Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre Coast & Sea

The centre offers real insight into fossil collection and discovery on the Jurassic coast - get down there and start finding fossils of your own.

The Centre was set up in 1985 to encourage safe and sustainable collecting of Jurassic fossils from the local beaches. Since that time we have slowly expanded and now have two wardens plus a large group of hard-working volunteers.

The Centre provides a large and varied programme of events and activities throughout the year for both the public and schools. We also have a number of ongoing research projects centred on local biodiversity, geology and coastal science. We have interactive computers, hands on displays and lots of information on fossils, fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife. There is even a video microscope that you can use to examine your finds. You will always find a helpful warden or volunteer who can identify your finds for you!

The coast around Charmouth and Lyme Regis is famous for fossils. The reason? The cliffs are eroding very rapidly, providing an inexhaustible and plentiful supply of fossils to the beaches. Furthermore many of the specimens are beautifully preserved and some are of great scientific importance. This is the richest source of Lower Jurassic (200 to 180 million year old) fossil reptiles, fish and insects ANYWHERE in the world!
However, it is very important that people collect responsibly in order to protect the scientific interest and themselves. The Visitors’ Code provides the best advice for people new to fossil collecting. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre contains informative displays and runs regular guided walks which provide the beginner with the best way to get started.

Opening Times

The centre will be open seven days a week from April until the end of October

Normal opening hours are from 10.30am - 4.30pm

During the school summer holidays we will be open from 10.30am - 6.00pm

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