Fossil hunting is an incredible outdoor adventure, transporting you back millions of years as you uncover ancient treasures along the shore.

One of the best places in the UK to search for fossils is Charmouth Beach on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset. This world-famous stretch of coastline offers a perfect mix of history, nature, and exploration, making it a must-visit for beginners and experienced fossil hunters alike.

Charmouth Beach at a Glance

Parking: Multiple car parks available, including the large Charmouth Beach car park near the Heritage Coast Centre.
Dog Friendly: Yes! Dogs are welcome year-round on the left side of Charmouth Beach.
Facilities: Public toilets, a beachfront café, and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre for guided walks and fossil identification.

What Are Fossils?

Fossils are the preserved remains or traces of ancient plants and animals, often found in sedimentary rock. The Jurassic Coast is one of the richest fossil-hunting locations in the world, with fossils dating back around 200 million years. At Charmouth, you’re most likely to find ammonites, belemnites, and even ichthyosaur bones!

 

Best Time to Go Fossil Hunting

• Just after high tide – The sea naturally washes fossils onto the shore.

• After storms – Waves and heavy rain erode the cliffs, revealing new fossils.

• During low tide – This is the safest time to explore more of the beach.

Always check tide times before visiting. Avoid climbing or digging into the cliffs! They are unstable and dangerous.

How to Find Fossils at Charmouth Beach

• Search the shingle and rock pools—fossils often wash up among the pebbles.
  Look for spiral-shaped ammonites, bullet-shaped belemnites, and dark fossilized bones or wood.

• Use a small hammer and safety goggles if you want to split open nodules (round stones that sometimes contain fossils inside).

• Our MYUT TRAILBLAZER Leggings and Shorts are super handy with the 2 large pockets for carrying finds and super stretchy, dry-fast fabric for when searching through rock pools.

• Join a guided fossil walk with the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to learn expert tips and search safely.

Why is Charmouth So Good for Fossil Hunting?

Charmouth Beach is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geological history. The soft clay cliffs here erode quickly, constantly releasing fossils that have been trapped for millions of years. This makes it one of the most reliable places in the UK to find fossils—perfect for first-timers and seasoned collectors alike.

 

Where is Charmouth Beach?

Charmouth Beach is in West Dorset, just a short drive from Lyme Regis. It’s easily accessible from the A35 and has a large car park close to the beach.

 

Parking & Public Transport

• Parking: The main Charmouth Beach car park is located near the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Parking charges apply, so bring some change or use a parking app like JustPark.

• Public Transport: Local bus routes connect Charmouth to Lyme Regis, Bridport, and Axminster. The nearest train station is in Axminster, with bus links to Charmouth.

More Things to Do in Charmouth

1. Visit the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre – Learn more about fossils and local geology.
2.  Walk the South West Coast Path – A scenic hike to Lyme Regis offers breathtaking coastal views.
3. Explore rock pools – Teeming with marine life, perfect for kids and nature lovers.
   Visit Lyme Regis Museum – Discover fossils and exhibits about Mary Anning, the legendary paleontologist.

 

Other Top Fossil Hunting Beaches in the UK

Charmouth is one of the best, but here are a few other fantastic fossil-hunting locations:

• Lyme Regis, Dorset

• Kimmeridge Bay, Dorset

• Whitby, North Yorkshire

• Bracklesham Bay, West Sussex

• Culver Cliffs, Isle of Wight

For more UK outdoor adventures, hiking routes, and wild swimming spots, check out my other blog posts here on MY URBAN TRAIL and follow me @toriandnala on Instagram.

Happy fossil hunting! 

Tori from MYUT Support x