Best places to find fossils

A child on a beach holds a large, spiral-shaped ammonite fossil — A child holds a fossil found on the Yorkshire Coast | © National Trust Images/Ian Shaw

Some of the coastal spots in our care are well known for their ancient finds, from ammonites to dinosaur bones. Discover the best places we look after in the UK to find fossils.

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. The South Downs's chalk cliffs are continually eroding, making it a top spot for finding Cretaceous fossils.Visit Birling Gap
Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Norfolk: Bones and fossils are often washed up on the strand at Blakeney Point, and you may even be able to spot grey seals along the coastline. 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 National Nature Reserve

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, particularly at low tide. Look out for fossils among loose gravel and stones. Just east of  Compton Bay car park at Hanover Point there's also a three-toed iguanodon dinosaur foot cast at the base of the cliffs.Visit Compton Bay
Yorkshire Coast: Rocks from the Jurassic period are visible in the dramatic cliffs and bays on the Yorkshire Coast. Staithes, Runswick, Robin Hood’s Bay, Boggle Hole and Saltburn are all good spots to go hunting for fossils.Visit the Yorkshire Coast

Two visitors walk along the coastal path at the White Cliffs of Dover, with the man carrying a young child on their back. They're wrapped up in winter coats and the ocean can be seen behind them in the background.

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.

Find your next seaside adventure

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

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Common seals and sandwich terns at Blakeney Point, Norfolk

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