Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Free fossil museum and guide to one of England's most productive Jurassic Coast hunting grounds.
A free-entry museum and visitor hub celebrating the Jurassic Coast's 185-million-year geological story. Located steps from Charmouth's fossil-rich beach, the Centre offers interactive displays, a Jurassic Theatre screening, guided fossil-hunting walks, and expert advice for amateur paleontologists. Run by a dedicated charity, it serves as the gateway to one of England's most important paleontological sites, where visitors of all ages can hunt for ammonites, belemnites, and other ancient marine treasures along the dramatic cliffs and shingle shore.
A brief summary to Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
- Lower Sea Ln, Bridport, Charmouth, DT6 6LL, GB
- +441297560772
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 4 hours
- Free
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Mixed
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Wednesday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Thursday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Friday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Saturday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
- Sunday 10:30 am-4:30 pm
Local tips
- Check tide times before visiting—the best fossil hunting occurs during low tide when fresh cliff faces are exposed and loose specimens are accessible on the beach.
- Wear sturdy footwear and bring a small hammer or chisel; the shingle beach is uneven and fossil extraction requires proper tools. Never hammer the cliffs themselves.
- Visit during guided fossil walks (£8 adults, £4 children) to learn proper identification techniques and access areas known to yield the best specimens.
- Arrive early in summer months to secure parking and avoid peak crowds; winter visits offer quieter exploration and better odds of finding undisturbed specimens.
- Pack a picnic and spend several hours on the beach; fossil hunting rewards patience, and the dramatic coastal scenery makes extended visits worthwhile.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Car
From Bridport town centre, follow the A3052 southbound toward the coast for approximately 3 kilometres. Turn onto Lower Sea Lane and follow signs to Charmouth beach car park. Journey time is roughly 10–15 minutes. All-day parking costs £6. The Centre is located directly above the car park with immediate pedestrian access.
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Public Bus
Axe Valley Coaches service route 31 connects Bridport to Charmouth, with stops near the beach and Centre. Journey time from Bridport is approximately 20–25 minutes. Services run several times daily but are less frequent on Sundays and winter months. Single fares are typically £2–3. Check local timetables for current schedules.
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Walking from Lyme Regis
The South West Coast Path connects Lyme Regis to Charmouth via a scenic clifftop route covering approximately 3 kilometres. The walk takes 50–70 minutes depending on pace and terrain. The path is well-marked but includes steep sections and uneven ground; sturdy footwear is essential. This approach offers spectacular coastal views and passes through areas rich in geological interest.
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Taxi or Ride-Share
Taxis from Bridport or Lyme Regis to Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre typically cost £12–20 depending on exact starting point and time of day. Journey time is 10–20 minutes. Local taxi firms can be arranged through accommodation providers or by telephone.
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Gateway to Ancient Seas
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre stands as the essential starting point for understanding the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site stretching across 95 kilometres of Dorset and East Devon coastline. The Centre itself occupies a modest but purposeful building positioned directly above Charmouth beach, offering visitors immediate access to one of England's most significant geological laboratories. The location is no accident—the cliffs surrounding Charmouth expose rocks spanning 185 million years of Earth's history, with layers of Blue Lias and Black Ven formations continuously eroding to reveal fossils from the Lower Jurassic period.Fossil Hunting Tradition and Scientific Significance
Charmouth's reputation as a fossil-hunting destination extends back centuries, most famously connected to Mary Anning, the pioneering paleontologist who made groundbreaking discoveries here in the early 19th century. Today, the beach remains remarkably productive, with amateur collectors regularly uncovering ammonites, belemnites, ichthyosaur bones, and other marine reptile remains. The Centre's staff and volunteer guides possess deep knowledge of the local geology and fossil-bearing strata, enabling them to guide visitors toward productive hunting grounds and explain the significance of finds. The Centre runs between one and seven guided fossil-hunting walks weekly, depending on season, with experienced leaders teaching proper excavation techniques and geological interpretation.Interactive Displays and Educational Mission
Inside the Centre, engaging displays chronicle the Jurassic period's marine ecosystems, explaining how shallow tropical seas once covered this region and what creatures inhabited them. The Jurassic Theatre screens a short film titled "The Jurassic Coast and Finding Fossils at Charmouth," providing visual context before visitors venture onto the beach. The gift shop stocks field guides, fossil identification books, toys, and locally sourced specimens, serving both serious collectors and casual visitors. The Centre operates as a registered charity, relying on donations to maintain operations and fund its extensive education programme, which welcomes school groups throughout the academic year for structured learning experiences.Seasonal Rhythms and Tidal Considerations
The Centre's opening hours shift with the seasons, reflecting both visitor demand and the natural rhythms of the coast. During summer months (April through October), it opens daily from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, with last entry at 4:15 PM. Winter hours are more restricted, typically operating Friday through Monday. Tide times are crucial for fossil hunting success—the Centre provides daily tide information, and staff recommend checking their website calendar before visiting. Spring tides and winter storms expose fresh cliff faces and deposit loose fossils on the beach, making certain periods particularly rewarding for collectors.Practical Facilities and Accessibility
The Centre provides disabled access throughout its interior spaces, ensuring visitors with mobility challenges can explore the displays independently. A café nearby offers takeaway refreshments, and public toilets are available. The beach car park charges £6 for all-day parking, though town parking is available at significantly lower rates. Dogs are welcome at the Centre but must remain tied up outside; they are not permitted indoors. The combination of free museum entry, free beach access, and affordable parking makes Charmouth an accessible destination for families and budget-conscious travelers seeking authentic geological exploration.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
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- Educational
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For the design and aesthetic lover
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For the architecture buff
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For the view chaser and sunset hunter
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Location Audience
- Family Friendly
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- Educational Groups
