5 OF THE BEST FOSSIL HUNTING BEACHES IN YORKSHIRE
The Yorkshire coast is probably the second most popular area in the UK for fossil hunting. The same Jurassic fossils, famously found along Dorset’s Heritage Coastline, can be found here. Some of the most popular and, in some cases, commercialised fossil areas are Whitby, Port Mulgrave and Robin Hood’s Bay. However, in spite of this, there are still lots to be found and reptile remains are frequently being found here. Yorkshire is also well known for its Jurassic plant remains, which are in outstanding condition.
Our top 5 beaches include:
1. Saltwick Bay - finds include ammonites, reptiles, shells, and is also famous for jet, a minor gemstone and popular for jewellery. Ammonites are found in nodules, which are easy to split and found along the foreshore.
2. Whitby - finds will be similar to Saltwick bay, but there may be more competition in your search at such a popular beach.
3. Staithes - Ammonites are quite common at Staithes and you don't need to walk far to find them. They can be found in nodules along the foreshore or within ledges and are easy to pick out.
4. Kettleness - is the most productive location in Yorkshire for reptile remains. These are common and can be found loose or in nodules.
5. Robin Hood's Bay - Robin Hood’s Bay yields excellent ammonites. The best area to collect from is the north side. Head down the footpath to the left of the main street passing a picnic area before reaching the beach.
Be sure to check the tide times before you go as you want to arrive at low tide and make sure you are safely inshore before high tide.
Stay well away from the cliffs as they are known for falling rocks and shale.
If you would prefer to go fossil hunting with a guide you can join Yorkshire Fossil Hunting Tours.
COSTS Adults £20 + Vat Children (under 16) £10 + Vat
The 2024 dates are as follows:
Tuesday 13th February 2024 at 10.00
Saturday 17th February 2024 at 14.00
Saturday 2nd March 2024 at 11.00
Sunday 10th March 2024 at 09.00
Thursday 14th March 2024 at 09.45
Saturday 16th March 2024 at 11.00
Sunday 17th March 2024 at 13.30
Saturday 30th March 2024 at 10.00
Sunday 31st March 2024 at 12.30
Saturday 27th April 2024 at 10.00
Sunday 28th April 2024 at 12.00
Saturday 11th May 2024 at 9.30
Saturday 6th July 2024 at 10.00
Sunday 7th July 2024 at 9.30
Saturday 20th July 2024 at 9.00
Sunday 21st July 2024 at 8.30
Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 9.45
Saturday 27th July 2024 at 12.45
Sunday 28th July 2024 at 15.00
Saturday 3rd August 2024 at 9.00
Sunday 4th August 2024 at 8.30
Tuesday 6th August 2024 at 10.00
Wednesday 7th August 2024 at 10.30
Thursday 8th August 2024 at 12.45
Saturday 24th August 2024 at 11.30
Sunday 25th August 2024 at 12.45
Saturday 7th September 2024 at 10.30
Saturday 21st September 2024 at 9.30
Sunday 22nd September 2024 at 12.30
Saturday 5th October 2024 at 9.30
Sunday 6th October 2024 at 11.30
Saturday 19th October 2024 at 9.30
Sunday 20th October 2024 at 11.30
Or you can book a private tour at a time to suit you. Simply ask for details with your booking.
