Skip to content

Best places to find fossils

A child's hands cup a collection of belemnites, bullet-shaped sandy-coloured fossils
Finding belemnite fossils in the chalk beds at West Runton and Beeston Regis | © National Trust Images/Rob Coleman

You can find fossils anywhere, from gardens to railway sidings – they could be deep in the ground beneath you right now. Some of the coastal spots in our care are famed for their ancient finds. If you’re interested in fossils, or your children are exploring No. 26 of ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’, here are some great places to start.

Birling Gap, East Sussex
Birling Gap, near Eastbourne, is part of the world-famous Seven Sisters chalk cliffs, one of the longest stretches of undeveloped coastline on the south coast and also a great spot for finding fossils. The chalk cliffs of the South Downs are continually eroding, meaning a lot of Cretaceous fossils are found here. Everyone will find something on the beach to intrigue them.Visit Birling Gap
Blakeney Point, Norfolk
On the strand at Blakeney Point, bones and fossils (including ammonites) are often washed up. Walk in the footsteps of our ancestors and see if you can find a precious fossil. Remember to check tide times before you visit, to make sure you’re not cut off by rising and high tides. Please respect the areas fenced off to protect nesting birds.Visit Blakeney Point
A child holds out their hand, holding an ammonite, while standing on a wet sandy beach
Finding ammonites on the Yorkshire coast | © National Trust Images/Ian Shaw
Compton Bay, Isle of Wight
Sometimes referred to as ‘Dinosaur Island’, the Isle of Wight is a rich source of fossils. Compton Bay is a good place to start your hunt, on areas of the beach recently uncovered by the tide, among the loose gravel and stones. Don’t miss the large three-toed iguanodon foot casts, at the base of the cliffs just east of Compton Bay car park at Hanover Point.Visit Compton Bay
Yorkshire coast
On the Yorkshire coast rocks from the Jurassic period are exposed for all to see, in a series of spectacular cliffs and bays. Staithes, Runswick, Robin Hood’s Bay, Boggle Hole and Saltburn are all good spots to go hunting fossils.Visit the Yorkshire coast
Visitors on the beach at Bucks Mills, North Devon

Coast and beaches

From wild cliffs and open seas to tranquil beaches and hidden coves, there are endless beautiful places along the coastline we look after to explore.

You might also be interested in

Close view of fossils at the disused Loftus Alum Works, North Yorkshire
Article
Article

Common fossils to find at the coast 

Do you know your ammonites from your devil’s toenails? Discover how to identify some of the fossils commonly found around the UK coast and where you might see them.

Admiring fossils in the Geological gallery at Biddulph Grange, Staffordshire
Article
Article

No. 26 Hunt for fossils and bones 

Search for clues to the life of animals and plants from the past. Fossil and bone hunting is mammoth family fun – and it's No. 26 of our ‘50 things to do before you’re 11¾’.

Visitors on the beach at Compton Bay and Downs, Isle of Wight
Article
Article

Fossil hunting and geology at Compton Bay and Downs 

Go fossil hunting and discover history on a gigantic scale, with dinosaur footprints, fossilised oyster shells, ammonites, flint made from ancient sponges and modern-day shipwrecks

A man sits with two children, a girl and a boy likely under the age of ten, at the bottom of tall sand dunes on a sandy beach. It's a warm sunny late afternoon or early evening and the sea can just about be seen in the distance.
Article
Article

Top picnic spots on the coast 

If you’re looking for the perfect spot for a picnic on the coast, this selection includes secret coves like Hayburn Wyke and Soar Mill Cove and well-known sandy beaches like Brancaster and Portstewart Strand.

Common seals and sandwich terns at Blakeney Point, Norfolk
Article
Article

Where to go seal watching 

Find the best places across England, Wales and Northern Ireland to spot seals in the wild. Whether you're on a coastal walk or boat trip, there are plenty of places to see both grey and common seals as they come ashore to give birth.

Rockpooling at Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
Article
Article

Best beaches for rock-pooling 

Rock-pooling is a great way to get closer to nature. Discover the best places to find wildlife such as starfish, limpets and barnacles at the beaches and coasts we care for.

A view of St Michael's Mount from the water on a sunny spring day, Cornwall
Article
Article

Top islands to visit 

Whether you're looking for a rugged family adventure or a quiet day trip with stunning views, here are your top picks for islands to escape to.

Souter Lighthouse and The Leas, Tyne & Wear
Article
Article

Lighthouses to visit 

Fancy visiting a lighthouse? Find out where to go and get ready to discover some fascinating coastal buildings and their interesting histories.