Jurassic Coast Fossil Hunting: The Complete Guide

Stretching 95 miles along England’s south coast, the Jurassic Coast is a geological treasure trove spanning 185 million years of Earth’s history. This is England’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site, and more importantly, one of the world’s best places to find fossils yourself. Whether you’re hunting ammonites at Lyme Regis or exploring dinosaur footprints at Purbeck, here’s everything you need to know for a successful fossil-hunting adventure.

Why Here?

The Jurassic Coast’s unique geology comes from constant erosion – the cliffs are constantly crumbling, revealing new fossils with every tide and storm. This isn’t a museum behind glass; it’s a living, eroding coastline where you can genuinely discover prehistoric life yourself.

The three periods represented – Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous – mean you’ll find creatures from different eras. Ammonites from the Jurassic (around 200-145 million years ago), dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous (145-66 million years ago), and even older reptile bones from the Triassic (252-201 million years ago).

When to Go

Best Times

Winter and early spring are prime fossil-hunting seasons. Winter storms erode the cliffs, fresh material falls to the beach, and summer crowds haven’t arrived yet. After a storm, you’ll often find fresh finds that haven’t been picked over.

Low tide is essential – you need the beach fully exposed. Check tide tables and plan to arrive 2-3 hours before low tide to give yourself maximum time. Early morning (dawn to 9am) gives you first pick of overnight finds and better photography light.

Seasonal Notes

January-March: Best for fresh falls after winter storms. Wrap up warm – it’s cold and exposure can be brutal. April-May: Milder weather, still good finds, fewer people. June-August: Pleasant conditions but crowded and already picked over. September-November: Good time – summer storms refresh the beaches, crowds thin out. December: If you’re hardy, winter storms can reveal spectacular finds.

Top Spots

Lyme Regis (Dorset)

The classic fossil-hunting destination, immortalised in The French Lieutenant’s Woman and home to pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning. Monmouth Beach (west of Lyme) is famous for its ammonite pavement – a vast rock surface embedded with hundreds of ammonites, visible at low tide.

Charmouth Beach (east of Lyme) is easier to access and produces consistent finds, particularly ammonites and belemnites. After storms, the mudslides between Lyme and Charmouth can yield significant finds – but only hunt below the high-tide line, as cliff falls are dangerous.

Charmouth

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is essential first stop – they’ve got fossil displays, identification help, and advice on recent finds. The beach here yields ammonites, belemnites (squid-like creatures), and occasionally vertebrate fossils like ichthyosaur bones.

Seatown (Dorset)

Golden Cap, England’s highest south coast point, creates productive beaches on either side. The east beach is great for ammonites and has produced some significant finds over the years. It’s quieter than Lyme and Charmouth, with the same geology.

Burton Bradstock

Hive Beach is known for belemnites – those bullet-shaped fossils that look ancient pencils. The cliffs here are Cretaceous, so you’ll find different species than further east.

Kimmeridge (Dorset)

Kimmeridge Bay is known for the Kimmeridge Clay – oil-rich rock that’s full of ammonites and other fossils. The ledges at low tide reveal ammonite beds, and the clay produces incredible preservation quality.

Clavell’s Hard (requires a long walk down from the cliffs) is more challenging but rewarding – the beach here has produced significant finds including marine reptile remains.

Lulworth Cove & Durdle Door (Dorset)

While most famous for its geology, the area does produce fossils. St Oswald’s Bay (east of Durdle Door) yields ammonites and gastropods from the Cretaceous period. Fossil Forest (access via Lulworth Cove walks) reveals tree stumps and soils from the Jurassic period.

Isle of Purbeck

Durlston Bay (near Swanage) is a rich hunting ground for ammonites and reptile remains. Chapman’s Pool is spectacularly beautiful and productive but requires a challenging walk down. Worbarrow Bay (when accessible) has produced dinosaur footprints and other finds.

Beer (Devon)

Beer Beach is Cretaceous (White Chalk) and yields different fossils than the Jurassic sites. You’ll find belemnites, brachiopods, and occasional fish remains. The chalk cliffs are dramatic and worth seeing for themselves.

What to Look For

Common Finds

Ammonites: The quintessential Jurassic Coast fossil. These coiled shellfish look like chambered nautilus shells. Sizes range from thumbnail-small to dinner-plate-big. Look for the distinct spiral shape in the shingle or embedded in rocks.

Belemnites: Cylindrical, bullet-shaped fossils from squid-like creatures. They look like polished stones or ancient pencils. Common at Burton Bradstock and Beer.

Gastropods: Sea snail shells – spiral or cone-shaped. Often well-preserved and recognisable as ancestors of modern snails.

Bivalves: Clam-like shells – flat, fan-shaped or curved. Some species look like modern cockles or mussels.

Rare but Possible

Ichthyosaur vertebrae: The backbone segments of these marine reptiles. Look for cylindrical bones with a spongy texture. Rare but possible – Lyme Regis has produced several complete specimens.

Plesiosaur bones: Similar to ichthyosaurs but different structure. Even rarer but Lyme has yielded several significant finds.

Dinosaur footprints: Visible at Purbeck sites like Keates Quarry. You need a trained eye – these are impressions in rock, not bones.

Coprolites: Fossilised poo! Yes, really. They’re identifiable by their shape and composition. Not as glamorous as bones, but tell you what creatures ate.

Essential Equipment

Must-Haves

Geological hammer (small, 2-4oz) – for carefully splitting rocks. Don’t bring a standard claw hammer – they’re dangerous for fossil work.

Safety glasses – absolutely essential when hammering. Rock chips fly and eyes are precious.

Chisel – cold chisel works for splitting larger rocks safely.

Rucksack – comfortable, with separate compartments for fragile finds.

Paper towel and newspaper – wrap finds immediately to protect them.

Camera – photograph finds in situ before removing them.

Nice-to-Haves

Hand lens (10x magnification) – for examining small finds and details.

Trowel – useful for carefully exposing finds.

Spray bottle – for cleaning finds on the beach.

Guide book – “Fossils of the Jurassic Coast” is excellent for identification.

Safety First

Critical Warnings

Never hammer cliffs – this is incredibly dangerous. Cliffs are unstable and can collapse without warning. Only hammer loose rocks on the beach.

Stay clear of cliff falls – fresh falls are unstable and can slide further. Never climb cliffs to look at falls from above.

Watch the tide – many of these beaches get cut off at high tide. Never underestimate the sea. Always have an escape route.

Check conditions – strong waves can sweep you off rocks. Storms create dangerous conditions. If it looks rough, stay back.

Practical Safety

Wear sturdy footwear – rocks are slippery and uneven. Wellies or hiking boots are ideal.

Dress appropriately – layers, waterproofs, sun protection. Weather changes fast on the coast.

Tell someone your plans – especially if you’re going to remote spots like Chapman’s Pool.

Phone coverage – many of these areas have poor or no signal. Don’t rely on being able to call for help.

Fossil Hunting Etiquette

Do’s

Hunt below the high-tide line – cliffs and areas above are protected. Only collect what you’ll use – don’t strip-mine a beach. Record finds – photograph and note location. Significant finds should be reported to local museums. Leave rare finds in place – if you think you’ve found something important (dinosaur bones, significant reptile remains), photograph it, note location, and contact the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or local museum.

Don’ts

Don’t hammer protected areas – Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) have restrictions. Don’t collect from cliffs – this is illegal and dangerous. Don’t dig – let natural erosion do the work. Don’t take everything – leave some for others and future visitors.

Identifying Your Finds

The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers free fossil identification services – bring your finds and volunteers will help identify them and tell you about them. They’re open daily (check seasonal hours).

Local museums like Lyme Regis Museum also have identification services and excellent displays showing what to look for. These institutions appreciate reports of significant finds – you might contribute to scientific knowledge!

Planning Your Trip

Accommodation

Lyme Regis – most convenient base, lots of accommodation, good restaurants, excellent heritage centre. Charmouth – more laid-back, cheaper options, right on the hunting beach. Bridport – inland option with good access to multiple sites, more facilities. Purbeck – Swanage is the main base for Durdle Door/Lulworth area.

Getting Around

A car is ideal – you can visit multiple beaches and chase conditions. The Jurassic Coast bus service runs during summer, connecting major sites but with limited schedules.

Combining with Other Activities

Walking – the South West Coast Path runs the entire length, with spectacular sections. Geology tours – local experts run guided fossil walks (booking ahead recommended). Photography – the coastline is dramatic at any time, but sunrise/sunset are magical. Local food – Dorset’s seafood scene is excellent – fish and chips after a cold morning on the beach!

The Big Ones: When You Find Something Significant

If you think you’ve found something important – large vertebrate bones, unusual specimens, or potential new species – don’t panic. Photograph it in place, note the location (using GPS if possible), and contact:

• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre: 01297 560772
• Lyme Regis Museum: 01297 443370
• Dorset County Council’s fossil recorder

They’ll advise on next steps. You might not get to keep it, but you’ll be contributing to scientific knowledge – and often finders get credit in published papers!

Final Tips

• Start small – learn to recognise ammonites and belemnites before hunting rarer specimens.
• Be patient – serious finds are rare, but the joy of the hunt is in the process.
• Enjoy the scenery – this is one of Britain’s most beautiful coastlines whatever you find.
• Dress for success – cold, wet, uncomfortable hunters don’t find much.
• Go often – conditions change daily. Regular visits increase your chances.

The Jurassic Coast offers something few places can: the genuine possibility of discovering something that’s never been seen before. Whether you find a perfect ammonite or just enjoy the dramatic scenery, you’re walking through 185 million years of Earth’s history. Happy hunting!