Rock and fossil collecting near Plymouth
13 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Plymouth, all within day-trip range. This part of the country is best known for mineral collecting, from old mining districts and quarries, with fossil hunting within reach on the coast. 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, Cornwall, Dorset.
Every spot within 60 miles of Plymouth
Virtuous Lady MineWest Devon, Devon · 9 mi awayPermission required · Quartz, Arsenopyrite, Pyrite +3- Devon Great ConsolsWest Devon, Devon · 12 mi awayPermission required · Chalcopyrite, Arsenopyrite, Siderite +3
Kit HillStokeclimsland, Cornwall · 12 mi awayPublic access · Cassiterite, Wolframite, Molybdenite +3- Golden Dagger MineTeignbridge, Devon · 20 mi awayPermission required · Cassiterite, Hematite, Quartz +1
- Vitifer MineTeignbridge, Devon · 21 mi awayPermission required · Cassiterite, Hematite, Schorl +1
- Haytor Iron MineTeignbridge, Devon · 23 mi awayPermission required · Magnetite, Hematite, Andradite +4
- Meldon Aplite QuarryWest Devon, Devon · 24 mi awayPermission required · Axinite, Datolite, Tourmaline +4
- Cligga HeadPerranzabuloe, Cornwall · 46 mi awayPublic access · Cassiterite, Wolframite, Arsenopyrite +3
- Poldice MineGwennap, Cornwall · 46 mi awayPermission required · Arsenopyrite, Olivenite, Chalcophyllite +3
- Trevaunance CoveSt Agnes, Cornwall · 47 mi awayPublic access · Cassiterite, Pyrite, Chalcopyrite +3
- Chapel Porth BeachSt Agnes, Cornwall · 49 mi awayPublic access · Cassiterite, Chalcopyrite, Malachite +2
- Monmouth BeachDorset, Dorset · 58 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +1
- Charmouth BeachDorset, Dorset · 60 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +2
Most-reported finds near Plymouth
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.
- Quartz9
- Cassiterite7
- Pyrite6
- Chalcopyrite5
- Arsenopyrite4
- Hematite3
- Siderite3
- Ammonite2
- Axinite2
- Belemnite2
- Iron Pyrite2
- Schorl2
Plymouth collecting FAQ
Where can I go rock collecting near Plymouth?+
There are 13 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of Plymouth. The closest is Virtuous Lady Mine in Devon, roughly 9 miles away. Every one is listed on this page, closest first.
What rocks, minerals, and fossils can you find near Plymouth?+
Spots within day-trip range of Plymouth most commonly produce quartz, cassiterite, pyrite, chalcopyrite, arsenopyrite, hematite.
Do I need permission to collect rocks and fossils near Plymouth?+
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 Plymouth
More “collecting near” guides for cities within range.
More county coverage
The spots above span 3 counties. Open the county page for the full list.
Pack Plymouth's collecting map in your pocket
Open RockHoundR for land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds, wherever the drive takes you.
