A smiling father with his young daughter and son exploring the beach in Lyme Regis, collecting shells and small fossils; the family is crouched happily on the sand with blurred cliffs and sea in the background, capturing a joyful beachcombing moment.

Beachcombing with Kids: What to Find & How to Start

Lyme Regis Escapes| Family-Friendly Activities| Fossil Hunting & History

July 11, 2025•6 min read

There’s something quietly magical about wandering the shoreline, eyes to the sand, searching for treasures left behind by the sea. For families visiting Lyme Regis, beachcombing is the perfect blend of fun, education, and adventure — especially with children in tow.

Whether your little ones are eager to spot their first fossil, collect colourful seashells, or simply enjoy the sensory delight of sand between their toes, beachcombing opens up a world of discovery on the Jurassic Coast. It’s low-cost, screen-free, and full of the sort of joyful surprises that become core childhood memories.

In this family guide, we’ll explore what to look for, where to start, and how to make the most of your time beach-combing around Lyme Regis and nearby Dorset shores.

Why Beach-combing Is the Perfect Family Activity

Before we dig into the details, let’s celebrate why beach-combing is such a hit with families:

• ✅ Educational: Kids learn about marine life, geology, conservation, and the natural world.

• ✅ Affordable: It costs nothing but time and curiosity.

• ✅ Bonding Time: Encourages teamwork and shared discoveries.

• ✅ Good for All Ages: Toddlers to teens (and grown-ups!) all love it.

• ✅ Easy to Combine: Pair with picnics, swimming, or a visit to the museum.

Best Beach-combing Spots Near Lyme Regis

The stretch of coastline from Lyme Regis offers a wide variety of beach types — from sandy bays to fossil-rich cliffs and hidden rock pools. Here are the best places to explore:

1. Monmouth Beach

Located just west of the Cobb, Monmouth Beach is a treasure trove for beginner fossil hunters. Here you might find ammonites, belemnites, and pyrite nodules, along with sea-smoothed stones and colourful pebbles. It’s ideal for supervised kids aged 5+.

Top Finds: Fossils, driftwood, unusual stones

Safety Tip: Check tide times; avoid walking too close to the cliffs.

2. Charmouth Beach

Just a short drive or pleasant walk east of Lyme, Charmouth Beach is managed by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre — a great starting point for family-friendly fossil walks. It’s one of the safest and most educational beaches for curious kids.

Top Finds: Fossils, clay ammonites, seashells

Bonus Tip: Visit the centre first to see real examples and pick up a child’s fossil hunting kit.

3. East Cliff & Church Cliff

Quieter than Monmouth or Charmouth, East Cliff has a more rugged charm. There’s plenty to explore in the rocks and sand at low tide — ideal for children who enjoy uncovering hidden wonders.

Top Finds: Limpet shells, sea glass, barnacle-covered rocks

Perfect for: Kids with a keen eye and patient spirit.

What to Look For While Beach-combing

Every tide tells a new story. Depending on the time of year and weather conditions, you might find all kinds of seaside treasures. Here’s what to encourage your children to look out for:

🐚 Seashells

From scallops and limpets to dog whelks and cowries, the beaches around Lyme offer a beautiful variety. Bring a small bucket and encourage children to identify each shell using a simple beachcombing book or laminated guide.

🦑 Fossils

The Jurassic Coast is globally famous for its fossils. While larger finds require expert guidance, ammonites, belemnites, and plant imprints are often found in the clay or loose rocks on Charmouth Beach.

Important: Do not attempt to hammer into the cliffs or dig. Stick to what’s loose on the beach — both for safety and conservation.

🪨 Sea Glass & Pebbles

Smooth, colourful pieces of sea glass are exciting finds — like ocean-made jewels. Encourage kids to sort them by colour or start a tiny collection. Striped agate stones and naturally patterned pebbles are also great picks.

🪸 Natural Curiosities

• Dried seaweed types

• Driftwood shapes

• Crab claws or shells

• Sponge or coral fragments

• Mermaids’ purses (egg cases from skates or rays!)

When’s the Best Time to Go Beach-combing?

• After High Tide: The sea often leaves behind new items after high tide.

• After Stormy Weather: Strong waves churn up and expose more fossils and shells.

• Spring & Autumn: Less crowded beaches mean better focus and finds.

• Morning Outings: Calm conditions, cooler temperatures, and quiet beaches.

Beach-combing Essentials: What to Pack

Set your family up for success with these helpful items:

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Safety & Conservation Tips

It’s crucial to keep your beach adventure safe and sustainable:

• 🚫 Don’t collect live creatures – Gently observe crabs or anemones but leave them in their habitat.

• 📵 Supervise children near cliffs or in rock pools – They can be slippery or unstable.

• 🗑️ Take all rubbish with you – Including any wrappers or disposable items.

• 🛑 Avoid climbing or hammering cliffs – Landslides are dangerous, and fossil sites are protected.

• 📚 Follow the Fossil Code – Stick to beach finds and leave big discoveries for the experts.

Learn Together: Educational Resources

To deepen your child’s interest, explore these before or after your trip:

• Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre – Offers downloadable activity sheets and fossil ID guides.

• Lyme Regis Museum – Mary Anning exhibitions and fossil history for all ages.

• Books:

• Fossils (DK Eyewitness) – Great for visual learners.

• Stone Girl Bone Girl – A children’s book based on Mary Anning’s story.

Enhance Your Day: Pair It with Other Activities

Why not make a whole day of it?

• 🧺 Picnic on the beach with goodies from the Lyme Regis Farmers’ Market.

• 🎨 Let kids draw their finds while relaxing under a beach umbrella.

• 🍦 Grab an ice cream from The Bay Café or Baboo Gelato to end the adventure on a sweet note.

• 🏠 Return to Stay at No.12 and have your child display their favourite finds as keepsakes.

The Joy of Sharing Discoveries

One of the great joys of beach-combing is watching a child’s eyes light up with each discovery. Whether they find a tiny fossil imprint or a perfectly round pebble, it’s a moment of magic — and you’re part of it.

Encourage storytelling, comparing finds, and even creating a “holiday beach book” where children can stick drawings, photos, and memories of what they found and learned.

A New Adventure Each Time

No two beachcombing outings are ever the same. Every visit to Lyme Regis offers fresh discoveries, new learning, and a deeper connection to the coast. It’s slow, immersive fun that keeps families returning year after year.

If you’re planning a Jurassic Coast family holiday, beach-combing is a must. And when you stay at No.12, you’re just steps away from some of the UK’s most rewarding shores.

So grab your buckets, zip up your windbreakers, and head to the beach — treasures await!