LOCAL AREA
Set in a tranquil location of orchards and fields Hogchester Cottage is also incredibly accessible - its long driveway linked directly to the A35. It's a five minute drive to the pretty Charmouth beaches and ten minutes to the centre of the historic harbour town of Lyme Regis with its famous Cobb and fossil-packed beach and cliffs.
River Char running into the sea at Charmouth
CHARMOUTH
Charmouth is a unspoilt traditional village with a wonderful family beach. Charmouth beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils, clean sea, safe swimming with nearby parking. The beach is divided into two by the mouth of the River Char which is often dammed by the beach forming a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the many ducks and swans.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has lots of displays that can help you discover how to find your very own fossils to take home. They also run guided Fossil Walks throughout the year. The beach is an UNESCO world heritage site.
Charmouth is a unspoilt traditional village with a wonderful family beach. Charmouth beach is a mix of sand and pebbles, fossils, clean sea, safe swimming with nearby parking. The beach is divided into two by the mouth of the River Char which is often dammed by the beach forming a lagoon suitable for boating or watching the many ducks and swans.
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre has lots of displays that can help you discover how to find your very own fossils to take home. They also run guided Fossil Walks throughout the year. The beach is an UNESCO world heritage site.
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LYME REGIS
As part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site Lyme is a must for anyone interested in geology, history or stunning coastal scenery. Visit the Aquarium, Dinosaur Museum, the historic Cobb, go on a fossil hunt or stroll through the beautiful Langmoor Gardens. Wander the historic streets and visit the working watermill in the old town with it’s fabulous bakery, cheesemonger and gift shops. There's always something going on in the town including the Lifeboat week, the Regatta, the Carnival and the Fossil Festival. There are shows at The Marine Theatre, the smallest public theatre in Britain and children can enjoy Front Beach and Cobb Gate beach which are perfect for sandcastle building. The main beach is pebbly with plenty of rockpools for crabbing at low tide. Finish your day with fresh seafood at Hix Oyster & Fish House which overlooks the harbour and boasts the most stunning panoramic views across the Jurassic coast. |
Lyme Regis in Winter
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AXMINSTER & BRIDPORT
We always recommend a lunch trip at The Old Dairy Kitchen at nearby Trill farm to our guests. Chris Onions is an amazing chef and hosts fantastic Wednesday farm lunches, Saturday lunches and special "feast" events.
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's famous River Cottage is a 10 minute drive from Hogchester Cottage and offers a fantastic selection of cookery courses and dinners. There's also the award winning River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Axminster 5 miles away. If you are there on a Thursday check out the weekly street market.
The market town of Bridport is 8 miles away with a choice of some great places to eat and the Art and Vintage Quarter which has plenty of antiques shop to browse. It has a popular street market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, a monthly farmers' market, and Bridport's Vintage Market on the last Sunday of every month.
We always recommend a lunch trip at The Old Dairy Kitchen at nearby Trill farm to our guests. Chris Onions is an amazing chef and hosts fantastic Wednesday farm lunches, Saturday lunches and special "feast" events.
Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall's famous River Cottage is a 10 minute drive from Hogchester Cottage and offers a fantastic selection of cookery courses and dinners. There's also the award winning River Cottage Canteen & Deli in Axminster 5 miles away. If you are there on a Thursday check out the weekly street market.
The market town of Bridport is 8 miles away with a choice of some great places to eat and the Art and Vintage Quarter which has plenty of antiques shop to browse. It has a popular street market on Saturdays and Wednesdays, a monthly farmers' market, and Bridport's Vintage Market on the last Sunday of every month.
MORE TO EXPERIENCE
The beautiful coast road to Weymouth and Portland runs beside Chesil Beach, an eighteen mile long natural shingle bank, protects the Fleet Lagoon which is home to many wading birds and wildlife. The natural harbour and the castle at Lulworth Cove can be found just beyond Weymouth.
To the west are the coastal towns of Seaton with its narrow gauge tram, Sidmouth, and Budleigh Salterton. Exmouth provides a wider variety of shopping and entertainment, as well as it's sandy beaches and lovely views along the Exe estuary.
The National Trust has many properties in Dorset and South Devon which can be visited with membership or day tickets. The larger towns of Exeter, Taunton, Honiton and Dorchester are all within easy reach.
In Beaminster you can experience Llama trekking or Badger watching and you can get your binoculars out at Lambert's Castle for some excellent birdwatching.
Within an hours drive are day trips to Escot Park, Crealy Adventure Park and World of Country Life. The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth is always popular whilst Bicton Botanical Gardens is perfect for the whole family.
Keen walkers or cyclists won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of paths in the area including The East Devon Way and the South West Coastal path.
The beautiful coast road to Weymouth and Portland runs beside Chesil Beach, an eighteen mile long natural shingle bank, protects the Fleet Lagoon which is home to many wading birds and wildlife. The natural harbour and the castle at Lulworth Cove can be found just beyond Weymouth.
To the west are the coastal towns of Seaton with its narrow gauge tram, Sidmouth, and Budleigh Salterton. Exmouth provides a wider variety of shopping and entertainment, as well as it's sandy beaches and lovely views along the Exe estuary.
The National Trust has many properties in Dorset and South Devon which can be visited with membership or day tickets. The larger towns of Exeter, Taunton, Honiton and Dorchester are all within easy reach.
In Beaminster you can experience Llama trekking or Badger watching and you can get your binoculars out at Lambert's Castle for some excellent birdwatching.
Within an hours drive are day trips to Escot Park, Crealy Adventure Park and World of Country Life. The Donkey Sanctuary at Sidmouth is always popular whilst Bicton Botanical Gardens is perfect for the whole family.
Keen walkers or cyclists won’t be disappointed as there are plenty of paths in the area including The East Devon Way and the South West Coastal path.