Rock and fossil collecting near York
17 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of York, 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 North Yorkshire, Derbyshire.
Every spot within 60 miles of York
RavenscarNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 39 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Whitby Jet +1- Robin Hood's BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 39 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Gryphaea +1
- SandsendNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 41 mi awayPublic access · Whitby Jet, Ammonite, Pyrite +1
- Whitby BeachNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 42 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Pyrite +1
- Saltwick BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 42 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Whitby Jet +2
- Runswick BayNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 42 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Pyrite +2
- Port MulgraveNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 43 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Pyrite +1
- StaithesNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 43 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Belemnite, Gryphaea +1
- KettlenessNorth Yorkshire, North Yorkshire · 44 mi awayPublic access · Ammonite, Whitby Jet, Reptile Bone +1
- Odin MineDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 51 mi awayPublic access · Galena, Fluorite, Calcite +2
Dirtlow RakeDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 52 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Baryte, Galena +1- Treak Cliff CavernDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 52 mi awayFee dig · Blue John, Fluorite, Calcite
- Blue John CavernDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 52 mi awayFee dig · Blue John, Fluorite, Calcite
- Jeffrey Lane Open CutDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 52 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Baryte, Galena +2
- Ladywash MineDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 52 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Calcite, Baryte +1
- Milldam MineDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 53 mi awayPermission required · Fluorite, Calcite, Baryte +1
- Magpie MineDerbyshire, Derbyshire · 58 mi awayPublic access · Galena, Fluorite, Calcite +2
Most-reported finds near York
Counts reflect how many spots in this radius mention each material.
- Ammonite9
- Belemnite8
- Calcite8
- Fluorite8
- Pyrite8
- Baryte6
- Galena6
- Whitby Jet6
- Reptile Bone4
- Gryphaea3
- Sphalerite3
- Blue John2
York collecting FAQ
Where can I go fossil hunting near York?+
There are 17 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of York. The closest is Ravenscar in North Yorkshire, roughly 39 miles away. Every one is listed on this page, closest first.
What rocks, minerals, and fossils can you find near York?+
Spots within day-trip range of York most commonly produce ammonite, belemnite, calcite, fluorite, pyrite, baryte.
Do I need permission to collect rocks and fossils near York?+
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 York
More “collecting near” guides for cities within range.
More county coverage
The spots above span 2 counties. Open the county page for the full list.
Pack York's collecting map in your pocket
Open RockHoundR for land overlays, weather, geology, directions, and saved finds, wherever the drive takes you.
