Recent Fossil Discoveries on the Jurassic Coast (2025)

The Jurassic Coast never stops surprising us. Stretching from Exmouth in East Devon to Studland Bay in Dorset, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to reveal its ancient secrets, layer by layer. Each year, the cliffs shed more of their prehistoric treasures — and 2025 has already proven an exceptional year for fossil discoveries. Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a family of explorers, or simply fascinated by the deep time beneath your feet, there’s never been a more exciting moment to visit Lyme Regis and its surrounding coast.

1. Why 2025 Is a Breakthrough Year for Jurassic Coast Discoveries

Thanks to a combination of winter storms, cliff erosion, and the ongoing efforts of local collectors and paleontologists, this year has seen several remarkable finds. The fossil beds west and east of Lyme Regis have revealed new marine reptile remains, rare ammonites, and even soft-tissue impressions that help scientists understand life 190 million years ago.

Perhaps most excitingly, a newly documented ichthyosaur specimen found near Charmouth has been described as one of the most complete of its kind in decades. The find was confirmed by experts from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and is already being studied for its unique skeletal features — some suggesting a previously undocumented species variation.

For visitors, this isn’t just scientific news. It means that the landscapes you walk along during your stay are still  actively giving up their prehistoric stories, right before your eyes.

2. Star Finds of 2025: Highlights from the Jurassic Coast

From amateur fossil hunters to trained paleontologists, this year’s discoveries span both dramatic reptile skeletons and tiny but significant trace fossils.

Here are the top finds so far:

•A juvenile ichthyosaur near Charmouth– Unearthed in early 2025 following heavy storms, this well-preserved skeleton offers clues about how these marine reptiles developed and adapted to changing seas.

•Rare ammonites with iridescent shells – Discovered along Black Ven and Monmouth Beach, these specimens have been attracting attention for their spectacular natural colouring — the kind you can still see glinting in situ if you visit at low tide.

•Pterosaur wing bones near Seatown – Confirmed by specialists from the Etches Collection, these fragile fossils shed light on the diversity of flying reptiles along the Jurassic Coast.

•A fossilised fish skull with soft tissue impressions – A rare glimpse into the fine anatomy of Jurassic marine life, providing fresh insight into the ecology of ancient seas.

Each of these finds reminds us that the Jurassic Coast is not a static museum, but a living, eroding, and evolving natural archive.

3. What Makes Lyme Regis a Fossil Hotspot?

Lyme Regis remains the heart of Jurassic Coast discoveries — and for good reason. The town’s cliffs expose layers of the Blue Lias Formation, a fossil-rich sequence of limestone and shale laid down during the Early Jurassic period. Frequent cliff falls and tides constantly refresh the beach deposits, making fossil hunting here uniquely rewarding.

Local organisations such as the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre and Lyme Regis Museum continue to lead educational programmes and fieldwork initiatives, building on the legacy of Mary Anning, who first made Lyme Regis world-famous for fossil discoveries in the 19th century.

4. Can Visitors Still Find Fossils Themselves?

Absolutely — and that’s part of what makes visiting Lyme Regis so special. While major fossil discoveries are often made by specialists, many visitors each year find their own ammonites, belemnites, and small marine fossils simply by walking the beaches.

To do it safely and responsibly, remember:

• Stick to loose beach material, never dig into the cliffs.

• Check the tide times before heading out.

• Bring the right fossil hunting equipment— small hammer, safety glasses, and sturdy boots.

• Follow local advice and rules — you can find guidance from the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre or our own article “Is Fossil Hunting Legal in Dorset?”

• Join an organised guided fossil walk, led by experienced wardens who can help you identify your finds and stay safe.

It’s a rare chance to experience the thrill of discovery — the same excitement Mary Anning must have felt — while standing on the very shore where she once worked.

5. How New Discoveries Shape Our Understanding of Prehistoric Life

Each fossil find, no matter how small, adds a vital piece to the puzzle. The ichthyosaur skeletons discovered in 2025 are helping scientists study evolutionary changes within the species. Similarly, newly found ammonites with well-preserved chambers offer fresh insight into ocean chemistry and climate at the time these creatures lived.

These fossils also tell a broader story about how Britain’s landscapes were formed and how ancient ecosystems responded to global changes — a theme that resonates strongly today as scientists compare prehistoric climate shifts to our own.

6. Where You Can See 2025’s New Fossils in Person

Some of the most exciting finds are already being prepared for public display. Here’s where you can see the latest discoveries during your stay:

•Lyme Regis Museum– Regularly updates its displays with recent local finds and offers fascinating background on Mary Anning’s work.

•Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre– Home to several of this year’s ammonite and ichthyosaur exhibits.

•The Etches Collection, Kimmeridge– Showcases stunning fossils from the wider Jurassic Coast, including rare marine reptiles and pterosaurs.

•Dorset Museum, Dorchester – Features larger paleontological displays, including reconstructions and research updates from the 2025 fieldwork season.

If you’re staying at Number 12, you’re within easy reach of all these locations — perfect for planning a fossil-themed itinerary.

7. Planning Your Own Fossil Discovery Visit

Visiting Lyme Regis isn’t just about seeing fossils in glass cases — it’s about experiencing the coast that continues to create them.

Here’s how to make the most of your stay:

• Time your visit between October and March, when winter storms reveal the most new material.

• Join a guided fossil walk for the safest and most informative experience.

• Bring a camera — documenting your finds is part of the fun (and occasionally, part of scientific discovery).

• Explore beyond the beach: visit the museum, local galleries, and cafés, all celebrating Lyme’s connection to the sea.

For families, couples, and geology enthusiasts alike, Lyme Regis offers the perfect blend of adventure, education, and relaxation.

8. Why These Discoveries Matter for Visitors

Beyond their scientific value, these fossils shape how visitors experience Lyme Regis. They connect us to an immense story of life, evolution, and time — all set against one of the UK’s most scenic coastlines.

Standing on Monmouth Beach, surrounded by fossil-rich rocks, it’s impossible not to feel a sense of wonder. Each new discovery — whether made by a child on holiday or a paleontologist in the field — reminds us that this stretch of coast is alive with history.

And that’s exactly why staying close to the action  matters. From your base at Number 12, just 75 metres from the sea, you’re perfectly placed to explore the Jurassic Coast, enjoy local hospitality, and perhaps even make a discovery of your own.