Charmouth Beach

Charmouth Beach is one of the Jurassic Coast's most celebrated fossil hunting destinations, stretching either side of the River Char beneath the dramatic dark landslip cliffs of Black Ven. The east beach — the larger section — opens at low tide into a broad expanse of firm sand running beneath towering clay cliffs all the way toward Golden Cap, England's highest point on the south coast. The Heritage Coast Centre above the beach runs guided fossil walks throughout the year, and the village itself has pubs, cafes and shops a short walk uphill. The geology here is extraordinary — ammonites, belemnites and ichthyosaur bones wash out of the cliffs after storms.

Dogs are welcome year-round on the east beach (east of the River Char), which is the larger and more interesting section. The west beach and central promenade area are restricted from 1 May to 30 September. At low tide, the east beach is a sensory feast for dogs on this dog friendly beach — the clay and shale underfoot carries a rich mineral earthiness, rock pools and shallow streams provide paddling, and strips of exposed sand offer varied terrain. The river crossing can be waded at low tide, though it runs deeper and faster than it looks. The beach narrows beneath the cliffs at high tide, so watching the incoming tide carefully is essential. A beach for dogs who love exploring, investigating and working new scent rather than flat-out running.