The centre is situated on the site of a former cement factory, which once exploited the local blue lias shale.
The Scelidosaurus remains found in Charmouth are among the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever discovered in Britain.
The local 'Blue Lias' rock formation consists of alternating layers of limestone and shale dating back roughly 200 million years.
Many of the fossils displayed are collected by volunteers who monitor the beach daily after high tides.
Charmouth is internationally recognized as one of the best locations for finding coiled ammonites due to the regular erosion of cliff faces.
The centre provides a dedicated identification service for visitors who bring their own beachcombing finds.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a dedicated educational facility located directly on the beach, focusing on the geology and fossils of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It displays an extensive collection of local finds, including significant specimens of ichthyosaurs and ammonites discovered in the immediate area. The centre serves as a base for guided fossil hunting walks led by expert wardens along the local foreshore. It houses a large model of a Scelidosaurus, a dinosaur unique to this specific stretch of the coastline. The exhibits explain the geological formation of the Black Ven mudslides and the process of coastal erosion. The centre functions as a non-profit organization focused on public engagement with earth sciences. Interactive displays allow visitors to identify their own finds against authenticated reference samples. The facility provides information on tide safety, which is essential for navigating the local beach safely.
The elevated viewing area near the entrance provides a clear panoramic view of the Lyme Regis coastline.
Check the tide tables before visiting, as the best fossil hunting areas are only accessible at low tide.
Bring sturdy, waterproof footwear as the beach foreshore is often slippery, muddy, and covered in loose rocks.
Visit the centre before walking on the beach to get professional advice on current cliff stability and safe access points.
Do not attempt to walk along the base of the cliffs during high tide, as this creates a significant entrapment risk.
Open daily throughout the main season, but may have reduced weekend availability during the winter months.
Avoid digging directly into the cliffs for safety and conservation reasons; only collect fossils found loose on the beach.
