Fossil hunting has always been a thrilling and educational activity for families. Not only does it provide an exciting adventure, but it also offers a glimpse into the prehistoric era. There is no place more suitable for this adventure than the Jurassic Coast. Known for its rich fossil heritage, the Jurassic Coast runs from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, covering a distance of about 96 miles. This piece aims to acquaint you with the best locations for a family-friendly fossil hunting experience on the Jurassic Coast.
Lyme Regis: The Fossil Hunting Hotspot
Lyme Regis, fondly known as the "Pearl of Dorset", offers an excellent starting point for your fossil hunting journey. The town offers a rich history associated with fossils and the Jurassic period, making it an iconic location for this activity.
Here, you can visit the Lyme Regis Museum, situated in the heart of the town. This museum, built on the site of the birthplace of famous fossil collector Mary Anning, offers a comprehensive introduction to fossil hunting. They regularly organise guided fossil walks which are perfect for beginners and children.
The beaches around Lyme Regis, particularly Monmouth Beach and Church Cliffs, are renowned for their fossiliferous rocks. These are excellent spots to find fossils of ammonites and belemnites that roamed the seas during the Jurassic period over 180 million years ago.
Charmouth: The Gateway to the Jurassic Coast
Charmouth is another must-visit location on the Jurassic Coast. Known as the "Gateway to the Jurassic Coast", this village is just a few miles east of Lyme Regis. Charmouth beach is a safe and family-friendly location, known for its abundant fossils mainly found in the cliffs and on the foreshore.
To enhance your experience, a trip to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre is a must. The centre has a wide array of exhibits and interactive displays that help you understand more about fossils and the geology of the Jurassic Coast. The expert wardens at the centre also organise guided fossil hunting walks, making it a worthwhile experience for the entire family.
The Golden Cap Estate
The Golden Cap Estate, located between Charmouth and Bridport, is home to the highest point on the south coast of England – the Golden Cap. This spot offers panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast and is surrounded by rich biodiversity and geological features.
The area is a popular spot for fossil hunting due to its eroding cliffs that regularly reveal Jurassic fossils. The Stonebarrow Hill, part of the estate, is another excellent site for hunting for ammonites and other marine fossils. The National Trust manages this site, and there are plenty of walking trails suitable for families.
Kimmeridge Bay
Kimmeridge Bay, located in the eastern part of the Jurassic Coast, is another excellent site for fossil hunting. The bay is known for its flat, wave-cut platforms which are rich in Jurassic marine fossils.
The Etches Collection Museum of Jurassic Marine Life in Kimmeridge village is worth visiting. The museum houses the collection of Steve Etches, who spent over 30 years collecting fossils from the Kimmeridge Clay. The museum offers a unique chance to see some of the best-preserved fossils from the Jurassic era, including those of marine reptiles, fishes, and invertebrates.
Studland Bay
Last but not least, Studland Bay is a perfect destination for a family-friendly fossil hunting trip. The bay is best known for its four miles of golden beaches, with a backdrop of sand dunes and heathland.
The beach at Studland Bay is surrounded by greensand cliffs that yield a variety of Jurassic fossils including ammonites, bivalves, and gastropods. The bay is also home to the Studland Bay Fossil Forest, one of the most extensive fossil forests in the world. This site offers you a unique chance to see the remains of a Jurassic forest, with fossilised tree stumps still rooted in the same soil they grew in 145 million years ago.
The Jurassic Coast offers countless opportunities for families to enjoy fossil hunting. This activity, while being recreational, is also an educational experience that provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of prehistoric times. Whether it’s Lyme Regis, Charmouth, the Golden Cap Estate, Kimmeridge Bay or Studland Bay, each location offers a unique and enriching experience to those seeking to explore the treasures of the past embedded in the rocks of the present.
Durdle Door: A Natural Wonder
Durdle Door, another remarkable location on the Jurassic Coast, is renowned for its natural limestone arch and the variety of fossils that can be found in the area.
This iconic arch is located near Lulworth in Dorset and is managed by the Coast Trust. The pebble beach adjacent to the arch yields several Jurassic fossils, making it a popular spot for fossil hunting. Here, families can find fossils of various marine creatures that once inhabited the ancient sea, including ammonites, crinoids, and brachiopods.
The visitor centre, located near the beach, provides helpful information about the geological history of the area and fossil hunting guidelines. There are also guided fossil tours that provide insight into the rich history of the Jurassic Coast while offering tips and techniques to find fossils.
Remember to pack a picnic as there are several spots to enjoy a meal with a view. The locale also offers other amenities like food and drink outlets and dog-friendly areas, making it an ideal location for a family day out.
Chesil Beach: Fossil Hunting and More
Chesil Beach is a unique location on the Jurassic Coast known for its 18-mile long pebble and shingle tombolo. This extraordinary geological feature has numerous fossils waiting to be discovered.
Managed by the Coast Trust, Chesil Beach offers an unmatched fossil hunting experience. The beach is laden with pebbles, among which several Jurassic fossils can be found. Ammonites and belemnites are the most common finds, but lucky fossil hunters might also uncover the remains of ancient reptiles or fish.
The Chesil Beach Centre is a great place to learn about the unique geology and wildlife of the area. It offers interactive displays and presentations that captivate both young and old visitors. There are also several food and drink options available nearby, making it an ideal place for families to relax and unwind after a day of fossil hunting.
The Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers some of the best locations for family-friendly fossil hunting. From Lyme Regis, known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, to the highest point on the south coast, the Golden Cap, each location on this coast provides an exciting and educational adventure into the prehistoric era.
Places like Kimmeridge Bay offer a chance to discover well-preserved marine fossils, while the Fossil Forest at Studland Bay lets you marvel at the remains of a forest from the Jurassic era. Not to forget the iconic Durdle Door and the unique Chesil Beach that are also treasure troves for fossil enthusiasts.
No matter where you go on the Jurassic Coast, you’ll find fossils that tell tales of the Earth’s history. The numerous visitor centres, heritage coast centres, and museums, like the Regis Museum and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, further enhance the experience with insightful exhibits and expert guides.
So, pack your tools, follow the guidelines, respect the landscape, and get ready to step back in time on a thrilling fossil hunting adventure on the Jurassic Coast. The captivating past is waiting to be discovered!
