Eat, Rest, Play.
Charmouth.

Things to do…

Person holding a small, fossilized ammonite shell between their thumb and index finger, with a blurry background of rocks and gravel.

Fossil Hunting

Beachside
Fossil Hunting on the famous Jurassic Coast where Mary Anning 1799-1847), discovered the first complete ichthyosaur to be found in England. Head on down to Charmouth Beach and explore the fossil ridden beach that heads towards Lyme Regis.

A large skeleton of a sea creature, likely a sea dragon, displayed in a museum with a blue background and various marine illustrations. The sign reads "Jurassic Char— 190 Million Years Ago" and "Attenborough's Sea Dragon."

Charmouth Heritage Centre

Beachfront
Visit this lovely volunteer run centre to explore their amazing fossil collections and discover top tips on how to find your own fossils on the beach. Whilst there, meet the Charmouth Dinosaur and explore the past and present of this incredible coastline.

Scenic view of the Jurassic coastline with green hills, a sandy beach, and blue ocean under a partly cloudy sky.

Golden Cap

Coastal
If you fancy an adventure, Charmouth is the perfect location to hike to Golden Cap. This towerign clifface is the highest point on the south coast of England and offers stunning views across the Jurassic coast from the summit. The walk itself is along a lovely coastal path, and an alternative walk back can take you past a 13th-century ruined chapel once used by smugglers.

A paved pathway leading to a beach in Lyme Regis with many people, bordered by green bushes and orange flowers, with street lamps and a pavilion on the right, under a partly cloudy sky.

Circular walk to Lyme Regis

Coastal/Inland
This lovely walk takes you along an inland route through woodlands, across a golf course and descends down to Lyme Regis. On the route back walk along the beach whilst fossil hunting from Lyme Regis to Charmouth. Please be sure to time your return with low tide, as the beach does get cut off at high tide so be extra careful when planning this hike!

A sandy beach with rocks scattered along the shore, tall cliffs on the left, and ocean waves on the right under a cloudy sky, with a few people walking in the distance.

Charmouth Beach

No1 Beach in the World to Visit in Winter (Lonely Planet)
Relax on Charmouth Beach which is divided into two by the mouth of the River Char. This beach is popular as the river is often dammed by the beach, forming a quaint lagoon often used by paddleboarders and kayakers alike.

Row of pink beach huts on stone sidewalk, overlooking a cloudy blue sky and distant hills.

Charmouth Beach Hut Stroll

Beachside
 Set above Charmouth Beach you’ll find a quaint row of beach huts overlooking the sea towards Lyme Regis. Relax and take in the views, or wander up to the benches set on the rolling grassy bank above the huts for more wonderful sea views.

Eating & Drinking in Charmouth

White building with black sign reading 'Royal Oak' and outdoor seating area with people, surrounded by potted plants and flowers, under a blue sky.

The Royal Oak

The Street
The Royal Oak (only 2 minutes walk away down the Street) is a traditional country pub serving a wide selection of locally brewed ales, ciders and lagers along with restaurant quality specials and home cooked pub classics, you will need to book (check opening hours of kitchen as this does vary). Open midday to 11pm and dog friendly in the lower bar.

A small black food stand called 'Soft Rock' near the beach, with bright yellow signs advertising hot food, sweets, cakes, drinks, and ice cream. There are several wooden picnic tables and benches in front of the stand on a dirt and wooden platform, with a scenic backdrop of a hillside and ocean at sunset.

The Soft Rock Café

Beachside
The Soft Rock Café is situated right on East Beach in Charmouth. The café has an unmissable view of the Jurassic coast and is perfect for quenching your first after a day on the beach or hiking the beautiful surrounding hills. Serves a range of foods including a mouth-watering selection of local Dorset cakes, Lyme Regis caught crab sandwiches and the good old Fish and chips.

Front view of a small seaside restaurant with a sign that reads 'Cherough Fish Bar & Pizzeria,' featuring outdoor seating and picnic tables.

Charmouth Fish Bar & Pizzeria

The Street
Charmouth Fish Bar & Pizzeria (just past The Royal Oak and 4 mins walk) serves sustainable Fish and Chips as well as pizzas, you cannot go wrong here. You can also order in advance and check opening times online.

A pint glass filled with pale ale beer on a wooden table beside the ocean with a cloudy sky in the background.

Seatown Slice at The Anchor

Beachside, Seatown
A short drive away lies Seatown Slice run by the lovely pub above, The Anchor. Enjoy a lovely meal at The Anchor whilst overlooking the bay or alternatively you can enjoy a fresh drink at the pub’s outdoor bar and order your pizza from Seatown Slice located below, who will then deliver it straight to your table. (They also offer takeaways!)

A plate of sandwich, potato chips, and coleslaw on an outdoor table with a background of a sign that says 'Book House Café' and a blue sky with some clouds.

Bank House Café

The Street
A family-run café just a two minute walk from Box Cottage. Offers a selection of breakfasts and lunches with an outdoor space to enjoy during sunny days.

A stone building with a sign that reads 'The Town Mill', with people walking nearby, a small bridge over a creek in the foreground, and greenery around.

Popping over to Lyme Regis

A Short Drive Away

If you fancy a large selection of wonderful bars, cafes, restaurants and takeaways pop on over to our Eat, Rest, Play, Lyme Regis page to discover a whole host of exciting recommendations.