Charmouth beach is divided in two by the mouth of the river Char. East beach has smaller pebbles and therefore generally preferred by families who want a sea side stroll or to sit and admire the views. There is a shop and cafe and plenty of fossils to be found at the waters edge.
West beach can be accessed over a wooden foot bridge. The pebbles are larger here making fossils seem much easier to find. When the tide is out you are able to walk back around to Lyme Regis, but please check at the Charmouth Heritage Coast centre that the tides are suitable before setting out.
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is free to visit and stands next to the beach. You can book fossil hunting walks and a variety of other marine activities.
Check out the Heritage Coast centre website to find out details of when dogs are welcomed.
http://charmouth.org/chcc/