UK Fossil Hunting Guide for Beginners and Families

The Best Regions for Fossil Hunting in the UK

1. Jurassic Coast (Dorset & East Devon)

The Jurassic Coast is one of the most iconic fossil-hunting regions in the UK. Stretching for 95 miles along the south coast of England, from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, it is Britain’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cliffs here expose a near-continuous sequence of rock layers spanning the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, covering roughly 185 million years of Earth’s history.

Home to some of the best beaches in Dorset, this coastline is particularly rich in marine fossils, including ammonites, belemnites and the remains of ancient reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs. The natural erosion of the cliffs means that new fossils are regularly revealed, making it a reliable and rewarding place for fossil hunters of all levels. It’s one of the most accessible and educational places for fossil hunting in the UK, with well-trodden paths, local visitor centres and a long-standing connection to the history of palaeontology.

The Jurassic Coast is also a protected environment, so it’s important to follow local guidance when collecting fossils. Much of the area is part of a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and responsible collecting is key to preserving its scientific and educational value for future generations. We’d recommend ticking this activity off your winter bucket list, as quieter beaches and rough seas increase your chance of finding something.

2. Isle of Wight

The Isle of Wight is one of the most important and well-known fossil hunting regions in the UK, particularly for dinosaur discoveries. Often referred to as the “Dinosaur Capital of Britain”, the island has yielded thousands of fossil specimens over the years, including complete skeletons, teeth and footprints. Its rich geological layers, particularly those from the Early Cretaceous period, make it a key site for understanding prehistoric life on land.

The coastline regularly reveals new finds due to natural erosion, especially following winter storms. The mix of accessible and beautiful Isle of Wight beaches, exposed cliffs and inland sites mean fossil hunters have a good chance of uncovering something of interest, whether it’s a small piece of plant material, a fragment of bone or a fossilised shell. The Isle of Wight also has a strong fossil hunting community, with museums and guided walks available for beginners.

Fossil hunting on the island is well-supported by local resources, but it’s still important to follow responsible collecting practices. Some areas fall within designated SSSIs or are located near protected cliffs, so checking local guidance and collecting only from loose material is essential. The Isle of Wight remains one of the most exciting destinations for fossil hunting in the UK, especially for those interested in the age of the dinosaurs.

3. Yorkshire Coast (East & North Yorkshire)

The Yorkshire Coast is one of the most reliable and rewarding regions for fossil hunting in the UK. Running from Staithes in the north to Flamborough Head in the south, the coastline exposes a rich sequence of Jurassic rocks that are packed with well-preserved marine fossils. The area is often referred to as the “Dinosaur Coast”, although most finds here come from ancient seas rather than land-dwelling species.

This part of the coast is especially known for ammonites, belemnites, fossilised wood and the occasional marine reptile remains, including ichthyosaurs. Regular cliff erosion and tidal movement bring new fossils to the surface, particularly after winter storms. Many beaches are easy to access and offer safe, open spaces for families and beginners to explore.

While much of the coastline is open to responsible collecting, some areas are designated as SSSIs or Heritage Coast, so care must be taken to follow local rules. Fossil hunting on the Yorkshire Coast combines scenic walks with the chance of finding well-preserved specimens, making it a popular choice for both casual visitors and experienced collectors.

4. Kent

The Kent coast offers a unique fossil hunting experience, with a focus on finds from the Cretaceous period. Unlike other regions known for their Jurassic layers, Kent’s cliffs and foreshore areas are rich in Gault Clay and Chalk formations, which are well-known for preserving marine fossils. Erosion and tidal action frequently uncover new specimens, making it an accessible area for those looking to try fossil hunting in the UK.

This part of the coastline is especially noted for ammonites, bivalves, and fossil fish, as well as rarer finds like reptile bones, turtle remains and even fossil wood. The Kent beaches around Folkestone and the Isle of Sheppey are particularly productive, with large areas of exposed clay that are easy to explore at low tide. Much of the collecting here can be done by simply scanning the ground or gently sifting through loose material.

As with all fossil hunting locations, it’s important to collect responsibly. Some areas are protected, and cliffs can be unstable, so safety and legal access should always be considered. The Kent coast remains a popular destination for both new and experienced fossil hunters, offering a different range of finds compared to more well-known Jurassic sites.

5. Essex

The Essex coast is a well-regarded fossil hunting region, particularly known for its abundance of Eocene fossils. Stretching along the north-eastern edge of the county, this area features soft cliffs and foreshore exposures where fossils are regularly revealed by erosion and tidal action. It’s especially popular for those searching for smaller but well-preserved specimens such as shark teeth and fossil wood; the perfect souvenir from your holiday!

Unlike rockier coastlines, the Essex foreshore is often muddy or clay-based, making it easy to explore and suitable for beginners and families. Fossils are commonly found loose on the surface or within small patches of clay and gravel. It’s an excellent location for introducing children to fossil hunting in the UK, as finds can often be made with little equipment or effort. It really is a great, free day out in the UK!

Responsible collecting is essential here, as the cliffs are prone to erosion and some areas are environmentally sensitive. As always, collecting from fallen or loose material is encouraged, and any significant finds should be reported to local experts or museums. The Essex coast provides a rewarding and accessible fossil hunting experience, particularly for those interested in marine life from the Eocene period.

6. West Sussex

The West Sussex coast is a productive and accessible area for fossil hunting, particularly known for its Eocene deposits. The shoreline between Selsey and Bracklesham is especially rich in fossils thanks to the presence of the Bracklesham Beds, a formation that regularly yields marine fossils from around 45 million years ago. The natural tidal erosion along the gently sloping beaches also helps to expose new specimens on a regular basis.

This region is well-suited to beginners and families due to its flat terrain and ease of access. Fossils can often be found lying loose on the surface at low tide, without the need for digging or specialist tools. Finds commonly include shark and ray teeth, fish vertebrae, molluscs and other marine life from the Eocene period.

As with all UK fossil beaches, it’s important to follow safe and responsible collecting practices. Always check tide times before heading out, stick to accessible areas, and avoid disturbing any cliffs or protected zones. The West Sussex coast remains a popular destination for fossil hunting in the UK, offering an easy introduction to the hobby with a good chance of finding something interesting on most visits.

7. North Somerset

The North Somerset coast offers a rich and varied fossil hunting experience, particularly along the stretch between Watchet and Lilstock. The area is best known for its exposures of Blue Lias and Lower Jurassic rocks, which date back around 200 million years. These layers are packed with marine fossils and are regularly revealed through natural erosion along the cliffs and foreshore.

Fossil hunting in this region is often focused on ammonites, bivalves and crinoid stems, with occasional finds of ichthyosaur bones and fish remains. The beaches here are more rugged and rocky than in some southern regions, but the exposed strata make it a rewarding place to explore for those with a keen eye. Many fossils can be found loose among the rocks or within fallen nodules.

The area is generally open to responsible collecting, though visitors should avoid damaging cliffs or digging into stable rock faces. Tide awareness is crucial here, as the sea comes in quickly and can cut off access points.

8. South Wales

The South Wales coast offers a unique opportunity for fossil hunting in the UK, particularly for those interested in older geological periods. The region’s coastal exposures include rocks from the Ordovician, Silurian and Carboniferous periods, making it one of the best places in Britain to find ancient marine fossils. These rocks can contain remains that are over 400 million years old, including some of the earliest known sea life.

This area is best known for fossils such as trilobites, brachiopods, corals and crinoids, preserved in hard limestone and shale. The beaches between Barry and Llantwit Major are particularly productive, with natural erosion helping to reveal new finds. While many fossils are found within fallen slabs or scree at the base of cliffs, it is still possible to spot loose specimens along the foreshore.

As with any fossil site, safety and responsible collecting are essential. The cliffs can be unstable in places, and the tide can rise quickly along this stretch of coast. Visitors should avoid hammering into solid rock and focus on collecting from loose or exposed material. The South Wales coast provides a fascinating insight into ancient marine environments, making it a rewarding location for fossil hunters with an interest in older geological formations.