Axmouth–Lyme Regis Undercliffs NNR - Image 1
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Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve

4.7
·629 reviews·, United Kingdom

Explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast, hunt for ancient fossils, and hike rugged cliffs in this stunning National Nature Reserve.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

1 hour before low tide

Maximize fossil hunting time

CrowdMedium
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Axmouth–Lyme Regis Undercliffs NNR - Image 1

Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve

Best Time

1 hour before low tide

Maximize fossil hunting time

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast, hunt for ancient fossils, and hike rugged cliffs in this stunning National Nature Reserve.

4.7
(629 reviews)

"The walk isn’t easy but it’s well worth it when you get there for the stunning fossil pavement."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Time your visit with the tide

Aim for an hour before low tide for the best chance to find fossils and explore the beach.

👟 Wear sturdy walking shoes

The terrain is rocky and uneven; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable walk.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fossil Pavement

Fossil Pavement

Towards the end of the walk from Lyme Regis

Discover ancient ammonites embedded in the rocks, a stunning testament to millions of years of history.

Ammonite Hunting

Ammonite Hunting

Charmouth Beach and surrounding areas

Search for ancient ammonites and other prehistoric treasures washed ashore. Bring tools for a more immersive experience.

Coastal Walk

Coastal Walk

Undercliffs National Nature Reserve

Enjoy a scenic and sometimes challenging walk along the dramatic coastline, with quieter sections further from the start.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Everything for Fossil Hunters

The key to finding fossils is timing your visit with the tides. Aim for about an hour before low tide to maximize your exploration time on the beach and uncover hidden treasures. Be prepared for a challenging walk, especially if starting from Lyme Regis.

Navigating the Undercliffs Terrain

The terrain can be challenging, with lots of rocks and pebbles. Stick to larger boulders and plateaus for easier footing. While some visitors find plenty of fossils, others report less success, so manage expectations and enjoy the scenic walk.

Best Times

When
1 hour before low tide
Why
Maximize fossil hunting time
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Warmer weather for exploring
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We cannot let history forget this amazing women #maryanning #womenshistory
@vangoghandloveyourself
966.6K likes • 5.2M views

🎯 Time your visit with the tide

Aim for an hour before low tide for the best chance to find fossils and explore the beach. Reddit

👟 Wear sturdy walking shoes

The terrain is rocky and uneven; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable walk. Reddit

A change from my usual Yorkshire fossil trips, I headed down south to Charmouth. Ignore my nails, I dug a few ammonites out of some clay and it got everywhere! #lymeregis #jurassiccoast #charmouth #seaglass #fossils #ammonite #ammonitefossil #treasure #england #dorset #beach #ukbeach #ukbeauty #yorkshirefossils
@charlottegettalife
90.4K likes • 968K views
Here is a pyrite ammonite that I found along the Jurassic Coast Dorset 😀🌀🌊💫 #fossils #fossil #ammonite #ammonites #pyrite #ancient #curiosity #nature #photography #natural #History #naturalhistory #jurassic #coast #jurassiccoast #beach #stones #rocks #sea #sand #maryanning #dinosaur #palaeontology #geology #dorset #charmouth #charmouthbeach #lymeregis #fascinatingfossils #fyp #foryou #foryoupage ...
@fascinatingfossils
42.2K likes • 1.6M views

🚗 Parking can get busy

Arrive early, especially after 12:30 PM, as car parks fill up quickly. Reddit

⛏️ Bring fossil hunting tools

Hammers and chisels can help uncover treasures, but be mindful of the environment. TikTok

Here is an ammonite rock that we found in amongst the beach pebbles and opened up on the beach with a geology hammer 🏝🌊 Inside, a stunning Dactylioceras ammonite from the Jurassic 😍🦑 This ammonite is around 180 Million Years Old 💀 While coastal foraging we also found a perfect Belemnite Squid fossil and a partial ancient Jurassic Ichthyosaur Vertebra! 🏝 Thank you for supporting our page! 🐊 #natura...
@yorkshire.fossils
29.7K likes • 1.4M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Time your visit with the tide

Aim for an hour before low tide for the best chance to find fossils and explore the beach. Reddit

👟 Wear sturdy walking shoes

The terrain is rocky and uneven; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable walk. Reddit

🚗 Parking can get busy

Arrive early, especially after 12:30 PM, as car parks fill up quickly. Reddit

⛏️ Bring fossil hunting tools

Hammers and chisels can help uncover treasures, but be mindful of the environment. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Explore further for quiet

The initial areas can be busy; continue walking along the coast for a more peaceful experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(629 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Undercliffs for its stunning coastal scenery and the exciting possibility of finding ancient fossils. The challenging terrain is noted, but many find the effort worthwhile for the unique geological discoveries and the sense of adventure. Parking can be an issue, and success in finding fossils varies.

"My husband and I lost track of time at the Fossil Beach. You can definitely spend a few hours wandering and looking at the rocks and finding treasures. It’s a short walk from the nearest car park, the car park has toilets. I would definitely come back here."

Vanessa Becker

"Very hard terrain to walk but worth it stick to the big boulders and plateau for easier footing make sure to go about 1hr before low tide times."

Raven Barrett

"Good clean beach, some stones some sand, nice clear water, plenty of toilets and places to eat.
Didn’t find many fossils though there was lists people banging away with hammers though.
Parking can be very busy after 12:30 in all car parks, the one right down the front can be crazy busy."

CheeseBob

What People Like

Fossil hunting opportunities
Dramatic coastal views
Sense of adventure

What People Dislike

Challenging terrain
Busy parking
Variable fossil finds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The reserve is accessible from both Axmouth and Lyme Regis. Parking is available in Lyme Regis, but can get very busy. The walk from Lyme Regis car park to the fossil pavement is approximately 5000 steps and involves traversing boulders. Reddit+1

Yes, there are car parks in Lyme Regis, but they can become extremely crowded, especially after 12:30 PM. Consider arriving early or exploring alternative transport options. Reddit

Access from Axmouth is also possible, offering a different perspective of the reserve. Research specific routes and parking availability for Axmouth if you plan to start there. TikTok

Many visitors drive, but consider public transport if you want to avoid parking hassles. Check local bus routes that serve Lyme Regis. TikTok

From Lyme Regis, follow the coastal path. The walk can be challenging, so be prepared for uneven terrain and a significant distance to reach the prime fossil hunting spots. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve is a natural area and generally does not require an entrance fee. Enjoy exploring this geological wonder freely. TikTok

As a natural reserve, there are no set opening hours. However, access and safety are best during daylight hours, and tide times are crucial for exploration. Reddit

No, there is no admission fee for fossil hunting in the public areas of the Undercliffs. You are free to search for treasures. TikTok

While casual collecting of loose fossils is generally permitted, it's important to be aware of any local by-laws or guidelines to ensure responsible collecting. Avoid damaging the rock formations. TikTok

While not always advertised, local geological societies or visitor centers may offer guided walks. Check with local tourism information for potential guided tour options. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The terrain is challenging, consisting of rocks, pebbles, and boulders. It's recommended to stick to larger boulders and plateaus for easier footing. Reddit

The walk from Lyme Regis car park to the stunning fossil pavement can take a considerable amount of time, with one visitor estimating around 5000 steps. Reddit

You can find ammonites, belemnites, and sometimes even ichthyosaur vertebrae. Pyrite ammonites are also a popular find. TikTok+2

It's generally safe to explore during low tide, but always be aware of the incoming tide and potential for slippery surfaces. Check tide times before you go. Reddit

Yes, there are toilets available near the car park, which is convenient for visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Lyme Regis offers various places to eat, from cafes to restaurants, providing options for a meal after your exploration. Reddit

Bringing a picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. There are scenic spots to enjoy your meal. TikTok

Lyme Regis has a good selection of eateries, including seafood restaurants, traditional pubs, and casual cafes, catering to different tastes and budgets. Reddit

Typically, food vendors are not found directly on the more rugged parts of the Undercliffs. It's best to rely on the amenities in Lyme Regis or bring your own provisions. Reddit

It's advisable to carry water and snacks with you, as refreshment options are limited once you are on the more remote sections of the Undercliffs. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The dramatic coastal scenery, the fossil pavement, and any interesting fossils you find make for fantastic photo opportunities. Capture the rugged beauty of the Jurassic Coast. TikTok+1

Absolutely. The unique geological formations, sea stacks, and the vastness of the coastline offer stunning vistas for landscape photographers. TikTok

Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, can provide dramatic lighting for the coastal landscapes. However, the unique textures of the rocks are also great in midday light. TikTok

A tripod can be beneficial for capturing stable shots, especially in lower light conditions or for long exposures of the sea. TikTok

The fossil pavement itself is a prime spot. Also, look for elevated points along the coastal path that offer panoramic views of the Undercliffs and the sea. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs can be an exciting adventure for families, offering a chance to hunt for real fossils. However, the terrain is challenging, so it's best suited for families with older children who can navigate rocky paths safely. Reddit Ensure everyone wears sturdy shoes and consider bringing a small backpack with snacks and water. Reddit The thrill of finding an ammonite can be a fantastic educational experience, bringing history to life for younger explorers. TikTok+1

🚶‍♀️ Avid Hikers & Nature Lovers

For those who love a good hike and dramatic coastal scenery, the Undercliffs offer a rewarding experience. The challenging terrain and the opportunity to explore a National Nature Reserve make it appealing. Reddit Be prepared for uneven ground and potentially long distances. Reddit The quieter sections further along the coast provide a more immersive nature experience, perfect for birdwatching or simply enjoying the rugged landscape. TikTok

💎 Fossil Enthusiasts & Geologists

This area is a must-visit for anyone passionate about fossils and geology. The chance to find ammonites and other Jurassic-era remains is a major draw. TikTok+2 Understanding the importance of tide times is crucial for maximizing your fossil hunting success. Reddit Consider bringing tools for careful excavation and be prepared to spend several hours exploring the beach and rock formations. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Allure of Fossil Hunting

The Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs are renowned for their rich fossil deposits, a legacy of the Jurassic period. Visitors often come with the hope of finding ammonites, belemnites, and even fragments of ancient marine reptiles. TikTok creators frequently showcase their finds, from pyrite ammonites to ichthyosaur vertebrae, often preparing them on the spot. TikTok+4 While the thrill of discovery is immense, it's important to remember that fossil hunting should be done responsibly. Casual collecting of loose fossils is generally permitted, but avoid damaging the natural rock formations. TikTok

Many visitors recommend timing your visit with the low tide, ideally about an hour before it reaches its lowest point, to maximize your chances of uncovering treasures. Reddit While some visitors report finding numerous fossils, others mention less success, suggesting that luck and persistence play a role. Regardless of the finds, the act of searching itself is a rewarding experience, connecting you with the deep history of the Earth. Reddit

Navigating the Undercliffs: A Hiker's Guide

The Undercliffs present a unique hiking challenge. The terrain is rugged, characterized by a mix of rocks, pebbles, and larger boulders. For easier footing, it's advised to stick to the larger boulders and plateaus. Reddit The walk from Lyme Regis can be substantial, with one visitor noting it's approximately 5000 steps to reach the fossil pavement. Reddit This makes sturdy, supportive footwear an absolute necessity. Reddit

While the initial sections near the start points can be quite busy, the further you venture along the coast, the quieter it tends to become. Reddit This offers a more serene experience for those who wish to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in the natural beauty. The dramatic coastal scenery, with its rugged cliffs and the vast expanse of the sea, makes the challenging hike well worth the effort for many visitors. TikTok

Mary Anning: A Pioneer of Paleontology

The Jurassic Coast, including the areas around Lyme Regis, is inextricably linked with the pioneering work of Mary Anning. Born in Lyme Regis in 1799, Anning was a self-taught fossil collector and paleontologist who made some of the most significant fossil discoveries of her time. Despite facing societal barriers as a woman and from a working-class background, her contributions to understanding prehistoric life were immense. TikTok

Anning discovered the first complete Ichthyosaur skeleton and the first Plesiosaur skeleton, among other crucial finds. Her meticulous work and keen eye for detail helped shape the early understanding of extinction and prehistoric creatures. While she often received little recognition during her lifetime, her legacy is now widely celebrated, with many visitors to the area seeking to learn more about her remarkable life and contributions to science. TikTok

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