Charmouth Beach — Attraction in Charmouth

Charmouth is not our usual choice of beach but we wanted a walk by the sea with the option of lunch and a coffee without the crowds normally found at Lyme or West Bay. Fairly busy by 1030, mostly older people and their dogs. Tbf we had our dog with us so we don't consider them an issue. We walked the coastal path then had an excellent snack at the Soft Rock cafe. This was followed by pleasant visit to the ice cream van. So far so good. Whilst sitting enjoying our 99s we became aware that we may have possibly been downwind of a sewer outlet. Or at least I hope that's what it was. A few more dogs of the yappier kind had invaded the area by then, so we moved to the West beach where the population was more human than canine. Twenty minutes later we were ready for home but not before a swift visit to the loos. It had to be very swift as I am unable to hold my breath for long. An action necessary as I had the distinct impression that these conveniences hadn't seen much care and attention since before lockdown. The hand washing appliances were out of service as well. Would I recommend a visit to Charmouth? For a coastal walk and a quick paddle, yes, every time. But if you're offended by the smell of human effluent and the sound of yappy lap dogs, then Charmouth is not the...

Even in the squally conditions that this afternoon started off with, it turned in to wonderful day. Route was easy to find, direction signs to the beach and car parks were clear and very helpful. My visit on a Sunday in mid January saw quite a few dog walkers fossil searchers and amblers using an easily accessible flat, sandy /pebbly beach, backed by high Jurassic dark grey cliffs. Very impressive. My visit was on recommendation for sea glass, which was in profusion once the lower reaches of the beach were exposed. (Predominantly green and white -as usual, but a smattering of blue chips and the odd brown) whilst concentrating on the gravel, I found several small un-encased Ammonites, a couple of ammonite fossils and some Coprolite (fossilised dinosaur poop). Parking was £5 for all day or £3 for two hours. Every day incl Sundays and Bank Holidays. Carpark was fairly big but was without designated spaces, so potential for chaos is definitely there. Once the rain abated, the sun came out with a freshening breeze brought the true beauty of such a wonderful.stretch of coast to the fore. It is absolutely certain that once the nice weather returns, this place will be heaving with visitors. I'll be revisiting again. A...

Great and safe beach for fossil hunting with kids. Still some hazards but with common sense they can be avoided, for example checking the tide times (you can be cut off) and not hunting at base of the mud cliffs. We found the best places to look is amongst the gravel on the beach particularly where you can spot pyrite (fools gold) rich rocks and where there has been a fall and the mud extends further onto the beach away from the main cliff (our best finds our often stuck in surface of this mud and washed out into the surrounding gravel). Be careful as the mud can be less solid than it appears, I'd recommend not climbing onto the mud itself my boots disappeared momentarily when I ventured a little to far onto the mud yesterday. Also we have never found much around the mouth of the river so I'd recommend heading a fair bit further down either side of the beach.

The visitor centre there is superb and I'd highly recommend making it your first stop if it's your first time. It's particularly helpful to see the type of things you can find so you know what to look out for. They are also great for advice on the best and safest ways to...