There are plenty of things to do in Charmouth, a pretty village in West Dorset. Just 2 miles away from the town of Lyme Regis and 7 miles from Bridport. The village of Charmouth is probably most famous for it’s fossil hunting beach.
The nearest town to Charmouth with a train station is Axminster which is 5 miles away on the Devon border. From the train station there are good public transport links to the village and Lyme Regis.
If you’re visiting Charmouth for a day or as a holiday, check out some of these great ideas to see the local area.
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Charmouth Beach
DT6 6LS
The beach is separated into two by the mouth of the river Char. The river is a popular spot for boating, and there are plenty of picnic seating along the banks.
Whilst it’s mainly a shingle beach, at low tide there is plenty of sand. Located right on the Jurassic Coast, the beach is sheltered by the tall cliffs that are also very popular spots for fossil hunting in Dorset.
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The main car park next to the Heritage Centre has a £5 flat charge if staying over 4 hours or two hours for £3. If this car park is full, there are plenty of other well sign posted options very close by. Public toilets are located at the rear of the Heritage Centre, along with a disabled toilet.
Dogs are permitted on West Beach any time during the year, but on leads during the Summer months. There are further restrictions for dogs on East Beach all year around, so it’s a better idea to stick to West Beach if you’re visiting with your dog.
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Other facilities include beach huts for hire, public toilets, cafe and a fossil shop are also in convenient locations.
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Lower Sea Ln, Charmouth, Bridport DT6 6LL
Don’t miss the chance to visit the Heritage Centre if you’re visiting Charmouth. Entry to the Centre is free, which also includes the amazing fossil collections on display. You can also learn how to hunt for fossils on the beach, and hire any fossil hunting equipment as well.
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Fossil Walks
Private fossil walks can be booked and organised at the Heritage Centre. You will begin with an informative talk about fossils, where and how to find them. Two hour sessions are guided as you look for fossils on Charmouth beaches.
Walks Around Charmouth
There are plenty of Jurassic Coast walks from Charmouth, whether you’re choosing to walk inland or along the coast. It’s definitely a good base to start from.
Charmouth To Lyme Regis Walk
You can walk from Charmouth to Lyme Regis which s around 2.5 miles along the South West coastal path. There has been significant damage to the cliffs along this stretch in the past few years, so diversions are in place. Some of the route is now via the roads a little more inland.
Charmouth To Wootton Fitzpaine Walk
If you like scenic river walks, then start from Charmouth village next to the post office and take the footpath along the river Char for around a mile and a half to Wootton Fitzpaine. One of the pretty walks around Charmouth.
Charmouth Circular Walk
You can enjoy a 2 mile circular walk around Charmouth starting from the beach car park. Walking East towards Stonebarrow Hill, you will loop back along Stonebarrow Lane towards Charmouth Beach.
The Tunnel Tree Tops
Westover Hill, Bridport DT6 6BY
Just a six minute drive away is the high ropes adventure centre. The perfect family friendly activity in the heart of the Jurassic Coast. Participants must be 6 years old and over and 1.2 meters tall or over.
Stonebarrow And Golden Cap
Stonebarrow Lane, Charmouth DT6 6RA
Part of the Golden Cap estate, Stonebarrow is managed by the National Trust and has miles of scenic countryside. The terrain is a mix of heathland, gravel and earth, but the inclines can be tough if you’re not used to them.
Parking is available at with the Stonebarrow hill car park, or Langdon Hill car park. Both car parks are managed by the National Trust, free for members or chargeable per hour for non members.
Walking down hill can be easy but when you realise you have to walk back up it can be a little daunting.
The views from the top are worth it however and not to be missed. Golden Cap is the highest point of the South Coast in England at 191 meters.
Places To Eat In Charmouth
There are plenty of places to eat in Charmouth, whether you’re looking for some takeaway fish and chips, a village cafe, pub or restaurant.
Charmouth Cafes
The Bank House Cafe has indoor and outside seating. Located in the centre of the village.
Soft Rock Cafe is also on the beach offering hot and cold drinks as well as ice creams
Charmouth Beach Cafe is located right on the beach offering an all day menu and afternoon tea.
Charmouth Pubs
The George is a dog friendly pub with an outside grassy area and play equipment for children.
The Royal Oak Inn also allows dogs in the traditional village pub located in the main village.
Places To Stay Near Charmouth
If you’re thinking of visiting Dorset for a holiday, you may want to consider staying in or near Charmouth to take advantage of all the amazing things to do in Dorset.
Wood Farm Holiday Park is just a short drive away from Charmouth and also dog friendly. The site is suitable for tents, tourers and motorhomes. There are also glamping pods available to book as well.
Newlands Holiday Park is located on Stonebarrow Lane. Facilities on offer include an indoor and outdoor pool, bar, indoor and outdoor play areas and WIFI.
Accommodation is in the form of apartments, lodges, glamping pods, camping facilities and caravans.
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Seadown Holiday Park is located near the beach and offers camping and caravan touring pitches as well as the hire of some static caravans. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times. You will find a small shop, plenty of green space and play area to enjoy some tennis or badminton.
Manor Farm Holiday Centre is within a ten minute walk from the beach, offering camping pitches, caravan pitches as well as the hire of some static caravans.
On site there is a children’s play area, clubhouse, swimming pool, health club and coffee house.
Golden Cap Holiday Park is just a short distance away from Charmouth near Seatown beach. You can enjoy camping, glamping, lodge accommodation and caravans. Onsite you can find facilities including a shop, takeaway pizza, children’s play area and a fishing lake.
Smugglers Rest is a dog friendly cottage in Charmouth. A one bedroom studio style apartment on a holiday complex in Charmouth in Dorset. The property welcomes up to two dogs and would be a great base for exploring the local area.
Things To Do Near Charmouth
The closest things to do near Charmouth include the:-
- Lyme Regis Museum (11 mins drive)
- Axe Valley Wildlife Park (10 mins drive)
- Crealy Theme Park (45 mins drive)
- Sandworld (45 mins drive)
- Sealife Centre Weymouth (45 mins drive)