Charmouth Cottages by the Sea

Beach Cottages and Coastal Holidays in Charmouth

Staying in Charmouth gives you a choice of holiday cottages around the village and close to this part of the Dorset coast. Some properties offer sea or countryside views, while others put you within easy reach of the beach and village centre.

Charmouth works particularly well if you prefer a smaller coastal village but still want a larger seaside town nearby. There are cottages for couples, families and groups, with accommodation in the village and surrounding countryside. If you need to see more options, discover our list of cottages near Dorset’s beaches in towns and villages along the coast.
 

Fossil Hunting on Charmouth Beach

Charmouth is one of the best-known fossil hunting locations on the Jurassic Coast. Ammonites, belemnites and other fossils can be found among loose material on the beach, particularly after erosion and winter storms. The cliffs are unstable, so fossil hunting should always take place on the beach rather than in or beneath the cliffs.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre stands beside the beach and is free to visit. It has fossil displays and runs guided fossil walks, which are a good introduction if you have never searched for fossils before. Tide times should always be checked before setting out.
 

Coastal Walks from Charmouth and Lyme Regis

The South West Coast Path passes through Charmouth and continues east towards Stonebarrow and Golden Cap. Golden Cap is the highest point on the south coast of England, so this section involves some climbing but gives extensive views along the Jurassic Coast.

Lyme Regis is also nearby and gives you another choice for beaches, restaurants, shops and its historic Cobb harbour. If you would rather stay there, browse our Lyme Regis cottages by the sea. The beach route between Charmouth and Lyme Regis is tide-dependent and passes beneath unstable cliffs, so it should not be treated as a straightforward alternative to the signed walking routes.