Discover Fossil Hunting and Collecting
Safely Along the Beaches of the Jurassic Coast
Are you wondering where are the best places to sustainably and safely hunt, collect or see fossils along the Jurassic Coast? Fossils become exposed by erosion or are found on the beaches after a winter storm or landslip. The diversity of the fossils discovered at any of the locations along the Jurassic coastline may be rare or common, well or poorly preserved, or be large or small. Here are a few tips to enjoy your fossil hunting and collecting.
Remember to be safe and have fun!
Fossil Hunting Inspired our Drinks
Our goal is to create an authentic British brand communicating an interesting “story in a bottle”. What better story than the geological and fossil record of the Jurassic Coast a World Heritage Site.
Fossil Hunting the Triassic Rocks
Discover the rare fossils from the Triassic Period dating back 252-201 million years when hot desert conditions prevailed and the rivers and lakes at the time gave rise to early reptiles, amphibians, and fish.
Fossil Hunting the Ice Age Devon Coast
Have you heard of the Honiton Hippo? Did you know that Devon's coast has nationally significant fossils of an ice-age woolly mammoth, woolly rhinoceros, cave bears, small saber-toothed cats as well as the earliest people in Europe. Discover the Pleistocene fossil record from 2.6 million years ago until 11,700 years ago
The Legacy of Mary Anning
Explore the role of women in the earth sciences and discover who else alongside Mary Anning during the Georgian, Regency, and early Victorian era were also agents of change and progressive advancement.
Fossil hunting is a wonderful experience at any age. Many of the fossils emerge through erosion, landslides and are discovered on tidal beaches. Handy tips to hunt for fossils safely and sustainably.
Fossil Hunting the Jurassic Rocks
Discover the fossils from the Jurassic Period dating back 201-145 million years ago when a warm sea spread across much of the UK. Fossils include giant marine reptiles, intricate crinoids, ammonites, and dinosaur remains.
Hunting Dinosaurs on the Jurassic Coast
Dinosaurs have been discovered along the Jurassic Coast in Dorset especially in the Cretaceous rocks of Mesozoic Era also known as the "age of reptiles" with pliosaurs swimming in the sea and dinosaurs like Allosaurus and Diplodocus on land the late Jurassic was an era of giants.
the Jurassic Coast's Geological Timescale
A geological timescale spans billions of years and is the “calendar” of events in the Earth's history known as eons, eras, periods, epochs, and ages. So, when was the Jurassic?
Fossil Collections of the Jurassic Coast
Visit the museums and visitor centers of the Jurassic Coast that provide an array of curated exhibits in immersive and interactive experiences built upon both and unique insight and expertise of the region.
Fossil Hunting the Cretaceous Rocks
Discover the fossils from the Cretaceous Period dating back between 145-66 million years ago. Understand the Cretaceous Purbeck Group of layers of limestone and mudstone shale sediments deposited under arid and dry conditions.
Iconic Features of the Jurassic Coast
Throughout the Jurassic Period, the earth moved, folded, and eroded. The sea levels changed. All of which led to the creation of iconic features such as the Fossil Forest, Durdle Door, The Lulworth Crumple, Lulworth Cove, Chesil, and the Great Unconformity. Understand how these were formed.
Join the Team on a Guided Fossil Walk
Join the Fossil Coast Team on their guided fossil walk with Charmouth Heritage Coastal Centre. Learn about the fossils, geology, and where the best places are to fossil hunt along Charmouths beach.