Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Our stretch of coastline is the Dorset & East Devon World Heritage Site, designated by UNESCO on 13 December 2001. It was the first natural World Heritage Site in England, recognised for its geology rather than its scenery.
It is one of the best places in the country to find fossils, largely because the cliffs keep giving them up. Winter storms do most of the work, which is why autumn plus early spring are the productive months.
How to hunt safely
- Take only what the sea has already loosened
- Never dig at the cliffs — they are unstable plus it is the fastest way to spoil the site for everyone
- Go within two to three hours of low tide
- Check the tide times before you set out, then keep watching the water
- Autumn storms expose fresh finds that are simply not there in summer
The best stretches
Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre
Expert guided fossil hunts for families, fourteen miles away at about thirty minutes. Booking is essential because places fill quickly.
Lyme Regis
Twelve miles, about twenty-five minutes. Georgian architecture, a working harbour plus the Fossil Festival in the middle of October.
Beer Quarry Caves
Not fossils, but the same geology underground. Stone from these caves built twenty-four cathedrals including Exeter plus St Paul’s. Seven miles.
Stay on the Jurassic Coast
A five star park on England’s first natural World Heritage Site.