Rock and fossil collecting near Exeter
17 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Exeter, all within day-trip range. This stretch of the country is best known for fossil hunting: ammonites, belemnites, and other finds weather out of the coastal cliffs after every storm, with solid mineral collecting inland. Below: every spot, closest first, with what it produces and its access. Americans call this hobby rockhounding; whatever you call it, the spots are the same.
Covering parts of Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Cornwall.
Every spot within 60 miles of Exeter
Haytor Iron MineTeignbridge, Devon · 13 mi awayPermission required · Magnetite, Hematite, Andradite +4- Golden Dagger MineTeignbridge, Devon · 16 mi awayPermission required · Cassiterite, Hematite, Quartz +1
- Vitifer MineTeignbridge, Devon · 16 mi awayPermission required · Cassiterite, Hematite, Schorl +1
- Meldon Aplite QuarryWest Devon, Devon · 22 mi awayPermission required · Axinite, Datolite, Tourmaline +4
Monmouth BeachDorset, Dorset · 26 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +1- Charmouth BeachDorset, Dorset · 28 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +2
- Black VenDorset, Dorset · 28 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +2
- Virtuous Lady MineWest Devon, Devon · 31 mi awayPermission required · Quartz, Arsenopyrite, Pyrite +3
- Seatown Beach (Golden Cap)Dorset, Dorset · 31 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +1
- Blue AnchorSomerset, Somerset · 32 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Selenite, Ichthyosaur +1
- Devon Great ConsolsWest Devon, Devon · 33 mi awayPermission required · Chalcopyrite, Arsenopyrite, Siderite +3
- Eype MouthDorset, Dorset · 33 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite
- WatchetSomerset, Somerset · 33 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Pyrite, Gryphaea +3
- Kilve BeachSomerset, Somerset · 35 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Pyrite, Ichthyosaur +1
- Kit HillStokeclimsland, Cornwall · 36 mi awayPublic access · Cassiterite, Wolframite, Molybdenite +3
- Osmington MillsDorset, Dorset · 51 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Gryphaea
- Ringstead BayDorset, Dorset · 52 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Gryphaea
Most-reported finds near Exeter
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.
- Ammonite10
- Pyrite8
- Iron Pyrite6
- Belemnite5
- Quartz5
- Cassiterite4
- Gryphaea4
- Ichthyosaur4
- Hematite3
- Siderite3
- Arsenopyrite2
- Axinite2
Exeter collecting FAQ
Where can I go fossil hunting near Exeter?+
There are 17 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Exeter. The closest is Haytor Iron Mine in Devon, roughly 13 miles away. Every one is listed on this page, closest first.
What rocks, minerals, and fossils can you find near Exeter?+
Spots within day-trip range of Exeter most commonly produce ammonite, pyrite, iron pyrite, belemnite, quartz, cassiterite.
Do I need permission to collect rocks and fossils near Exeter?+
Usually, yes. Most land in the UK is privately owned and there is no general right to collect, so inland sites like quarries, mine tips, and fields need the landowner's permission first. Beaches and foreshore are the main exception: picking up loose pebbles and fallen fossils for personal use is generally tolerated. Each spot page lists what is known about access; confirm before you travel.
Can I use a hammer at protected sites?+
Not at protected ones. Many classic UK localities are Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), where hammering, digging, or removing material can be illegal without consent. In Scotland, follow the Scottish Fossil Code. Check a site's designation before taking tools, and when in doubt collect loose surface material only.
What is good practice for coastal collecting?+
Collect loose material from the beach rather than digging into cliffs, which is both dangerous and usually prohibited. Check tide times before you set out, keep well back from cliff faces after wet weather, take only what you will keep, and record where each find came from.
Other cities near Exeter
More “collecting near” guides for cities within range.
More county coverage
The spots above span 4 counties. Open the county page for the full list.
Pack Exeter's collecting map in your pocket
Open RockHoundR for land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds, wherever the drive takes you.
