Finding fossils in Lyme Regis is not just easy—it’s one of the best and most famous places in the world to do it! 🦖
Here’s why it’s such a fossil-hunting hotspot, and what you need to know:
🪨 Why Lyme Regis?
- It sits in the heart of the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The cliffs and beaches are packed with 200-million-year-old rocks from the Jurassic period.
- Famous for historic fossil finds by Mary Anning, the pioneering fossil hunter who discovered the first ichthyosaur here in the early 1800s.
🧭 Where to Look for Fossils
✅ Monmouth Beach
- West of the town
- Great for large ammonites, some visible in the rocks at low tide (“Ammonite Pavement”)
- One of the best beginner-friendly spots
✅ Charmouth Beach (a short walk or drive east)
- Excellent for small fossils like ammonites, belemnites, and even fragments of marine reptiles
- Home to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, which offers fossil hunting advice and guided walks
✅ Black Ven Cliffs
- Between Lyme and Charmouth
- Erosion reveals lots of fossils, but the cliffs are unstable—never dig into them
🔍 What Kind of Fossils Can You Find?
- Ammonites – Common, spiral-shaped marine fossils
- Belemnites – Like bullet-shaped squid fossils
- Ichthyosaur bones/fragments – Rare but possible
- Fossilised wood, crinoids, and sea urchins
🧠 How Easy Is It, Really?
✅ Very easy to find small fossils, especially after storms or at low tide
- You don’t need special tools—just patience and a sharp eye
- Look in the shingle, not in the cliffs
- Larger finds are rarer, but happen!
🦺 Important Fossil Hunting Tips
- Check tide times – Some areas cut off quickly
- Wear sturdy footwear – It can be rocky and slippery
- Don’t climb or dig into cliffs – Landslides are common
- Use your hands or small tools – Hammers aren’t usually needed
- Guided walks are brilliant – Safe, informative, and fun for families
🛠️ Fossil Walks & Tours
Check out:
- Lyme Regis Museum – Offers fossil walks led by experts
- Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre – Free fossil ID, plus tours and beach guides
✨ Summary
Yes—it’s very easy to find fossils in Lyme Regis, especially small ones like ammonites and belemnites. With a bit of luck (and maybe a guide), you could uncover a piece of prehistoric history all by yourself.