Fossil hunting at Lyme Regis is a popular pastime for visitors to the picturesque Jurassic Coast in Dorset.  Lyme Regis and Charmouth are particularly popular and attract thousands of visitors.  However, whilst the cliffs look beautiful, they can be extremely dangerous.  Rockfalls and landslides happen frequently, especially after heavy rain or hot weather.

Lyme Regis and Charmouth are popular with fossil collectors during the summer months. Photograph taken in 2009. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Fossil Hunting at Lyme Regis

The cliffs are unstable, and landslides are common.  Hot, dry weather opens up cracks in the unstable cliffs.  Rainfall seeps into these cracks and helps to loosen the rock.  This can trigger sudden landslides.  There are lots of fossils to find on the shore.  Do not climb the cliffs, this is extremely dangerous.

We advise visitors not to sit directly under the cliffs or walk close to them.  Stay on marked paths, beware of the tides.  In addition, follow local advice and warming symbols.  It is sensible to keep dogs on leads and watch children carefully near the cliff edge.  Never try to climb the cliffs to find fossils.

Fossil hunting can be fun but beware of the cliffs. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

The safest place to look for fossils is on the beach.  We recommend strong and sturdy footwear as some rocks can be slippery.  Local guides and the Charmouth visitor centre offer plenty of advice about fossil hunting at Lyme Regis.

Enjoy the Jurassic Coast but always put safety first.

The Everything Dinosaur website: Dinosaur and Prehistoric Animal Models.