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The top common Jurassic Coast fossils guide
If you’re looking for your next UK break, what could be better than venturing down to the iconic 95-mile stretch along the southern coast of England, and hunting for common Jurassic coast fossils? This popular region is a fossil hunter’s paradise and a prime destination for your next adventure.
Tourists from all over the world have been flocking to this stretch of coast that runs from Devon to Dorset, eager to experience the breathtaking views and get a glimpse into 185 million years of Earth's history. Along with exploring its dramatic cliffs and pristine beaches, one of the best things to do in this location is hunt for the many common Jurassic Coast fossils, giving you a chance to find treasures from prehistoric times. You might be a seasoned palaeontologist or simply looking for an exciting family getaway, but fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast provides endless adventure for everyone. From Ammonites to Fossilised sea urchins, this guide will introduce you to the most common Jurassic Coast fossils, and provide tips for successful fossil hunting and enjoying new experiences. Let’s dig right into it!
The best Dorset Jurassic Coast fossils to find
The Jurassic Coast is renowned for its wide variety of fossils, ranging from tiny sea creatures to massive marine reptiles. Here are some of the best common Jurassic Coast fossils you can discover while exploring this prehistoric wonderland:
Fossil sea shells
Fossil sea shells are among the most common Jurassic Coast fossils to find, and often have the appearance you’d imagine when thinking of beach treasure.
These easily recognisable fossils are from animals that have two shells which join together and protect the body. There are various types of shells you can find, each with different shapes and sizes, including relatives of scallops, oysters, and clams.
These fossils are not only beautifully detailed, but they also offer valuable information about past ecosystems and environmental conditions. On top of that, the kids might have seen these shells before in their favourite sea-themed movies or TV shows!
Ammonites
Perhaps the most iconic of all the common Jurassic Coast fossils, is Ammonites. When you come across these striking fossils, you’ll recognise them by their coiled shells which protected the squid-like animals.
There are different types of these fossils, and the iron pyrite specimens found near Charmouth are particularly popular. The shells of this type of Ammonite are often preserved in a golden, metallic mineral known as iron pyrite – or ‘fool's gold’.
When fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, keep an eye out for the distinctive spiral shape of Ammonites amongst the shingle and eroded cliff faces. Also, if you’re staying at East Fleet Farm Holiday Park, you’ll only be around a 50-minute drive from Charmouth, so you can conveniently enjoy your fossil adventure.
Ichthyosaur vertebrae fossils
Ichthyosaurs were large marine reptiles in the Jurassic seas that – although not related – resembled the likes of dolphins and sharks. Their remains are among the most exciting common Jurassic Coast fossils to find.
Whilst it’s rare you’ll come across complete skeletons, individual Ichthyosaur vertebrae fossils are more commonly found and easily identifiable. These dark-coloured, disc-shaped fossils are the scattered remains of Ichthyosaur backbones, and provide a glimpse into the size and might of these extinct creatures.
Belemnite fossils
Another squid-like animal, Belemnites, left behind their distinctive bullet-shaped fossils to be found on the Jurassic Coast. These fossils actually represent the internal skeleton of the creature, known as a guard, instead of the outer shell like many others.
These common Jurassic Coast fossils are often found as cylindrical and pointy shells on the beach, giving valuable insights into the diversity of cephalopods during the Jurassic period.
Sea urchins
The last of the common Jurassic Coast fossils to know before you visit, is the Sea urchin – or Echinoid. These animals have a long evolutionary history and are still alive today, but their remains are often preserved by a hard rock called flint.
You’ll be able to tell by the shape of the fossilised rock, that these animals are related to starfish and sea lilies. Whilst they might be tricky to spot among the vast number of rocks and pebbles along the beach, these beautiful fossils are a real sight to behold.
Dorset Museum
Top tips for fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast
To make the most of your holiday when fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, here are some essential tips to enhance your experience and increase your chances of finding common Jurassic Coast fossils:
Be mindful of the tide
One of the most important things to check when fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast is the tide times. Before embarking on your fossil hunting adventure, make sure you plan to visit during a falling tide when more of the beach is exposed, and you have a safer window before the tide rises again.
Also, you should remain aware of incoming tides to avoid getting cut off from safe exit points. Stay alert and plan your expedition carefully to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Choose the right season to visit
Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast can be a rewarding experience year-round, but there are certain seasons which offer better conditions.
It’s recommended that you go during the winter, particularly after a winter storm, since these often erode cliffs and expose new fossils on the beach to be found. However, make sure you’re prepared for colder weather and potentially rougher conditions during these months as well as the risk of debris falling from the eroded cliffs.
Bring some useful tools
You can also equip yourself with some basic fossil-hunting tools to improve your chances of success. First and foremost, you’ll want some sort of bucket or box to keep all your discovered treasures in.
It can be handy to bring a small geological hammer in case you need to chisel a fossil out of a rock, but this skill is complex and generally more suited for fossil-hunting experts. For the younger or more beginner fossil hunters out there, you’ll find plenty of fossils lying on the beach that just need to be picked up.
Be patient
A key tip for successful fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast is to be patient. Finding fossils might take some time, and you’ll need to carefully scan the beach, looking for unusual shapes or textures that stand out from the surrounding rocks and pebbles.
Remember that not every fossil will be immediately obvious, so have a keen eye as you slowly wander the beach. The slow and methodical approach will just make finding a fossil even more rewarding.
Make it a family day out
Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast offers the perfect opportunity for an educational and exciting bonding experience for the whole family.
Be sure to get the children involved in the search, teaching them about all the different types of fossils and how important they are for preserving natural history. It's a great way to spark interest and create lasting memories whilst enjoying the outdoors together.
Visit Dorset Museum
Before or after your fossil hunting expedition, you should consider visiting Dorset Museum in Dorchester. Here, you’ll find an impressive collection of common Jurassic Coast fossils, including some of the most significant finds made throughout history.
This visit can help give you a clearer idea of what to look for, or provide some interesting context for your own recent discoveries.
And if you’re staying at East Fleet Farm Holiday Park, you can reach this great museum in around only 20 minutes.
Enjoy the Jurassic Coast fossil walk (Lyme Regis to Charmouth walk)
One of the best ways to experience fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast is to take a scenic walk through the most fossil-prone areas. As such, a highly recommended Jurassic Coast fossil walk is the five-mile circular route from Lyme Regis to Charmouth.
These are two of the most popular spots for finding fossils, so naturally, this walk will give you the perfect route for enjoying some sun, sea views, and prehistoric treasures.
You’ll begin the route at Lyme Regis, famous for its Ammonite Pavement and connection to Mary Anning, one of history's most important fossil hunters. You’ll then get to make your way through woodland and cliff areas, offering diverse landscapes and views. As you reach Charmouth, and make your way back along the beach, you’ll have numerous opportunities to discover common Jurassic Coast fossils, including Ammonites, Belemnites, and even larger specimens like ichthyosaur vertebrae remains.
Just remember to respect the environment and follow the Fossil Collecting Code throughout your journey.
Common Jurassic Coast fossils – FAQs
To help you better understand common Jurassic Coast fossils and hunting tips, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this fascinating activity:
What fossils can you find on the Jurassic Coast?
There are many different fossils you can find on the Jurassic Coast, including:
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Ammonites
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Belemnites
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Bivalves
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Sea shells
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Gastropods
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Ichthyosaurs
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Sea urchins
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Plesiosaurs
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Pterosaurs
Some of these are more common Jurassic Coast fossils, whilst others are much rarer, but with patience and luck, you might discover a variety of spectacular specimens.
What should you look for in Dorset when fossil hunting?
The best things to look for in Dorset when fossil hunting are unusual shapes, interesting textures, and specific colours that stand out from the surrounding rocks and pebbles. Pay special attention to areas where the tide has recently receded or where recent cliff falls have occurred.
Is Lyme Regis or Charmouth better for fossils?
Both Lyme Regis and Charmouth are excellent locations for fossil hunting, and each region has its own unique characteristics. Lyme Regis is famous for its Ammonite Pavement and historical significance, while Charmouth is known for its iron pyrite Ammonites and diverse range of fossils.
Can you take home fossils from the Jurassic Coast?
Yes, you can generally take common fossils from the Jurassic Coast home. However, it's important to follow the Fossil Collecting Code of Conduct, which prohibits digging into cliffs or disturbing wildlife habitats when fossil hunting.
Is Durdle Door good for fossils?
While Durdle Door is a stunning geological feature, it's not considered one of the prime locations for fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast. The region of the iconic limestone arch is less fossil-rich compared to other sites like Lyme Regis or Charmouth.
Can you take fossils from Lulworth Cove?
You cannot take fossils from Lulworth Cove due to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). While you can observe fossils in the area, removing them is not permitted without proper authorisation.
Why are there so many fossils on the Jurassic Coast?
There are so many fossils on the Jurassic Coast is due to its unique geological history. The area was once a shallow, warm sea teeming with life. As organisms died, they were buried in sediment which preserved their remains. Over long periods of time, these sediments turned to rock, protecting the fossils, until coastal erosion and landslides began to reveal them.
What was the biggest fossil found on the Jurassic Coast?
One of the largest and most complete fossils found on the Jurassic Coast is a 150-million-year-old pliosaur skull, discovered near Weymouth in 2009. It measures about 2 meters long, and is believed to have come from a creature that could have been over 12 meters in length, making it one of the largest known marine predators.
Find some incredible common Jurassic Coast fossils on your break!
Embarking on an adventure to find common Jurassic Fossils is an experience you need to have on your next break.
Fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast with your loved ones is an experience that combines the thrill of discovery with the beauty of England's southern coastline. Armed with knowledge about these common Jurassic Coast fossils and different tips for successful hunting, you're now well-prepared to explore this prehistoric paradise for yourself.
Simply remember to respect the environment, follow safety guidelines, and share your excitement for these ancient treasures with others. Happy hunting!