Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is one of Dorset’s most engaging gateways to the Jurassic Coast, offering a hands‑on introduction to 185 million years of history. Set above the beach where some of Britain’s most significant fossils are found, the centre is known for its expert guidance on safe fossil hunting. One of its most fascinating displays is the large ichthyosaur skeleton discovered locally, which shows the scale and diversity of the marine reptiles that once swam here. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on the geology of the cliffs, including ammonites, belemnites, and rare vertebrate fossils that reveal how the coastline formed. Interactive models explain how landslides and erosion continually expose new finds, making Charmouth one of the UK’s most active fossil sites. The centre also highlights the work of early collectors, including Mary Anning, whose discoveries helped shape modern palaeontology. A popular feature is the rock and fossil identification area, where staff help visitors understand their beach finds. Family‑friendly displays, microscopes, and touch‑tables make the science accessible to all ages. Blending coastal history, natural science, and practical discovery, Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers an inspiring introduction to the Jurassic Coast’s ancient world.