Jurassic Fossils and Coastal Fun
Discover the prehistoric wonders of the Jurassic Coast. Explore incredible marine fossils, learn about coastal erosion, and join expert-led beach walks to find their own ancient treasures.
Jurassic Marine Giants
Marvel at incredible Ichthyosaur and Plesiosaur skeletons discovered right on the local beach. These prehistoric displays bring the age of the dinosaurs to life, allowing youngsters to study the scale and anatomy of ancient sea monsters.
A premier fossil-hunting hub where students discover prehistoric marine reptiles and explore dynamic coastal geographyEducation Destination
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers students a front-row seat to the prehistoric world. Perched right on the edge of the beach, this vibrant hub is the perfect gateway to exploring the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. For youngsters on a residential stay, the centre provides an exhilarating mix of scientific discovery and outdoor adventure. It is a place where the deep past feels incredibly close, as pupils stand in the very spot where giant marine reptiles once swam millions of years ago, now revealed by the shifting tides of the English Channel.
Inside the centre, the focus is on the fascinating study of fossils, rocks and soils. Youngsters can marvel at the spectacular skeletons of Ichthyosaurs and Plesiosaurs discovered locally, gaining a real sense of the scale of these prehistoric creatures. The interactive displays explain how the environment has transformed from a tropical sea into the dramatic Dorset cliffs we see today. By using modern inventions and technology, such as 3D modelling and microscopes, students can examine tiny specimens and learn the meticulous skills required to identify and preserve ancient remains found on the shore.
The outdoor experience is a masterclass in physical geography, where pupils witness the power of the sea and coastal erosion first-hand. Guided by expert wardens, students can participate in fossil-hunting walks, scouring the shingle for their own pieces of history. These hands-on sessions bring the curriculum to life, teaching youngsters about the water cycle and the geological forces that constantly reshape the land. The atmospheric setting, with its crumbling cliffs and expansive coastal vistas, also serves as a brilliant stimulus for literature and creative writing, inspiring pupils to craft their own tales of discovery.
A visit to Charmouth is a true highlight of any educational trip to the coast, successfully blending fun and learning in a safe, supported environment. The centre encourages youngsters to become environmental stewards, fostering a lifelong interest in biodiversity and marine conservation. Whether they are peering into rockpool tanks or finding their first ammonite, every student leaves with a sense of wonder and a deeper understanding of our planet's long history. It is an unforgettable opportunity to explore the great outdoors and uncover the secrets of a world that existed long before humans walked the earth.
Fossil Hunting Fun
Scour the shoreline for 200-million-year-old treasures on a guided beach walk. Pupils learn the best techniques for identifying fossils, rocks and soils, often finding their own ammonites or belemnites to take home as a souvenir of their stay.
Dynamic Coastal Erosion
The crumbling cliffs of the Blue Lias provide a live lesson in physical geography. Students observe coastal erosion first-hand, seeing how the power of the sea constantly reshapes the land and reveals new prehistoric secrets for scientists to study.
Marine Life Discovery
Explore the biodiversity of the Jurassic Coast through the centre’s large marine tanks. Youngsters can investigate modern rockpool creatures and discuss how climate, weather and environment have changed from a tropical sea to the Dorset coast.
Scientific Technology
Discover how modern inventions and technology help palaeontologists today. From 3D scanning to microscopic analysis, students see how experts reconstruct the prehistoric world and preserve delicate finds for future generations to learn from.