Charmouth West Beach
1 August 2026
Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.
A few years ago, the Classic Cottages team started writing about where we live and why we love it. Over time these have evolved into the Classic Guide.
1 August 2026
Charmouth has to be one of the most famous places for collecting fossils in the world. Part of Dorset's World Heritage Jurassic Coast; many a happy hour can be spent scouring the beach for ammonites and belemnites.
1 August 2026
A classic English seaside town with a flat and sandy beach. Lyme Regis' most famous landmark is The Cobb, a pier that was immortalised by the John Fowles novel The French Lieutenant's Woman.
2 June 2026
The Ramblers hail Golden Cap as one of their 'Top 50 walking routes to Britain's best views'. At 191 metres, it's the highest sea cliff in Southern England. Walk through Langdon wood (great in April/May for bluebells) and up to the top for jaw-dropping views of Charmouth and down to Lyme Regis. The stretch of coast between Lyme Regis and Bridport has over 25 miles of paths and traces almost 185 million years of the Earth's history, so there's plenty of exploring to be done here.
2 June 2026
This lovely long stretch of beach is backed by the Ridge cliff which affords great views of the lush Dorset countryside. A good spot to look for ammonites and other fossils all year round.
23 April 2026
Scenic tram rides between Seaton and Coylford following the old railway beside the Axe estuary. The route goes through two nature reserves, giving you great views of the birdlife.
21 September 2025
Enjoy a (not so) swift pint by the cosy log fire in winter or out in the patio garden in summer at this 17th Century thatched country inn. Lunch and dinner menus include locally sourced seafood and meats. You can enjoy a locally brewed pint of Palmers ale while the kids play on the giant Jenga. Booking is advisable in summer.
24 June 2025
The Kingfisher is a traditional Devon pub situated in the heart of Colyton. There's outside seating for warmer months and a real fire to keep you warm in winter. Children are welcome and the pub is open for lunch and dinner.
6 January 2025
A traditional, dog friendly village pub in the heart of the village with lots of parking at the rear. Off the beaten track, here you'll find hearty pub grub and traditional ales. There's also a skittle alley.
5 June 2024
With stunning views across Lyme Bay, this shingle beach stretches for about a mile. Take your swimmers, this is a good swimming beach and ideal for kayaking. If you'd rather not walk on the pebbles there's a flat esplanade which is much easier going.
17 March 2024
Set right on the sea front next to the famous Cobb, enjoy homemade freshly prepared food either in the restaurant, veranda or the private beach area. Children are well catered for.