Discover the Best Fossil Hunting Spots in the UK

Discover the best fossil hunting spots in the UK, from the Jurassic Coast to the Isle of Wight. Find tips and locations to uncover ancient treasures on your fossil adventures.

Thousands of years ago Great Britain hosted an abundance of prehistoric life, transforming its countryside hills into a biodiverse dinosaur heaven. If you're an avid fossil hunter, you've likely dreamt of finding the remains of these ancient creatures and unlocking the secrets of the past.

The UK’s rich geological history makes it one of the best places in the world for fossil hunting. From the Jurassic to the Cretaceous periods, many famous dinosaur species roamed the land, including stegosaurs, cousins of the famous Tyrannosaurus rex, ankylosaurs, and gigantic sauropods. This diverse and well-preserved fossil record offers incredible spots to dig up long-lost prehistoric treasures.

Illustration of Britain during the Early Cretaceous, represented by fossils found on the Isle of 
Wight. Taken from the book, Dinosaurs of the British Isles.

In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best fossil hunting spots in the UK, from the iconic Jurassic Coast to the renowned Isle of Wight. Along the way, you'll find tips and locations to help you uncover ancient treasures on your fossil adventures.

Best Fossil Hunting Locations in the UK

1. Jurassic Coast, Dorset

Jurassic Coast, Dorset. Photo by Andreas Shäfer. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

The Jurassic Coast in Dorset and East Devon is a must-visit if you're into fossils. Stretching from Exmouth to Studland Bay, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fossil goldmine. You can find ancient remains from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. It is possible to come across ammonites, belemnites, and even ichthyosaur remains. The seaside towns of Lyme Regis and Charmouth are especially famous sites.


2. Isle of Wight

Overlooking Compton Bay, Isle of Wight. Photo by Robert Drayton. Sourced from Wikimedia 
Commons.

Often labelled "Dinosaur Island', the Isle of Wight stands out as one of the best places in Europe for dinosaur fossils. Bring your family or friends along to Compton Bay or Yaverland Beach for some amazing finds combined with a beach day out. You'd be in with a chance to discover dinosaur bones, footprints, and marine reptile fossils. More than 20 types of Early Cretaceous dinosaur species have been found here already. Just make sure to check the tide times, keep a safe distance away from cliffs and avoid climbing. 


3. Whitby, North Yorkshire

Slipway, North Batts, Saltwick Bay, near Whitby. Photo by Bob Embleton. Sourced from
 Wikimedia Commons.

Whitby delivers picturesque cliffs and beaches that are rich in ammonites and massive marine reptile fossils.  The Alum Shale, Saltwick Bay and Runswick Bay are all hotspots for once-in-a-lifetime finds. The first-ever marine reptile fossil found at this site was a marine crocodile, discovered by Captain William Chapman in 1758.  


4. Fossil Grove, Glasgow

Fossil Grove in Glasgow. Photo by Thomas Nugent. Sourced from Wikimedia Commons.

Check out Fossil Grove in Glasgow for a unique fossil-hunting experience. The site preserves an ancient forest with fossilized tree stumps dating back 330 million years to the Carboniferous period. While you can't take fossils home from here, it's an incredible place to see prehistoric trees in their original positions.

 

5. Bristol Channel, Somerset 

The coastline along the Bristol Channel, particularly around Kilve, is a lesser-known gem. The cliffs here are packed with fossils from the Jurassic period, and you can find ammonites, brachiopods, and sometimes even reptile bones. The shore is rocky and sometimes slippery, so bring your sturdy shoes and search around carefully. If you're unsure on where to head, it may be a great idea to book a fossil tour so an expert can guide you through all the best spots. You can book a group festival walk here that occurs a couple of days every year.


6. Hunstanton, Norfolk

The beach and Cliffs at Hunstanton, Norfolk. Photo by Christine Matthews. Sourced from
 Wikimedia Commons.

Hunstanton is also a renowned spot for fossil hunters. The striking red and white striped cliffs are full of fossils from the Cretaceous period. You can find ammonites, belemnites, and even shark teeth. Low tide is the best time to hunt, so make sure to plan your trip according to the tide times.


Staying Safe

Enjoying your time fossil hunting should always be the first priority. Check out this fossil hunting code of conduct before your trip, so you can stay safe whilst having fun. 

Happy discovering and good luck on your adventures!



Written by Charlotte Gresham

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