The centre will be open every day untill the end of October
Normal opening hours are from 10.30am - 4.30pm

(The centre may be closed at certain times if the staff are on the beach with a school or group. Please ring us on 01297 560772 if you would like to check before you visit)

We have interactive computers, hands on displays and lots of information on fossils, fossil hunting and the local coastal and marine wildlife. There is even a video microscope that you can use to examine your finds. You will always find a helpful warden or volunteer who can identify your finds for you!

The Centre has a Jurassic Theatre, where for a small charge (adults £1, children 50p) you can watch a short film on 'Finding fossils at Charmouth' or 'Black Ven; life on the edge'. And we also have a small shop stocked with books of all levels, including some of our own publications, toys and souvenirs.

Throughout the year we run guided fossil hunting expeditions, rockpooling walks, plus countryside and marine discovery activities along the local coastline.

About Us

The Centre was set up in 1985 to encourage safe and sustainable collecting of Jurassic fossils from the local beaches. Since that time we have slowly expanded and now have two wardens plus a large group of hard-working volunteers. The Centre provides a large and varied programme of events and activities throughout the year for both the public and schools. We also have a number of ongoing research projects centred on local biodiversity, geology and coastal science.

In 2006 over 85,000 people visited the Centre including over almost 4000 school children as part of our educational programme.

Being a charitable trust we are reliant on the support of a large and active friends organisation who help to man the desk, build displays and undertake management roles.

Our latest phase of improvement was supported by the Fine Foundation and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

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Call 01297 560772