A guide to the UK and Isle of Man from the people that know...

Charmouth West Beach

Dorset

5/5

Based on 6 reviews

Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.

Reviews

Aug 2026

Charmouth Beach

Spent a half day exploring for fossils and visiting the excellent Centre and shop

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Jun 2026

Beautiful and spectacular coast line

Known from series as Broadchurch. The area is beautiful, you can walk there and enjoy spectacular views.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Aug 2019

Charmouth beach

Lovely not too busy beach, such fun finding fossils, beautiful sand when the tide is out, and great rock pools

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Jul 2017

Lovely beach, brilliant for fossil hunting

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Jan 2010

Take a fossil hunting guided walk or boat trip. No sand but plenty to keep the kids amused.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Nov 2009

The hours seem to have a habit of slipping by while you're wandering along hunting for fossils on this stretch of coast. The kids love the excitement of finding an ammonite or debating the authenticity of possible 'dinosaur bones'. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Helpful To You? Yes / No

Holiday cottages nearby

{"user":"<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"user\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-user\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M224 248a120 120 0 1 0 0-240 120 120 0 1 0 0 240zm-29.7 56C95.8 304 16 383.8 16 482.3 16 498.7 29.3 512 45.7 512l356.6 0c16.4 0 29.7-13.3 29.7-29.7 0-98.5-79.8-178.3-178.3-178.3l-59.4 0z\"></path></svg>","bed":"<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"bed\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-bed\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 576 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M32 32c17.7 0 32 14.3 32 32l0 224 224 0 0-128c0-17.7 14.3-32 32-32l160 0c53 0 96 43 96 96l0 224c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32s-32-14.3-32-32l0-64-448 0 0 64c0 17.7-14.3 32-32 32S0 465.7 0 448L0 64C0 46.3 14.3 32 32 32zm80 160a64 64 0 1 1 128 0 64 64 0 1 1 -128 0z\"></path></svg>","paw":"<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"paw\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-paw\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M234.5 92.9c14.3 42.9-.3 86.2-32.6 96.8s-70.1-15.6-84.4-58.5 .3-86.2 32.6-96.8 70.1 15.6 84.4 58.5zM100.4 198.6c18.9 32.4 14.3 70.1-10.2 84.1s-59.7-.9-78.5-33.3-14.3-70.1 10.2-84.1 59.7 .9 78.5 33.3zM69.2 401.2C121.6 259.9 214.7 224 256 224s134.4 35.9 186.8 177.2c3.6 9.7 5.2 20.1 5.2 30.5l0 1.6c0 25.8-20.9 46.7-46.7 46.7-11.5 0-22.9-1.4-34-4.2l-88-22c-15.3-3.8-31.3-3.8-46.6 0l-88 22c-11.1 2.8-22.5 4.2-34 4.2-25.8 0-46.7-20.9-46.7-46.7l0-1.6c0-10.4 1.6-20.8 5.2-30.5zM421.8 282.7c-24.5-14-29.1-51.7-10.2-84.1s54-47.3 78.5-33.3 29.1 51.7 10.2 84.1-54 47.3-78.5 33.3zM310.1 189.7c-32.3-10.6-46.9-53.9-32.6-96.8s52.1-69.1 84.4-58.5 46.9 53.9 32.6 96.8-52.1 69.1-84.4 58.5z\"></path></svg>","locationDot":"<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" data-prefix=\"fas\" data-icon=\"location-dot\" class=\"svg-inline--fa fa-location-dot\" role=\"img\" viewBox=\"0 0 384 512\"><path fill=\"currentColor\" d=\"M0 188.6C0 84.4 86 0 192 0S384 84.4 384 188.6c0 119.3-120.2 262.3-170.4 316.8-11.8 12.8-31.5 12.8-43.3 0-50.2-54.5-170.4-197.5-170.4-316.8zM192 256a64 64 0 1 0 0-128 64 64 0 1 0 0 128z\"></path></svg>"}

Find more holiday cottages near Charmouth West Beach

Back to Beaches in Dorset