Climb the highest cliff on the south coast, hunt for fossils on Charmouth beach, then reward yourself at a classic Dorset pub
About this day
This is one of our hand-crafted Dorset Days — a complete itinerary built around three locations that sit within a few miles of each other, so you spend your time exploring rather than driving. All stops, parking details, tips and food recommendations are included.
Start at Seatown and climb to Golden Cap — at 191 metres, the highest point on the entire south coast of England. The summit is capped with golden greensand that gives it its name, and on a clear day the views stretch from Portland Bill in the east to Start Point in Devon to the west. The National Trust owns the surrounding estate and the walking is outstanding in all directions. The climb from Seatown takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace.
Standing on the highest cliff on the south coast with 180-degree views of the Jurassic Coast is genuinely breathtaking.
Useful to know
Drive 10 minutes east to Charmouth — the best place in Britain to find ammonites and other Jurassic fossils on the beach. The beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and fossils erode out of the cliffs after every storm. The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre on the seafront offers free fossil identification, guided walks and information on where to look. The beach is wide, pebbly and backed by dramatic cliffs — a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours.
Finding your first ammonite — even a small one — is a genuinely exciting moment, especially for children.
Useful to know
End the day with a walk on Stonebarrow Hill — a National Trust heathland above Charmouth with outstanding views over the Marshwood Vale and coast. The walking is easy and the views are superb. In late summer the heather is in full bloom. The NT car park at Stonebarrow is free for members and provides access to miles of footpaths across the Golden Cap estate.
The view from Stonebarrow at sunset, looking west over Golden Cap and the sea, is one of the finest in Dorset.
Useful to know
The best pubs and cafes within easy reach of today's stops — all from our Dorset Business Directory.
A classic Dorset pub right on the beach at Seatown, at the foot of Golden Cap. Serves local ales, fresh seafood and proper pub food. The beer garden looks directly out to sea. One of the best-positioned pubs in Dorset — perfect for a post-walk pint with your feet in the pebbles.
A pub on the beach at the foot of the highest cliff on the south coast. It doesn't get more Dorset than this.
A traditional village pub in the centre of Charmouth, serving good pub food and local ales. A reliable lunch stop after fossil hunting on the beach.
A proper village pub with good food — a welcome break after a morning on the beach.
A 15th-century thatched pub in the pretty village of Chideock, serving real ales and homemade food. A beautiful building in a beautiful village — well worth the short detour.
A 15th-century thatched pub in a Dorset village — exactly what you come to this part of the world for.
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Seatown: NT car park at DT6 6JU (pay and display). Charmouth: beach car park at DT6 6LL (pay and display).
Stonebarrow Hill: free NT car park at DT6 6RA. All three car parks are within 5 miles of each other.
From Dorchester: A35 west to Bridport, then follow signs to Chideock and Seatown (approx. 20 miles, 30 mins). From Exeter: A35 east to Charmouth (approx. 25 miles, 35 mins).
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is fully accessible. The beach at Charmouth is pebble — challenging for wheelchairs. Golden Cap and Stonebarrow involve steep, uneven paths — not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.
This day is best from April to October. Golden Cap is spectacular in all weathers but the views are best on clear days. Charmouth fossil hunting is best after storms when new fossils have been exposed.
Dogs: Dogs welcome at all three locations. The Anchor Inn at Seatown is dog-friendly. Keep dogs on leads near cliff edges and in areas with livestock.
Download this day as a PDF to take with you, or head back to browse more pre-built Dorset days.
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