shingle. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides invaluable information about local geology and fossil identification, and they often have displays of impressive finds made by visitors.
Exploring the Jurassic Coastline
The Charmouth coastal path offers breathtaking views and opportunities for invigorating walks. You can explore the cliff tops, taking in panoramic vistas of the English Channel and the rugged coastline. These walks are a fantastic way to appreciate the scale and grandeur of the Jurassic Coast.
Beach Life and Local Charm
Charmouth itself is a charming village with a relaxed atmosphere. Visitors often praise the friendly local businesses and the overall pleasant ambiance. It's a place where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the coast while also experiencing the warmth of a traditional English seaside community. Many visitors express a desire to return, highlighting its appeal as a holiday destination.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit