Rock and fossil collecting near Newcastle
14 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Newcastle, 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 Durham, Northumberland, Cumbria, North Yorkshire.
Every spot within 60 miles of Newcastle
Rogerley MineCounty Durham, Durham · 22 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Galena, Calcite +1- Settlingstones MineNorthumberland, Northumberland · 25 mi awayPermission required · Witherite, Baryte, Galena
- Groverake MineCounty Durham, Durham · 25 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Galena, Baryte +1
- Rampgill MineAlston Moor, Cumbria · 32 mi awayFee dig · Fluorite, Galena, Witherite +4
- Nentsberry Haggs MineAlston Moor, Cumbria · 32 mi awayPermission required · Witherite, Galena, Sphalerite +3
StaithesNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 44 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Gryphaea +1- Port MulgraveNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 45 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +1
- KettlenessNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 46 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Reptile Bone +1
- Runswick BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 47 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Pyrite +2
- SandsendNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 50 mi awayPublic access · Whitby Jet, Ammonite, Pyrite +1
- Whitby BeachNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 52 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Pyrite +1
- Saltwick BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 54 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Whitby Jet +2
- Robin Hood's BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 58 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Gryphaea +1
- Driggith MineCaldbeck Fells, Cumbria · 59 mi awayPermission required · Baryte, Galena, Sphalerite +5
Most-reported finds near Newcastle
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.
- Ammonite8
- Belemnite7
- Pyrite7
- Baryte6
- Galena6
- Whitby Jet5
- Calcite4
- Fluorite4
- Reptile Bone4
- Gryphaea3
- Sphalerite3
- Witherite3
Newcastle collecting FAQ
Where can I go fossil hunting near Newcastle?+
There are 14 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Newcastle. The closest is Rogerley Mine in Durham, roughly 22 miles away. Every one is listed on this page, closest first.
What rocks, minerals, and fossils can you find near Newcastle?+
Spots within day-trip range of Newcastle most commonly produce ammonite, belemnite, pyrite, baryte, galena, whitby jet.
Do I need permission to collect rocks and fossils near Newcastle?+
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 Newcastle
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 Newcastle's collecting map in your pocket
Open RockHoundR for land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds, wherever the drive takes you.
