Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve
Explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast, hunt for ancient fossils, and hike rugged cliffs in this stunning National Nature Reserve.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Maximize fossil hunting time
Axmouth to Lyme Regis Undercliffs National Nature Reserve
Best Time
Maximize fossil hunting time
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the dramatic Jurassic Coast, hunt for ancient fossils, and hike rugged cliffs in this stunning National Nature Reserve.
"The walk isn’t easy but it’s well worth it when you get there for the stunning fossil pavement."
🎯 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
Charmouth Beach and surrounding areas
Search for ancient ammonites and other prehistoric treasures washed ashore. Bring tools for a more immersive experience.
Coastal Walk
Undercliffs National Nature Reserve
Enjoy a scenic and sometimes challenging walk along the dramatic coastline, with quieter sections further from the start.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fossil Hunters
Navigating the Undercliffs Terrain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
🚗 Parking can get busy
Arrive early, especially after 12:30 PM, as car parks fill up quickly.
⛏️ Bring fossil hunting tools
Hammers and chisels can help uncover treasures, but be mindful of the environment.
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.
👟 Wear sturdy walking shoes
The terrain is rocky and uneven; good footwear is essential for a safe and comfortable walk.
🚗 Parking can get busy
Arrive early, especially after 12:30 PM, as car parks fill up quickly.
⛏️ Bring fossil hunting tools
Hammers and chisels can help uncover treasures, but be mindful of the environment.
🚶♀️ Explore further for quiet
The initial areas can be busy; continue walking along the coast for a more peaceful experience.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Many visitors drive, but consider public transport if you want to avoid parking hassles. Check local bus routes that serve Lyme Regis.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
No, there is no admission fee for fossil hunting in the public areas of the Undercliffs. You are free to search for treasures.
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.
While not always advertised, local geological societies or visitor centers may offer guided walks. Check with local tourism information for potential guided tour options.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
You can find ammonites, belemnites, and sometimes even ichthyosaur vertebrae. Pyrite ammonites are also a popular find.
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.
Yes, there are toilets available near the car park, which is convenient for visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Lyme Regis offers various places to eat, from cafes to restaurants, providing options for a meal after your exploration.
Bringing a picnic is a great idea, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring. There are scenic spots to enjoy your meal.
Lyme Regis has a good selection of eateries, including seafood restaurants, traditional pubs, and casual cafes, catering to different tastes and budgets.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
Absolutely. The unique geological formations, sea stacks, and the vastness of the coastline offer stunning vistas for landscape photographers.
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.
A tripod can be beneficial for capturing stable shots, especially in lower light conditions or for long exposures of the sea.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Avid Hikers & Nature Lovers
💎 Fossil Enthusiasts & Geologists
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Fossil Hunting
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. 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.
Navigating the Undercliffs: A Hiker's Guide
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. 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.
Mary Anning: A Pioneer of Paleontology
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.





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