Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast: Best Beaches & Tips

Stretching for 95 miles from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset the Jurassic Coast is one of the most fascinating places to explore during a coastal holiday. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary stretch of coastline reveals an almost continuous timeline of Earth’s history, spanning around 185 million years.

Thanks to the natural forces of wind, waves and weather, ancient rocks are constantly being eroded, uncovering fossils that have been hidden for millions of years. For guests staying in one of our holiday cottages, fossil hunting is a wonderful way to slow down, explore the shoreline and add a sense of discovery to your Dorset break.

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Why the Jurassic Coast is so special

What makes the Jurassic Coast truly unique is the way its cliffs and beaches display rock layers from the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Each section of the coast tells a different story from a time when this area lay beneath warm, shallow seas filled with marine life.

Over time, the remains of these creatures became fossilised within the rock. Today, erosion releases them naturally, washing them onto beaches and into shingle beds. This means every visit offers the chance to spot something new, whether it is a small shell imprint or a beautifully preserved ammonite.

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Is fossil hunting legal on the Jurassic Coast?

Yes—but only if you follow specific rules. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and much of it is protected as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). Fossil collecting is allowed, but it’s tightly regulated to protect both people and science.

 

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DOs: What You Are Allowed to Do

Do collect loose fossils from the beach

• Only pick up fossils that have naturally fallen onto the foreshore due to erosion or tides. This is known as responsible surface collecting.

Do follow the Jurassic Coast Fossil Collecting Code

• This code exists to balance public collecting with scientific conservation. Local councils and museums actively support it.

Do check local rules before you go

• Some areas have stricter regulations than others. Local visitor centres or museum websites usually publish up-to-date guidance.

Do report significant or rare finds

• Important fossils (especially large or unusual ones) should be reported to a local museum or finds liaison officer. You may still receive credit for the discovery.

Do stay safe

• Check tide times.
• Keep well away from unstable cliffs.
• Wear sturdy footwear and a helmet if appropriate.

Do respect land ownership

• Beaches are often public, but cliffs and land above them are usually privately owned.

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DON’Ts: What Is Not Allowed

Don’t hammer, dig, or excavate cliffs

• Removing fossils directly from cliffs is illegal in most areas and extremely dangerous. Cliff falls are common and unpredictable.

Don’t use tools on protected sites

• No hammers, chisels, crowbars, or digging equipment on SSSI land.

Don’t trespass

• Accessing private land or fenced-off areas without permission is not allowed.

Don’t remove large quantities

• Fossil hunting is for personal interest, not commercial-scale collecting.

Don’t sell fossils without checking legality

• Selling fossils can be restricted, especially if they came from protected areas.

Don’t damage the environment

• Avoid disturbing wildlife, vegetation, or geological features.

Why the Rules Matter

• Fossils are scientific records, not just souvenirs.
• Once removed without documentation, their scientific value can be lost forever.
• The coast is constantly eroding—responsible collecting works with nature, not against it.

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The best places for fossil hunting in Dorset

While fossils can be found along much of the Jurassic Coast, there are a few well known locations that are particularly popular with visitors.

• Charmouth Beach: Charmouth is widely regarded as one of the best places for fossil hunting in the UK. Its gently sloping beach and regularly eroding cliffs make it an ideal spot for beginners and families. After periods of rough weather, the shoreline often reveals ammonites, belemnites and ancient shell fragments. The nearby Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is well worth a visit, offering exhibitions, local knowledge and guided fossil walks led by experienced experts.
• Lyme Regis: Lyme Regis is famous around the world for its fossil heritage and its connection to pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning. Discoveries made here in the nineteenth century helped shape modern understanding of prehistoric life. Today, the beaches around Lyme Regis remain rich in fossil finds. Monmouth Beach is especially popular, with rocky ledges and limestone platforms that can reveal fossils at low tide. It is a great place to combine fossil hunting with a scenic coastal walk.
• Kimmeridge Bay: Kimmeridge Bay offers a dramatic and atmospheric setting, with flat rock shelves stretching out towards the sea. Fossils can often be seen within the rock itself, giving visitors the chance to observe them in their natural surroundings. Collecting is more limited here to help protect the landscape, but it is a rewarding place to explore if you are interested in geology, photography or simply enjoying a quieter stretch of coast.
• Lulworth Cove and the surrounding area: Lulworth Cove is best known for its striking shape and clear waters, but nearby locations also offer fascinating insights into the area’s prehistoric past. The Fossil Forest, which dates back around 140 million years, reveals fossilised tree stumps and ancient soils on selected access days. You can find the Fossil Forest opening days on the Government website.

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What fossils might you find?

One of the joys of fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast is that you do not need expert knowledge to enjoy it. Even first time fossil hunters have a good chance of finding something interesting.

Common finds include:

• Ammonites with their distinctive spiral shells
• Belemnites, often described as bullet shaped fossils
• Bivalves and ancient shellfish
• Crinoids, which appear as small discs or bead like fragments

Occasionally, fragments of bone from marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs or plesiosaurs are discovered. If you think you have found something unusual or important, local museums and visitor centres can offer advice.

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Jurassic Coast Fossil Walk

There are several Jurassic coast fossil walks available. However, the Charmouth Fossil Walk is one of the most popular. The walk covers a distance of one mile and takes place along the beach among pebbles and boulders.

Let the experts guide you through Dorset’s rich history as you take a walk along the stunning coastline. The Wardens are full of information and will give you the best tips on spotting fossils in Charmouth.

Starting at the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre meeting point, the Jurassic coast walk takes you down to the famous beach and onto your Jurassic Coast Walk. Throughout busier months, it is advisable to book in advance. You should arrive 10 minutes before the walk to pick your tickets.

Whether fossil hunting or not, there are a number of stunning Jurassic Coast walks to discover.

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When is the best time to go fossil hunting?

A little planning can greatly improve your chances of success. Low tide is the best time to explore, especially on beaches with rocky platforms. Tide times vary daily, so it is always worth checking before you set out.

Many experienced fossil hunters also visit after storms or periods of rough seas, as erosion often exposes fresh material. Early mornings can be particularly rewarding, before the beaches become busier.

While winter and early spring are often considered prime seasons, fossil hunting can be enjoyed throughout the year when conditions are right.

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Helpful tips for a successful day out

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You do not need specialist equipment to enjoy fossil hunting, but a few simple tips can make your visit more enjoyable.

• Look carefully among loose stones and shingle along the shoreline
• Take your time, as fossils often blend in with surrounding rocks
• Wear sturdy footwear with good grip
• Bring a small bag or container to protect any finds
• A simple fossil guide can help with identification

Many local museums are happy to help identify fossils and share more about the history behind your discoveries.

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Staying safe on the Jurassic Coast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jurassic Coast is a beautiful and ever changing environment, so safety should always come first.

Cliffs can be unstable, and rockfalls may occur without warning. Always keep a safe distance from cliff edges and bases, and never attempt to climb or dig into them.

Checking tide times is essential, as some sections of beach can be cut off quickly by rising water. Pay attention to warning signs and keep children close when exploring rocky areas.

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Responsible fossil collecting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast is encouraged when done responsibly. The general guidance is to collect only loose fossils found on the beach and to leave anything embedded in cliffs or large rock formations.

The coastline is protected for its natural and scientific importance. If you discover something rare or significant, reporting it to a local museum helps ensure it can be recorded for future study.

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Making the most of your Dorset stay

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fossil hunting fits perfectly into a Dorset holiday. After a morning on the beach, you can enjoy coastal paths, local cafés and traditional seaside towns. Staying nearby makes it easier to plan around tides and weather, giving you the best chance of a rewarding experience.

Whether you return home with a pocket full of fossils or simply a greater appreciation of the landscape, fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast is a memorable way to connect with Dorset’s natural history. It is an experience that feels both relaxing and inspiring, and one that adds something truly special to a coastal escape in 2025.

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Find out more about Fossil Hunting in Dorset

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you love the idea of fossil hunting in Dorset, why not check out the Lyme Regis fossil and earth science festival this year. You can find out more about all the festivals in Dorset and when they are throughout the year.

With a stunning choice of beaches and a rich history of dinosaurs, Jurassic coast fossil hunting is a perfect way to explore Dorset. Leave your Jurassic coast cottage behind and go on an adventure through time with the family.

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Fossil Hunting FAQs (Jurassic Coast)

1. Where are the best fossil hunting spots at Charmouth for beginners?

Charmouth Beach is hands-down one of the best places on the Jurassic Coast for beginners.

• Start east of the River Char, walking toward Black Ven.
• This stretch regularly produces ammonites, belemnites, and fossil fragments right on the shingle.
• You don’t need tools, most beginner finds are loose on the beach, especially after cliff falls.

First-hand insight: Many first-time hunters strike gold within 20–30 minutes here simply by slowing down and scanning the high tide line. Locals often say the best finds come from looking, not digging.

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2. Where can I park for fossil hunting at Charmouth and nearby spots?

Charmouth

• Charmouth Beach Car Park (DT6 6LL) – closest and most convenient. From here, it’s a 2-minute walk to the beach and river mouth.

Lyme Regis

• Monmouth Beach Car Park – good for ammonites and longer walks.
• Park Road Car Park – easier access for families.

Walking routes

• From Charmouth car park → cross the river → turn east toward Black Ven.
• From Lyme Regis → walk east toward Seven Rock Point (check tides carefully).

First-hand insight: Arriving early (before 9am) avoids crowds and means you’re first to fresh material washed out overnight.

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3. Which beaches are best after storms?

Storms and heavy rain are your best friend—but only after conditions settle.

Most productive after storms:

• Charmouth Beach
• Monmouth Beach (Lyme Regis)
• Seatown Beach

Why?

• Rain loosens clay.
• Rough seas clear shingle and expose fresh fossils.
• Cliff falls often reveal new material.

First-hand insight: Seasoned collectors often head out the morning after a storm, once tides are safe. The sweet spot is usually within 24–48 hours.

Never hunt during storms or high winds—cliff collapses are common.

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4. Where can I get fossils identified?

If you’re unsure what you’ve found, you’ve got great local options:

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

• Friendly, knowledgeable staff
• Ideal for ammonites, belemnites, and common finds

Lyme Regis Museum

• Especially good for historically or scientifically important finds
• Local fossil shops
• Many shop owners are experienced collectors and happy to help

First-hand insight: Even common finds are worth getting checked—what looks “ordinary” to a beginner can sometimes be a well-preserved or unusual specimen.

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5. Do I need tools to find fossils?

No and beginners are often more successful without them.

• Most legal collecting is surface collecting only
• The best beginner fossils are usually already weathered out
• A small bag, sturdy boots, and patience go a long way

First-hand insight: Collectors often say their best finds came from simply crouching down and following the line of freshly washed stones near the tide mark.

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6. When is the best time of day to go fossil hunting?

Low tide is essential, always check tide tables first. Early morning is ideal for:

• Fewer people
• Freshly exposed finds
• Better light angles for spotting details

First-hand insight: Many regulars plan their walks so they’re turning back as the tide starts to rise, not racing it.

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7. What fossils am I most likely to find as a beginner?

Common and exciting beginner finds include:

• Ammonites (often broken but still recognisable)
• Belemnites (bullet-shaped fossils)
• Fossilised shells
• Occasional bone fragments

Complete, museum-quality specimens are rare but, finding your first identifiable fossil is very achievable.

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8. Local tips beginners should know?

• Walk slowly. Scan. Repeat.
• Look for spirals, symmetry, and texture changes.
• If the cliffs look unstable, turn around, there will always be another day.
• Respect the Fossil Collecting Code—it keeps beaches open to everyone.

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Image Credits – David Hagwood – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Julian Dowse – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Anne Roberts – (CC BY-NC-SA); Matthew Anderson – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Eirian Evans – (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Updated for 2026 with the latest guidance on fossil hunting locations and safety along the Jurassic Coast.