Why You Should Visit Chideock
Chideock is a small village located on the Jurassic Coast of southwestern Dorset, in An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; which together with the nearby hamlet of Seatown offers a spectacular perspective of the breathtaking cliffs that draw tourists by the thousands to this wonderful seaside area.
The Jurassic Coastline has also given World Heritage status to Dorset County with its ninety-five mile stretch from Old Harry Rocks to Orcombe Point in East Devon; with the diversity of the coastline giving us insight into the Mesozoic Era. The beautiful countryside comprised of both pastoral and farmed land adds to the beauty of this panorama. Fossilised ammonites and belemnites are often found on the coast at Chideock and Seatown due to continued coastal erosion of the soft blue lias clays which make up the local cliffs allowing us to look back through millions of years of time.
The village of Chideock also has some historical interest, with the remains of what was once a royalist castle that was destroyed during the Civil War circa 1645. Today the ruins are visible by accessing Ruins Lane and watching for a crucifix in a large field where the ruins can be found; which, this point in time, leave little left to see other than some mounds of earth and trenches. It is said that 'Chideock House Hotel', which still stands today was used by the parliamentarian General Fairfax to plan his siege of the castle.
Whether you are seeking geology, history or aesthetic appreciation, you can find it at Chideock; however be prepared for busy roads during tourist traveling times as the National Trust will not allow for a bypass over the land it owns to the north of Golden Cap, which is An Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Perhaps as the smugglers known as the 'Chideock Gang' at Seatown did, during the 19th century, we can travel there by sea.
Where is Chideock?Chideock is located in west Dorset along the A35 between Lyme Regis and Bridport. The nearest populated areas include Charmouth to the west and Bridport to the east.
Map of Chideock, circa 1940.
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