Charmouth

For details of places to stay and things to do in Charmouth, please try the links on the left.

THE small town of Charmouth is situated right on the World Heritage Coast and is one of the best places to go in search of fossils.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre was set up in 1985 to encourage safe and sustainable collecting of fossils from the nearby beaches. Interactive computers, hands-on displays and a wealth of information on fossils and fossil hunting make the Centre a must on any visit to Charmouth.

Because the rocks exposed in the cliffs around Charmouth are marine sediments the fossils are mainly of marine creatures. Occasionally fossils of flying insects and reptiles that perhaps flew over the sea or were washed out to sea, are discovered.

Ammonites are one of the most common fossils to be found around Charmouth and these are related to creatures such as the squid and octopus. Also look out for Belemnites which are plentiful in the beach gravel.

Throughout the year the Centre runs guided fossil hunting expeditions, rockpooling walks and marine discovery activities. Alternatively, you can hire a fossil hammer from the fossil shop and look for some yourself. Be aware of cliff falls and always check out the tides beforehand, staff at the Centre will be able to give advice on all aspects the area.