Fossil hunting in the UK
Finding Ammonites in England
You will be able to spot these ammonites just by simply looking on the ground. You are more likely to find these though when looking near areas of black sand and iron pyrite as fossils are more commonly found in these areas. Ammonites found in these areas will often have a dark gold shine to them as they have iron pyrite(fools gold) fused into them which gives them this shine.
You do not need to bring much with you only waterproofs (Jacket and trousers) a bag to carry your finds and just a few simple tools like a hammer and a small chisel to split open the circular shaped rocks that may be hiding these encased ammonites inside. Be carful to check the tide times and avoid going to close to the rock face to avoid falling debree.
With your best finds you may want to wrap them up to avoid them getting damaged in your bag along with your other finds.
Ammonites in England are famously found along the Jurassic Coast of Dorset and East Devon, especially around Lyme Regis, Charmouth, Seatown, and West Bay. Other productive areas include Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay in North Yorkshire, and parts of Somerset’s coast. Always check local guidance and protected zones, and never hammer into cliffs or bedrock—focus on loose shingle, fallen blocks, and wave-washed material on the beach.
The best time to hunt for ammonites is during the winter and early spring months, when storms and strong tides expose fresh material. Aim for a falling or low tide, ideally just after rough weather, and arrive early before beaches get busy. Avoid searching beneath unstable cliffs or during high winds and heavy rain. Bring sturdy footwear, warm clothing, and a small bag or box to safely carry any finds home.
Charmouth fossil beach Jurassic coast UK