​Charmouth

Charmouth can also operate as a starting location, with adequate accommodation and eating options. It is world famed for its fossils and its landslides - the combination of the two in the early 19th century revealing the first complete Ichthyosaurus fossil found - a whopping 21ft in length. Charles I was an early visitor in disguise, failing in a plan to flee from the shores here by boat. Forced to abandon the attempt he had to undertake his own coastal walk and instead follow the cliffs all the way to Sussex on a route that is now reinvented as the Monarchs Way Long Distance Path.

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is well worth visiting in the old Cement and Lime Works before leaving the beach here – but do remember to have a quick look for fossils before departing.