Fossil Hunting in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is more than just a beautiful seaside town, it’s one of the most important sites for fossils in the world. From David Attenborough’s Sea Dragon to the thousands of unique, rare and valuable examples of fossils found every year in the area, it’s fair to say that Lyme Regis is truly a fossil hotspot.

At Lyme Bay Holidays, we know that many guests who stay in Lyme Regis go fossil hunting. So, what’s the best way to find a fossil in the area? Let’s take a look at the options.

Keep reading to find the best ideas for Fossil Hunting in Lyme Regis…..

Fossil Hunting in Lyme Regis

Today, fossil hunting in Lyme Regis has never been more popular. Coastal erosion has ensured that those who visit the coast can see an almost continuous sequence of rock formations, covering three crucial eras of world history – the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. It’s these three periods which make up the Mesozoic Era, the age of giant reptiles and dinosaurs, the likes we see in movies and on TV, roughly 66 million years ago.

If you’re exploring Lyme Regis with kids, the pull of dinosaurs can be strong on the little ones, but it’s not just the young who get excited about our planet’s prehistoric past!

Lyme Regis is the most popular fossil town in the UK with multiple museums, countless shops and more all dedicated to sharing these remarkable glimpses into our shared past. But it’s not just in the museums that you’ll find fossils. To this day the remains of complete ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs and other incredible sea creatures are discovered by kids and parents alike.

Mary Anning

One of the most important people in regard to fossils was Mary Anning. Born in Lyme Regis in 1799, Mary was an expert in her field and provided evidence that helped develop ideas surrounding the history of the planet.

Some of the most important geological discoveries were made by Mary Anning. Her discoveries included the first complete Ichthyosaur in 1810-1811 alongside her brother. This discovery was followed by a complete long-necked Plesiosaurus, known as the ‘sea-dragon’ in 1823 and the ‘flying-dragon’ Pterodactylus in 1828.

Mary Anning passed away at the age of 47 from breast cancer in 1847. The Geological Society also recorded her death, which was an incredible feat back then as the society did not admit women until 1904.

You can find out more about this incredible woman and fossil hunting in Lyme Regis itself at the Lyme Regis Museum and at the Natural History Museum in London.

Go on the Lyme Regis Fossil Walk

When you’re looking for fossils, you need the best eyes possible alongside you to help spot the difference between a valuable find and just another pebble. Taking part in one of these Fossil walks are a great way to learn about this coastline and the amazing fossils discovered here over the years.

These expert guides highlight their knowledge of the geology of the Jurassic Coast and Mary Anning. The walk will take you to famous fossil-hunting locations, such as East Beach and Black Ven.

The walks are usually around 2.5 to 3 hours long. Make sure you come dressed ready for exploring and for any weather, with appropriate footwear for beach combing.

Tickets are just £8.75 for kids and £14.75 for adults, and each includes a free pass to Lyme Regis Museum, which boasts a wide variety of fossil examples and lots to see and do and which stands on the site where Mary Anning used to live.

If you want to take your fossil hunting in Lyme Regis to the next level, this is a must!

Fossil Hunting on the Beach

Whether you can land yourself a space on the tour or not, we’d always recommend heading down to Lyme Regis Beach to do a little fossil hunting for yourself. Although your more devoted fossil hunters might bring specialist tools with them, the huge number of fossils in the area means that many superb examples of ammonites can be found with just a little time and dedication.

Due to the cliffs collapsing and the tide coming in fossils are washed onto the beach regularly. Have your eyes peeled and try and see how many you can find. If you do find one and are not sure what it is, head down to the museum, where someone will be able to identify it for you.

Please be careful when fossil hunting on the beach due to the cliff tops above and make sure you check tide times before heading to the beach as you don’t want to arrive at high tide. The best time to go fossil hunting is when the tide goes out.

Over the years the famous beach has yielded a range of spectacular fossils, including giant marine reptiles, intricate crinoids, ammonites and even dinosaur remains. The question is, what will you find fossil hunting in Lyme Regis?

Lyme Regis Fossil Festival

In the early part of June, head to the FREE, family-friendly festival that offers activities and a whole host of attractions for all age groups and experience levels.

For more information on this, check out our guide to the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival.

Fossil Hunting in Lyme Regis – FAQs

Can you fossil hunt in Lyme Regis?

Absolutely! Lyme Regis, located on the Jurassic Coast, is one of the most famous fossil hunting spots in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned fossil hunter or a curious beginner, the beaches of Lyme Regis offer a fantastic opportunity to discover ancient treasures. The area is particularly renowned for its abundance of ammonites, belemnites, and even the occasional ichthyosaur.

What time of year is best for fossil hunting?

Fossil hunting can be enjoyed year-round in Lyme Regis, but the winter months are often considered the best time. The rougher seas and storms during winter lead to increased cliff erosion, which in turn reveals more fossils. After a storm, you’ll likely find freshly exposed fossils washed up on the beach. However, be cautious of the tides and unstable cliffs, and always prioritise safety.

Why are there so many fossils in Lyme Regis?

Lyme Regis is part of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which spans 95 miles of coastline where rocks date back 185 million years. During the Jurassic period, the area was a warm, shallow sea filled with marine life. Over millions of years, these creatures were buried by layers of sediment, which eventually turned into the limestone, shale, and mudstone that now make up the cliffs. These rocks are packed with fossils, which are gradually being revealed through natural erosion.

Where is the best place to fossil hunt in Dorset?

While Lyme Regis is the crown jewel of fossil hunting locations, other spots along the Jurassic Coast are also worth exploring. Charmouth Beach, just a short distance from Lyme Regis, is another prime location. It’s especially popular with families and beginner fossil hunters. The beach at Seatown is also known for its finds, particularly after a landslide or storm. Each location along the coast offers a unique fossil hunting experience, with different types of fossils to discover.

Can you take fossils off the beach?

Yes, you can take fossils off the beach, but with some important caveats. It’s perfectly legal to collect fossils found loose on the beach. However, it’s important not to dig into the cliffs or attempt to remove fossils that are still embedded in rocks, as this can be dangerous and damaging to the site. If you find something particularly special, it’s always a good idea to report it to the local museum, such as the Lyme Regis Museum, which has experts who can help identify and preserve significant finds.

How to tell if a stone has a fossil inside?

Spotting a fossil within a stone can be tricky at first, but with practice, you’ll start to notice the tell-tale signs. Look for stones that have an unusual shape or texture compared to the surrounding rocks. Fossils often have a distinct pattern or a smooth, spiral shape, particularly ammonites. If you notice lines or ridges on a stone, it could indicate the presence of a fossil. Additionally, fossils are typically heavier and denser than regular stones due to the minerals that have replaced the original organic material over millions of years. If in doubt, crack open the stone – you might just reveal a hidden treasure inside!

Ready to go fossil hunting in Lyme Regis now? Check out this collection of Lyme Regis holiday cottages. Looking to be closer to the sea, browse these sea view cottages and if you want to bring your furry friend with you, see dog-friendly cottages in Lyme Bay.