The Jurassic Coast stretches along 95 miles of stunning coastline between East Devon and Dorset, offering some of the most remarkable fossil hunting opportunities in the UK. With its rich geological history spanning 185 million years, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a magnet for both amateur enthusiasts and professional palaeontologists alike.
If you’re planning a fossil hunting adventure along this prehistoric paradise, our holiday cottages in Dorset provide the perfect base for your explorations, with comfortable accommodation just a short drive from the most productive fossil locations.
What Makes the Jurassic Coast a Fossil Hunter’s Paradise
The Jurassic Coast earned its World Heritage status for good reason. The continuous erosion of its cliffs reveals new fossils regularly, making each visit potentially rewarding. The coastline represents an almost complete geological record of the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods – a time when dinosaurs roamed the earth and ancient marine creatures swam in prehistoric seas.
What makes this area particularly special is the variety of fossils you can discover. From perfectly preserved ammonites with their distinctive spiral shells to belemnites (ancient squid-like creatures), and even the occasional marine reptile remains, the Jurassic Coast offers an extraordinary window into life from millions of years ago.
Prime Fossil Hunting Locations
Charmouth and Black Ven
Charmouth Beach sits beneath Black Ven, one of the most actively eroding cliff sections on the Jurassic Coast. This continuous erosion makes it exceptionally productive for fossil hunters.
What you might find:
- Ammonites (particularly after winter storms)
- Belemnites
- Pyritized fossils with a distinctive golden appearance
- Occasional vertebrate remains including ichthyosaurs
The Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre provides excellent resources for beginners, including displays of local finds and expert staff who can help identify your discoveries.
Lyme Regis
Known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis holds a special place in fossil hunting history as the home of Mary Anning, who discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton in the early 19th century.
The beaches east of Lyme Regis are particularly productive. Church Cliffs and Black Ven expose layers of the Lower Jurassic Lias, rich in ammonites and marine reptile remains.
Seatown
Situated beneath Golden Cap (the highest point on the south coast), Seatown offers excellent fossil hunting opportunities. The beach is composed of material eroded from the surrounding cliffs, which contain fossils from the Lower Jurassic period.
During scouring tides, Seatown becomes particularly productive for ammonite finds, with specimens often visible on the beach surface without needing to split rocks.
Kimmeridge Bay
For those interested in slightly younger fossils, Kimmeridge Bay exposes rocks from the Upper Jurassic Kimmeridge Clay. While access requires more planning due to tides, the fossils here include:
- Well-preserved ammonites
- Bivalves and gastropods
- Marine reptile remains
- Fossilized wood
Best Times for Fossil Hunting
The most productive fossil hunting occurs during winter months when stormy weather and high tides cause cliff falls and beach scouring, exposing new material. Summer can still be rewarding but expect more competition from other collectors.
| Season | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Winter | More cliff falls, fewer people, better finds | Cold, limited daylight, rough seas |
| Spring | Moderate weather, good erosion from winter | Easter holidays can bring crowds |
| Summer | Pleasant conditions, family-friendly | Very busy, less new material exposed |
| Autumn | Fewer crowds, increasing storms | Variable weather conditions |
Tide Timing: Always check tide tables before setting out. The best collecting happens on a falling tide when you have the maximum time before the tide returns. Never hunt on a rising tide near the cliff base.
Essential Equipment
You don’t need elaborate equipment to start fossil hunting, but these basics will enhance your experience:
- Safety Gear:
- Sturdy footwear with good grip
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)
- High-visibility vest if hunting near unstable cliffs
- Mobile phone (though reception can be patchy)
- Collecting Equipment:
- Small geological hammer (for experienced collectors only)
- Safety goggles if splitting rocks
- Sturdy bags for carrying finds
- Newspaper or tissue for wrapping delicate specimens
- Small notebook for recording locations
- Optional Extras:
- Hand lens for examining small details
- Camera for documenting finds
- Identification guide
The Fossil Hunting Code
Responsible collecting helps preserve the heritage of the Jurassic Coast for future generations:
- Collect only from loose material on the beach – never dig into cliffs
- Take only what you need – be selective about what you collect
- Record important finds with the local museum or heritage centre
- Split rocks with care and away from other people
- Check access – some areas have restrictions
- Be aware of tides and cliff stability at all times
Guided Fossil Walks
For beginners, joining a guided fossil walk provides invaluable knowledge and safety guidance. Several organizations offer regular walks:
- Lyme Regis Museum runs fossil walks throughout the year led by experienced geologists
- Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre offers family-friendly guided hunts that are perfect for children
- Jurassic Coast Trust occasionally organizes special fossil events
These guided experiences typically include:
- Safety briefings and tide information
- Identification tips for common fossils
- Historical context of the area
- Help with identifying your finds
Museums and Visitor Centres
To appreciate the context of your fossil finds and see spectacular specimens discovered by professionals, visit these excellent local resources:
The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life (Kimmeridge)
Home to the remarkable Etches Collection, this modern museum showcases the lifetime collection of local fossil hunter Dr. Steve Etches MBE. The specimens here represent some of the finest examples of Kimmeridgian fossils in the UK.
Lyme Regis Museum
Built on the site of Mary Anning’s home, this museum houses an excellent fossil gallery including specimens discovered by Anning herself. The museum also runs the popular fossil walks mentioned earlier.
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Offering free entry, this educational centre provides excellent displays about local geology and palaeontology, with knowledgeable staff who can help identify your finds.
Fossil Identification Tips
Learning to recognize common fossils enhances your hunting experience. Here are some quick identification tips:
Ammonites: Spiral-shaped fossils ranging from penny-sized to dinner plate dimensions. Look for the distinctive ribbed pattern and spiral shape.
Belemnites: These bullet-shaped fossils are the internal shells of ancient squid-like creatures. They’re often amber-colored and 5-15cm long.
Crinoids: Often appearing as star-shaped segments or columns of discs, these are ancient sea lilies (related to starfish).
Gryphaea: Commonly known as “devil’s toenails,” these curved oyster shells are distinctive and common in certain beds.
Vertebrate remains: Bones, teeth and vertebrae from marine reptiles appear dark against the lighter rock. They often have a porous texture and may show fine detail.
Planning Your Fossil Hunting Trip
A successful fossil hunting expedition requires good planning:
- Research your location – different beaches yield different fossils
- Check the tide times carefully using local tide tables
- Watch the weather forecast – avoid hunting during storms or heavy rain
- Inform someone of your plans if heading to remote locations
- Pack appropriately with food, water and extra layers
- Consider joining a guided walk for your first visit
Where to Stay When Fossil Hunting
After a day of fossil hunting, you’ll want comfortable accommodation to relax and examine your finds. Self-catering holiday cottages provide ideal bases for fossil hunters:
- Space to clean and examine your fossils
- Facilities to wash muddy clothing and boots
- Flexibility to plan around tides and weather
- Proximity to multiple fossil locations
Safety Considerations
The beauty of the Jurassic Coast comes with inherent risks that all fossil hunters should respect:
Cliff Hazards: Stay away from cliff bases, especially after rain or during thaws when falls are more likely. Always look up regularly when near cliffs.
Tide Awareness: Always check tide times and plan accordingly. Some beaches become completely submerged at high tide with no escape route.
Weather Impacts: Heavy rain increases landslip risk and can make beach access dangerous.
Physical Demands: Some of the best fossil beaches require challenging walks with uneven terrain. Assess your fitness realistically.
Extraordinary Fossil Discoveries
The Jurassic Coast has yielded some remarkable finds over the years:
- Mary Anning’s ichthyosaur (1811) – the first complete specimen scientifically described
- The Weymouth Bay pliosaur skull – one of the largest and most complete ever found
- Numerous complete dinosaur footprint trackways near Swanage
- Exceptional fish and insect specimens from the Purbeck limestone
These spectacular discoveries continue to this day, with new and significant finds made by amateur collectors as well as professionals.
Exploring Beyond the Beach
While fossil hunting might be your primary motivation, the Jurassic Coast offers numerous complementary attractions:
- Scenic coastal walks along the South West Coast Path
- Historic towns and villages including Lyme Regis and Charmouth
- Local seafood restaurants showcasing fresh catches
- Maritime museums and heritage sites
- Water sports and boat trips for alternative views of the coastal geology
Bringing Your Finds Home
Once you’ve collected fossils, proper care ensures they remain in good condition:
- Gently rinse specimens with fresh water to remove salt
- Allow fossils to dry thoroughly before storage
- Wrap delicate specimens in acid-free tissue
- Label your finds with location and date
- Store away from direct sunlight to prevent fading
Some collectors apply a dilute conservation-grade glue to stabilize fragile specimens.
Finding Your Perfect Fossil Hunting Holiday
The Jurassic Coast offers some of the most accessible and rewarding fossil hunting in Britain. Whether you’re planning a dedicated fossil hunting break or looking to include it as part of a broader holiday experience, the right accommodation makes all the difference.
Our holiday cottages provide the perfect base for exploring the ancient treasures of this remarkable coastline, with properties situated near top fossil hunting beaches.
Browse our selection of holiday cottages in Dorset to find your ideal fossil hunting headquarters, with comfortable facilities to clean and examine your prehistoric treasures at the end of each exciting day.
Contact us today to book your fossil hunting adventure on the extraordinary Jurassic Coast.
