Wondering where is the best place to see or hunt for fossils on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site? The cliffs at Charmouth and Lyme Regis in Dorset contain thousands of fossils of marine reptiles that swam in the Jurassic seas, 145 million years ago, representing one of the richest slices of life in Jurassic times anywhere in the world! Fossils have been found along this stretch of Dorset coastline for centuries. The discoveries by Mary Anning, who is often referred to as the world’s greatest fossil hunter, changed scientific thinking about prehistoric life and the history of the earth in the first half of the 1800s.
Where to See Fossils in Dorset
The best places to find fossils along the Jurassic Coast are at Charmouth and Lyme Regis beaches. In most other locations, there either aren’t any fossils, or it is unsafe or not allowed to collect them.
The Museum of Jurassic Marine Life at Kimmeridge is home to some world firsts and the fossils on display were all collected along the local coastline by renowned fossil collector, Dr. Steve Etches MBE. If you happen to find a fossil down on the beach, why not take it up to the museum to see if it can be identified?
You can also see Dorset fossils exhibited at Dorset Museum in Dorchester, including the famous Weymouth Bay Pliosaur.
The Ammonite Graveyard (also known as the Ammonite Pavement) at Lyme Regis is also a fantastic place to see huge ammonite fossils still encased in the rock. It's free to visit and is located at the end of Monmouth Beach. It is only accessible at low tide, so be sure to plan your visit around the tides.
And if you want the real Jurassic experience, you can literally walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs at Spyway Dinosaur Footprints near Swanage, where more than 100 fossilised tracks are preserved in a flat layer of rock.
What Time of Year is Best to Look For Fossils?
The best time to find fossils on the beaches at Charmouth and Lyme Regis is after a winter storm. This part of the Jurassic Coast erodes rapidly, resulting in fossils falling or being washed down onto the beaches. Ammonite, belemnite and crinoid fossils are plentiful and easily found on these beaches once you know what to look for. All you need is sharp eyes - children are often better at finding fossils than adults!
Always search for fossils on the beach; NEVER climb the cliffs or dig for fossils. The cliffs are dangerous and rock falls and landslides are common.
Join a Fossil Hunting Guided Walk in Dorset
One of the best and safest ways to hunt for fossils is to join a guided walk. The experts will be able to point out what to look for and make your day out much more enjoyable, plus you're much more likely to find a fossil for yourself when on a guided walk.
Lyme Regis Museum run their own fossil walks along Lyme Regis beach. This is where the famous fossil collector Mary Anning found the first correctly identified Ichthyosaur skeleton and the first two nearly complete Plesiosaur skeletons. The museum is located where she used to live and sell her fossils from.
Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to join a guided fossil hunting walk and journey through time.
Staying Safe While Fossil Collecting in Dorset
Fossils are eroded from the cliffs of the World Heritage Site and tumble onto the beaches where they can be found. But not every beach is safe, and not all fossils should be collected.
Always follow the Fossil Hunting Code before setting out on your expedition. It's very important that you also consult tide tables before collecting fossils; only hunt for fossils when the tide is going out, to make sure you get back to your start point before the tide comes in and avoid you being cut off.
Please be responsible when fossil collecting - only collect loose fossils, and never hammer or dig in the cliffs. Take note of warning signs and remember they are there for your safety.
Mary Anning
