Nr Lyme Regis Accommodation

Visit the Heritage Coast Centre at Charmouth for info on the Jurassic Coast
Weird and wonderful rock types mix together in the Undercliffs around Lyme Regis
Keep your eyes peeled for fossils along the beaches around Lyme Regis
It's easy to find fossils on the beach
Or only just hidden in the rocks that litter the beach

Near Lyme Regis Tourist Information

The West Dorset coast around Lyme Regis is the birthplace of the sciences of geology and palaeontology. The regular landslips and erosion expose fossils that have been lying in the rocks for millions of years. Mary Anning, a local lady, unearthed many fossils and led to the establishment of scientific study to find out more about how the Earth was formed and how animal life evolved.

Although Charmouth is only a small village its cliffs attract visitors from all over the world as a mecca for fossil hunting. Just walking along the beach you'll stumble across fossils - if you know what you're looking for. Visit the Heritage Coast Visitor Centre at Charmouth to find out what fossils you may be lucky enough to find. Charmouth, Chideock and Seatown have a range of accommodation choices that will base you in central points for the Heritage Coast and the South West Coast Path.

Featured Dorset Accommodation

Dorset Coastal Cottages - Dorset Coast

A selection of well-presented self catering holiday cottages on the beautiful Dorset Coast. Short, midweek, weekend breaks available. Great location and views.

From £275 Per Week (Seasonal)

Charmouth Tourist Information

"Charmouth, with its high grounds and extensive sweeps of country, and, still more, its sweet retired bay, backed by dark cliffs, where fragments of low rock among the sands make it the happiest spot for watching the flow of the tide; for sitting in unwearied contemplation". This is how Jane Austen captured Charmouth in her novel "Persuasion".

Today, Charmouth is popular as a centre for fossil hunting and accessing the South West Coastal Path. The small seaside hamlet is regarded as one of the best places to look for fossils. It makes sense then that it should have the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre located in the bay here.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Alongside the shingle beach at Charmouth is the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. At the Centre you can find out all about fossils and fossil hunting as well as the local coastal and marine wildlife. Interactive computers, displays and films are available as well as wardens who are on hand to answer queries.

The wardens also organise regular guided fossil hunting expeditions, rockpooling walks and countryside and marine discovery activities. The Centre promotes the sustainable collection of fossils and it's worth checking out the advice on fossil collecting on their website before setting out.

There is a car park, toilets and cafe at the Centre and the shingle beach is beautiful for leisurely walks.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, Lower Sea Lane, Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LL. Tel: 01297 560772. Email: info@charmouth.org

Chideock Accommodation

Just along the coast from Charmouth, between Lyme Regis and Bridport, is the pretty village of Chideock (pronounced "Chiddick"). It makes a useful base for exploring the Jurassic coast and West Dorset with access to the coast just south at Seatown.

Popular walks around Chideock and Seatown include the ascent to Golden Cap, the honey coloured sandstone hill that's the highest sea cliff on the south coast of England.

Featured Dorset Accommodation

Dorset Coastal Cottages - Dorset Coast

A selection of well-presented self catering holiday cottages on the beautiful Dorset Coast. Short, midweek, weekend breaks available. Great location and views.

From £275 Per Week (Seasonal)