FOSSIL HUNTING NEAR ROBIN HOODS BAY

Where to find Fossils...

Robin Hoods Bay, Whitby, Runswick and Sandsend beaches are renowned for fossils, but one of our favourite places is 5 miles away and a 10 minute drive or 30 minute bike ride away at a little known secluded beach called Saltwick Bay. Fortunately, the bike ride there is mostly on the traffic free cinder track with a short section on the pavement and then onto the quiet Hawsker lane.  Parking is limited, so cycling or walking would be preferable.  There is a small shop with drinks and snacks at Whitby holiday Park but no public toilets at the bay.  However, if you head the extra mile down Hawsker Lane towards Whitby you will come to Whitby Brewery, which has toilets and you can grab a pizza and a beer for lunch whilst admiring the abbey.

Be sure to check the tide times before you go as you want to arrive at low tide and make sure you are safely inshore before high tide.

This site is a site of special scientific interest (SSSI). This means you can visit the site, but hammering the bedrock is not permitted.  Find out more on the UK Association of Fossil Hunters

Saltwick Bay is lovely and quieter than the main beaches of Whitby. Be sure to stay well away from the cliffs as they are known for falling rocks and shale. You might find ammonites , devil’s toenails or some of the famous Whitby Jet.

At Sea Fern Cottage we provide books to help you identify the fossils that you find. 

If you would prefer to go fossil hunting with a guide you can join Yorkshire Fossil Hunting Tours most weekends from April to September.  

The 2024 dates are as follows:

Saturday 6th July 2024 at 10.00

Sunday 7th July 2024 at 9.30

Saturday 20th July 2024 at 9.00

Sunday 21st July 2024 at 8.30

Tuesday 23rd July 2024 at 9.45

Saturday 27th July 2024 at 12.45

Sunday 28th July 2024 at 15.00

Saturday 3rd August 2024 at 9.00

Sunday 4th August 2024 at 8.30

Tuesday 6th August 2024 at 10.00

Wednesday 7th August 2024 at 10.30

Thursday 8th August 2024 at 12.45

Saturday 24th August 2024 at 11.30

Sunday 25th August 2024 at 12.45

Saturday 7th September 2024 at 10.30

Saturday 21st September 2024 at 9.30

Sunday 22nd September 2024 at 12.30

Saturday 5th October 2024 at 9.30

Sunday 6th October 2024 at 11.30

Saturday 19th October 2024 at 9.30

Sunday 20th October 2024 at 11.30

Or you can book a private tour at a time to suit you.  Simply ask for details with your booking.

COSTS per Adults are £20 + Vat and Children (under 16) £10 + Vat.

Mention 'Fossil Hunting' in your enquiry if you would like information on to arranging a private tour to coinside with your holiday at Sea Fern Cottage.