Befferlands Farmhouse Bed and Breakfast
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About the area |
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Befferlands Farm nestles in the Char Valley about a mile from the coastal village of Charmouth, at the heart of Lyme Bay, in the far South Western corner of Dorset. With a population of around 1000 Charmouth is a perfect base for walking and fossil hunting along the world famous 'Jurassic Coast'. The coastline is now part of a World Heritage Site, the first such landscape designation in the UK, ranking it alongside such natural wonders as the Grand Canyon and the Great Barrier Reef. This status was conferred by UNESCO in recognition of the areas unique natural history. The Heritage Coast Centre situated by the beach has a comprehensive multi-media exhibition. The first known settlement at what is now Charmouth began in the early iron age by a Celtic tribe known as the Durotriges. Evidence of their impressive hill forts survive today at Lambert's and Coney's Castle and Pilsdon Pen. Charmouth's first claim to fame came in 833, now a Saxon settlement, when the Wessex King Egbert failed to repel Viking invaders. In 840 King Ethelwulf again tried to repel the Vikings who eventually began to settle peacefully among the local people living at the bank of the river then known as the Cerne (stony river), the village being known as Cernmunde. In 1501 Catherine of Aragon stayed at what is now the Queens Arms Hotel as did Charles 11 as he escaped from his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Charmouth is a relatively peaceful place offering seaside facilities without the razzmatazz of the big resorts. The village has two grocery shops, a butchers, a newsagents/general store, a gift shop, a chemist, a camping and leisure store, two fossil shops, three cafes and two public houses. There is also a large playing field with tennis courts, bowls and putting greens. Between Charmouth and Lyme Regis is The Lyme Regis Golf Course. The beach has a mix of pebbles and sand. The coastal hills rise steeply on either side of the meandering River Char with Stonebarrow Hill to the east and Black Venn to the west. About a mile to the east beyond Stonebarrow Hill is Golden Cap, rising almost vertically from the beach to 617 feet. The flat topped hill is the highest point on the south coast and is part of the National Trust's Golden Cap Estate, which also includes Stonebarrow Hill. There is vehicular access to the top of Stonebarrow with staggering views of Lyme Bay with Portland in the east and Start Point to the far west. To the west, two miles by beach and three miles by road is the charming and famous town of Lyme Regis. The town's narrow streets are lined with many listed buildings and delightful shops with a profusion of art, crafts, books, antiques and specialist food shops and eateries. The old Town Mill is a restored, working watermill with a cafe, gallery and pottery and is well worth a visit. At the western end of the town is 'The Cobb' an ancient harbour wall that in recent times has become renowned as the place from which 'The French Lieutenants Woman' (played by Meryl Streep in the film of John Fowles' novel) looked longingly out to sea! From the harbour you can take boat trips for sight-seeing or mackerel fishing. In particular, look out for the Frances Jane, 'the prettiest boat in the harbour' and her skipper 'Doug the Hat'. |
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Directions
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| From the east (Bridport 7mls), turn right
off the A35 into Berne Lane just before the village of Charmouth. From the west (Axminster 7mls), turn left off the A35 into Berne Lane just passed Charmouth. Follow the lane for 1 mile, Befferlands Farm is on the left. |
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For further information or to enquire about bookings please telephone Jane or Bob on 01297 560203 Befferlands Farm, Berne Lane, Charmouth, Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6RD E-mail: bob@befferlands.freeserve.co.uk |
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