'Fabulous' beach in charming coastal village rated one of UK's best for winter walks

A "fabulous" beach in a charming coastal village has been rated one of the best in the UK for winter walks. Charmouth Beach, located two miles from Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast, is renowned for its fossils and is popular all year round. In fact, it was named one of the world's best beaches to visit in winter by Lonely Planet, and was named as one of the best UK beaches for winter walks by Contours Holidays.

There are two parts to the best: the East Beach and the West Beach. The former is more popular with families looking to sunbathe as the pebbles are smaller. Meanwhile, the latter is considered a prime fossil-hunting spot.

Charmouth village is set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has pubs, cafes, stores, gifts and a bakery. The Charmouth Heritage Centre has fossil displays, offers advice, and even organises fossil-finding beach walks.

There are no lifeguards at Charmouth Beach, according to Visit Dorset. The beach does have toilets, including an accessible toilet, and there is a wheelchair-friendly promenade. For those travelling by car, there are three car parks within walking distance to the beach.

Dogs are allowed off leads on East Beach at any time of year. But, on the West Beach, they are only welcomed off lead from October 1 to April 30 and are not allowed from May 1 to September 30. To get to the beach via public transport, you can take a local bus from Lyme Regis, with one leaving every hour. The bus will stop on the main road and you will need to walk to the beach along Lower Sea Lane, which takes about 15 minutes.

Visitors have lauded the beach for its stunning scenery and great views even in the winter months. One called it "fabulous", writing on TripAdvisor: "This is a must see/do for anybody. Beach is fantastic - dogs allowed. Miles of fossil hunting to be had as well as relaxing."

Another said: "Best to go in autumn or winter in term time. More fossils lying about that haven't been found by children, and quieter generally. The beach changes every time I go but the light there is amazing. It's a beautiful beach for a walk. Highly recommended."

A third wrote: "I've been coming to Charmouth Beach for years. It never fails to disappoint even in the winter months. It's ideal for swimming, rock-pooling and fossil hunting. Plenty for kids and adults to do."