Family fossil hunting on Monmouth Beach in Lyme Regis, Dorset, searching for ammonites and belemnites with buckets and guidebooks, a safe and family-friendly way to enjoy the Jurassic Coast.

Can You Keep Fossils Found in Lyme Regis?

Lyme Regis Escapes| Nature & Jurassic Coast| Fossil Hunting & History

October 03, 2025•5 min read

Introduction: Fossil Treasures on the Jurassic Coast

Lyme Regis is world-famous for fossil hunting, drawing visitors who dream of discovering their own piece of prehistory along the Jurassic Coast. From ammonites to belemnites, the cliffs and beaches regularly reveal extraordinary finds. But one question comes up time and again: can you keep fossils in Lyme Regis?

The answer isn’t as simple as “yes” or “no.” While casual fossil hunting is encouraged, there are important guidelines to follow — designed to protect both the coastline and your own safety. In this article, we’ll explore when you can keep fossils, when you should leave them behind, and how to enjoy this unforgettable experience responsibly.

Can You Keep Fossils in Lyme Regis?

Yes — in most cases, visitors are allowed to keep small, loose fossils that they find washed out on the beach or amongst the shingle. This is part of the town’s long tradition of fossil collecting, stretching back to the days of Mary Anning.

However, there are rules and best practices:

✅ You can keep fossils f they are already loose and lying on the beach.
❌ You cannot dig into cliffs or hammer into bedrock — this is dangerous and damages protected geological sites.
❌ You cannot collect large or scientifically significant specimens without reporting them. Fossils of rare or exceptional importance are often recorded by local museums for research.

Why Some Fossils Must Be Reported

If you discover something unusual — for example, a fossilised skeleton, an exceptionally large ammonite, or a well-preserved vertebrate bone — it could be of real scientific value. In such cases, the responsible thing to do is to contact the Lyme Regis Museum or the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Reporting helps experts catalogue finds and ensures the fossil’s story is preserved for everyone. Visitors who have handed in important fossils are often credited in displays or publications — a legacy that’s far more rewarding than keeping it hidden away.

Where to Fossil Hunt Responsibly

Lyme Regis has several well-known spots where fossil collecting is both popular and safe:

Monmouth Beach – excellent for ammonites and belemnites.
East Cliff / Black Ven – rich hunting grounds, but watch out for cliff falls.
Charmouth Beach (just along the coast) – a family-friendly location with fossils regularly found after storms or spring tides.

👉Tip: Always check tide times before heading out. Fossil hunting is best a few hours after high tide, when new finds are washed onto the shore.

Safety First: Why You Should Never Dig in the Cliffs

It’s tempting to think you might uncover something spectacular by chipping away at the rock, but this is both illegal and dangerous. The cliffs around Lyme Regis are unstable, prone to landslides and rockfalls. Every year, sections of cliff collapse suddenly, making excavation extremely risky.

Stick to searching the loose material on the beach — not only is this safer, but the constant erosion means fresh fossils appear naturally all the time.

How to Tell If a Fossil Is Worth Keeping

Not every stone you pick up will be a fossil, and not every fossil is rare. A good rule of thumb:

Common ammonites and belemnites – fine to keep as personal souvenirs.
Unusual vertebrate remains (like bones, teeth, or fish fossils) – photograph, note the location, and report to a local heritage centre.
Very large specimens – usually better left for professionals to recover safely.

This balance allows you to enjoy the thrill of discovery without risking the loss of valuable scientific information.

Fossil Hunting Tours: A Guided Way to Learn

For those new to fossil hunting — or for families who want to be sure they’re looking in the right places — guided tours are a fantastic option. Experts explain how to identify fossils, highlight safe areas, and answer the question of which fossils you can keep on the spot.

Both Lyme Regis Museum and the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre run popular tours that bring the history of the Jurassic Coast vividly to life.

Conclusion: Keep Fossils, Keep the Coast Safe

So, can you keep fossils in Lyme Regis? The short answer is yes — provided they’re loose finds from the beach, and not scientifically significant specimens. By following the guidelines, you’ll not only take home a unique memento of your trip but also help preserve the incredible heritage of the Jurassic Coast.

For the best experience, always respect the environment, prioritise safety, and when in doubt, ask the local experts. After all, the joy of fossil hunting is not just about what you take home, but about connecting with the deep time history written into Lyme Regis’s shores.

FAQs: Can You Keep Fossils in Lyme Regis?

Can you keep fossils found in Lyme Regis?

Yes, visitors can usually keep small fossils that are already loose on the beach, such as ammonites or belemnites. Fossils embedded in the cliffs should not be taken, as this is unsafe and damages the protected coastline.

Do you need permission to collect fossils in Lyme Regis?

No permission is needed for casual collecting of loose fossils from the beach. However, if you find something rare or scientifically important, you should report it to the Lyme Regis Museum or Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre.

Is it illegal to dig for fossils in Lyme Regis?

Yes, digging into the cliffs or hammering the bedrock is not allowed. It is both dangerous due to landslides and illegal under local fossil collecting codes. Always collect safely from loose beach material.

What fossils can you keep in Lyme Regis?

You can keep common fossils such as ammonites, belemnites, and small shell imprints found on the beach. Larger, unusual, or scientifically important fossils should be reported so they can be studied and preserved.

Where is the best place to collect fossils in Lyme Regis?

The most popular fossil-hunting spots are Monmouth Beach, East Cliff (Black Ven), and nearby Charmouth Beach. These areas regularly reveal ammonites and other fossils after high tides and storms.

What should you do if you find a rare fossil in Lyme Regis?

If you discover a fossil that looks unusual — such as bones, teeth, or large vertebrate remains — photograph it, note the location, and report it to the local heritage centres. You may be credited for your find in future displays.