Fossil Hunting in Whitby: Best Places to Search
The Yorkshire Coast is one of the best places in the UK to go fossil hunting. Millions of years ago, this area was covered by a warm tropical sea, home to creatures such as ammonites, belemnites and ancient marine reptiles. Over time, these creatures became buried beneath layers of mud and sediment. As the rock formed around them, they became the fossils we can still discover along the coastline today.
Whether you’re an experienced fossil hunter or simply looking for a fun family activity, exploring the beaches around Whitby is a fantastic way to learn about the area’s fascinating history while enjoying some beautiful coastal scenery.
The most common fossil you’ll come across is the ammonite, a spiral-shaped fossil that has become one of Whitby’s most recognisable symbols. You may also find belemnites, which are long, bullet-shaped fossils that once formed part of an ancient squid-like creature, as well as fossilised shells and, if you’re lucky, a piece of the famous Whitby Jet.
Stormy weather and high tides often uncover fresh fossils by washing away layers of sand and shale, making the days after rough seas a great time to head out and explore.
Saltwick Bay
One of the best places to go fossil hunting is Saltwick Bay, just east of Whitby. You can reach it by following the Cleveland Way past Whitby Abbey, where you’ll enjoy stunning views across the coastline before making your way down to the beach.
Saltwick Bay is well known for its abundance of ammonites, belemnites and pieces of Whitby Jet. The mix of shale, rock pools and dramatic cliffs makes it one of the most rewarding places to search for fossils.
Sandsend
Another excellent location for fossil hunting is Sandsend Beach. If you continue further along the beach towards the cliff which looks like a crocodile, you’ll often find plenty of fossils amongst the rocks and shale, particularly after rough weather has exposed fresh material.
This stretch of coastline is a fantastic place to explore, with beautiful views and plenty of opportunities to discover ammonites, belemnites and other fossils. Take your time searching amongst the loose rocks, as that’s often where the best finds can be found.
How to Spot Whitby Jet
Whitby Jet is one of the area’s most famous natural treasures. Despite its appearance, it isn’t actually a stone. It is fossilised wood from ancient trees that lived around 180 million years ago during the Jurassic period.
If you think you’ve found a piece of Whitby Jet, here are a few things to look out for:
- It is lighter than most rocks of similar size.
- It is usually a deep black colour.
- It often has a smooth surface and can become beautifully shiny when polished.
- It feels slightly warmer to the touch than many ordinary stones.
Whitby Jet became world-famous during the Victorian era after Queen Victoria wore Jet jewellery while mourning Prince Albert. This led to Whitby becoming renowned for its skilled Jet craftsmen, and today you’ll still find many local jewellers creating beautiful pieces from genuine Whitby Jet.
Fossil Hunting Tips
To help make your fossil hunting adventure safe and enjoyable:
- Visit around low tide when more of the beach is exposed.
- Wear sturdy footwear, as rocks and seaweed can be slippery.
- Search amongst loose rocks and shale rather than trying to remove fossils from the cliffs.
- Never climb on or stand directly beneath the cliffs, as rockfalls can happen without warning.
- Take a small bag or container to carry your discoveries home.
A Memorable Day Out
Fossil hunting is a fantastic way to discover the incredible history hidden beneath the Yorkshire Coast. Every ammonite, belemnite and piece of Whitby Jet tells the story of a world that existed millions of years before people walked these shores.
Whether you’re searching for your very first fossil or hoping to add to your collection, fossil hunting is an enjoyable activity for all ages and a memorable way to experience everything the Whitby coastline has to offer.
