a sandy beach with a rocky cliff in the background

Is there a sandy beach at Charmouth?

Yes! Charmouth does have a sandy beach—but with a bit of a twist. It’s not a classic, all-sand beach like you’d find in Cornwall, but it does have sandy areas, especially when the tide is out.


🏖️ What’s Charmouth Beach Like?

Mixed terrain

  • The beach is a mix of sand, shingle, pebbles, and mudstone, depending on the tide and location.
  • At low tide, you’ll find exposed sandy areas, great for walking, digging, or beach games.
  • The sand is generally firm and compact, not super soft, but ideal for kids and families.

Great for fossil hunting

  • Charmouth is part of the Jurassic Coast, so while it’s not a sunbathing paradise, it’s brilliant for exploring, fossil hunting, and paddling.

🧭 Which Part is Best for Sand?

  • The western end, closer to the Heritage Coast Centre, tends to have more sandy stretches, especially at mid to low tide.
  • The eastern part can be rockier and muddier as you approach the cliffs (where the fossils often hide).

🛟 Facilities Nearby

  • Beach café
  • Toilets and showers
  • Lifeguards in summer (limited hours)
  • On-site parking
  • Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre with fossil info and guided walks

🏖️ Summary

  • ✔️ Yes, there’s sand at Charmouth Beach—especially at low tide
  • 🔍 Ideal for fossil hunting, beach walks, and paddling
  • ❌ Not the best for soft sand sunbathing all day—but brilliant for exploring