Charmouth, a Jurassic Jewel
outstanding beauty ...
Charmouth lies in the South West corner of Dorset at the heart of the Lyme bay coast line. Undulating hills encapsulate this great diversity, making this a prominent part of West Dorset's area of outstanding natural beauty. The coast line has both national and international designations which is part of England's first natural world heritage site.
The village is unique in that it was a planned medieval community dating to the late 13th century.
dinasour hunting...
The village of Charmouth is a designated ‘Gateway’ to the Dorset World Heritage Site, a distinction based upon the unique Jurassic geological sequences exposed along the Dorset coast. Charmouth’s prominence in this respect is that it has direct access to the fossil rich strata that nearly two centuries ago figured so prominently in the birth of geology and palaeontology.
Charmouth is world famous for the fossils formed within Jurassic rocks 200 million years ago, and now being revealed as the cliffs erode in massive landslips. The coastal path between Lyme Regis and Charmouth retraces the steps taken by Mary Anning who discovered amazing fossils there over a century ago.
amenities and local attractions ...
Charmouth has everything you will need for an enjoyable stay. There is a village post office, two well stocked mini-markets with cashpoint, newsagent, butcher, fish & chip shop, pubs/restaurants, craft/tourist shops, library and medical centre. The George has a very large garden with special children's play area. It is very children and dog friendly!
The beaches are sandy and gently shelving and dolphins regularly swim in the bay. Nearby, there is the historic resort of Lyme Regis where you must stroll along the seaside Cobb, haunted by Meryl Streep in 'The French Lieutenant's Woman'. There are a number of beautiful places to walk and picnic.
Within ten miles there is the Seaton Tramway which runs for three miles through East Devon's glorious Axe Valley between the coastal resort of Seaton, Colyford, and the picturesque ancient town of Colyton. Panoramic views of the estuary and wading birds can be enjoyed from the open toppers.
Also nearby is Pecorama, Home of the famous Beer Heights Light Railway, PECO Model Railway Exhibition and the PECO Millennium Celebration Garden. A fleet of five steam and one diesel miniature locomotives pull passenger carrying trains over a mile-long route through the grounds, to view the displays.
The market town of Bridport (and West Bay), a short drive away, is a lively place with many shops and a large supermarket. The golf clubs of Lyme Regis and Bridport are easily accessible and offer you a very warm welcome.