About Charmouth and Surrounds
The village of Charmouth nestles in a valley at the heart of Lyme Bay, in the far South Western corner of Dorset. With a population of around 1000 the village is a perfect base for walking and fossil hunting along the world famous 'Jurassic Coast'.
The coastline is now part of a World Heritage Site, the first such landscape designation in the UK, ranking it alongside such natural wonders as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. The status was conferred by UNESCO in recognition of the areas unique natural history. The Heritage Coast Centre situated by the beach has a comprehensive multi-media exhibition.
The first settlement began in the early iron age by a Celtic tribe known as the Durotriges. Evidence of their impressive hill forts survive today at Lambert's and Coney's Castle and Pilsdon Pen. Charmouth's first claim to fame came in 833, now a Saxon settlement, when the Wessex King Egbert failed to repel Viking invaders. In 840 King Ethelwulf again tried to repel the Vikings who eventually began to settle peacefully among the local people living at the bank of the river then known as the Cerne (stony river), the village being known as Cernmunde. In 1501 Catherine of Aragon stayed at what is now the Queens Armes Hotel as did Charles 11 as he escaped from his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651.
Today Charmouth is a relatively peaceful place offering seaside facilities without the razzmatazz of the big resorts. The village has two grocery shops, a newsagents, gift shops, a chemist, a camping and leisure store, two fossil shops, two cafes and two pubs. There is also a large playing field with tennis courts, bowls and putting greens. Between Charmouth and Lyme Regis is Lyme Regis Golf Course .
The beach has a mix of pebbles and at low-tide acres of sand with rock pools. The coastal hills rise steeply on either side of the meandering River Char with Stonebarrow Hill to the east and Black Venn to the west. About a mile to the east beyond Stonebarrow Hill is Golden Cap , rising almost vertically from the beach to 617 feet. The flat topped hill is the highest point on the south coast and is part of the National Trust's Golden Cap Estate, which also includes Stonebarrow Hill. There is vehicular access to the top of Stonebarrow with staggering views of Lyme Bay with Portland in the east and Start Point to the far west.
To the west, two miles by beach and three miles by road is the charming and famous town of Lyme Regis. The towns narrow streets are lined with many listed buildings and delightful shops with lots of art, crafts, books, antiques and specialist food shops and eateries. The old Town Mill is a restored, working watermill with a cafe, gallery and pottery and is well worth a visit. At the western end of the town is 'The Cobb' an ancient harbour wall which became renowned as the place from which 'The French Lieutenants Woman' (played in the film by Meryl Streep) looked longingly out to sea!
If you would like to go mackerel fishing, bird or dolphin watching or just sit back and enjoy the stunning Jurassic Coast of Dorset and East Devon, we recommend a boat trip on the Frances Jane based at Lyme Regis harbour, Dorset.
So, if you fancy spending some quality time in this beautiful and unspoilt area I look forward to hearing from you and assure you of a warm welcome.
Anthea Gillings
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