Is Charmouth good for a beach holiday?
Yes, Charmouth is excellent for a beach holiday, particularly for families and those interested in fossil hunting. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, with more sand revealed at low tide, offering safe swimming and areas for picnicking. It's a key location on the Jurassic Coast, famous for its fossils.
What's the best way to find fossils on Charmouth beach?
The best way to find fossils is to search amongst the loose material and shingle on the beach, especially along the tideline, after high tide as the tide is going out. Winter months and after storms can be particularly good. It's advised to collect from fallen material and not to hammer or dig into the cliffs. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers guided walks and advice.
Are dogs allowed on Charmouth beach?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Charmouth beach, but with some restrictions. On East Beach (east of the River Char), dogs are welcome off-lead all year round. On West Beach (the area up to the end of the promenade), dogs are welcome off-lead from 1st October to 30th April but are not allowed from 1st May to 30th September on the main section. Dogs should be on leads in car parks and footpaths.
Can you swim at Charmouth beach and is it safe?
Yes, you can swim at Charmouth beach. The beach shelves gently, and the sea is generally considered clean and safe for swimming, especially at low tide, making it popular with families. However, there are no lifeguards on duty, so caution is advised. Always check tide times and be aware of conditions, as the red flag indicates it's not suitable for inflatables.
What are the best tide times for visiting Charmouth beach, especially for fossils?
For fossil hunting, the best time is on a falling tide, ideally starting about two hours before low tide and continuing for up to an hour after low tide. This exposes fresh areas of the beach where fossils may have been uncovered. For general beach use and swimming, low tide reveals more sand. Always check daily tide tables before your visit.
Is there parking available at Charmouth beach and is it free?
Yes, there is parking available near Charmouth beach. There are several pay and display car parks, including one directly in front of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre (Foreshore Car Park) and two privately owned car parks open during peak periods. Some car parks are cash only. Free street parking may be found further into the village, but it's limited.
What facilities are available at Charmouth beach?
Charmouth beach has several facilities including public toilets (with disabled access) located behind the Heritage Coast Centre, cafes, beach shops, and picnic areas. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre itself is a key facility offering fossil displays and guided walks. Beach hut hire is also available.
Is Charmouth beach good for families with children?
Yes, Charmouth beach is very family-friendly. The mix of sand (especially at low tide) and pebbles, gently shelving waters for safer swimming, rock pools to explore, and the excitement of fossil hunting make it a popular choice for families. The nearby Heritage Centre also offers educational activities.
How does Charmouth beach compare to Lyme Regis for fossil hunting?
Both Charmouth and Lyme Regis are world-renowned for fossils. Charmouth is often considered particularly good for finding a variety of smaller fossils like ammonites and belemnites directly on the beach, especially for beginners and families. Lyme Regis also offers excellent fossil hunting, with some areas potentially yielding larger reptile remains, though finds are never guaranteed. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides excellent guidance for Charmouth.
What should I be aware of regarding safety at Charmouth beach, like cliff falls or tides?
Safety is very important at Charmouth. Cliff falls and landslides are common and can happen at any time, so always stay well away from the base and edge of cliffs. Do not climb on mudslides as they can be unstable and contain deep mud. Check tide times carefully before setting out, especially if walking along the beach towards Lyme Regis or Golden Cap, to avoid being cut off by the incoming tide. There are no lifeguards.
Can you walk from Charmouth to Lyme Regis along the beach?
Yes, it is possible to walk between Charmouth and Lyme Regis along the beach, but it's crucial to do so only at low tide. The walk involves some rock-hopping, especially where landslides have occurred. Always check the tide times with the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre before attempting this walk, as there's a risk of being cut off by the incoming tide.
Are there any restrictions on using hammers for fossil hunting at Charmouth?
Yes, while geological hammers can be used on loose rocks found on the beach at Charmouth, it is strictly forbidden to hammer or dig into the cliffs or rock ledges. This is to protect the World Heritage Site. Most fossils can be found loose among the shingle and beach material without needing to break rocks.
What kind of fossils can I expect to find at Charmouth?
Common finds at Charmouth include ammonites (especially pyrite ammonites), belemnites (bullet-shaped fossils), and sometimes fossilised wood. With persistence and luck, parts of marine reptile vertebrae or fish fossils can also be found. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has displays of local finds and can help with identification.
Are there places to eat and drink near Charmouth beach?
Yes, there are options for food and drink near the beach. There's a beach café located on the seafront, often on the ground floor of the Heritage Centre building, serving hot and cold food and drinks. The village of Charmouth, a short walk away, offers more pubs, cafes, and convenience stores.
Is Charmouth beach accessible for pushchairs or wheelchairs?
Charmouth beach itself, being mainly pebbles and shingle, can be difficult for pushchairs and wheelchairs. However, there is a wheelchair-friendly promenade and access to a grassy picnic area with benches. An accessible toilet (RADAR key) is available. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has ramp access at the rear.
