Question 1

Where can I go fossil hunting near York?

Accepted Answer

There are 17 mapped collecting spots within 60 miles of York. The closest is Ravenscar in North Yorkshire, roughly 39 miles away. The full list is on this page with coordinates and drive times.

Question 2

What rocks, minerals, and fossils can you find near York?

Accepted Answer

Spots within day-trip range of York most commonly produce ammonite, belemnite, calcite, fluorite, pyrite, baryte.

Question 3

Do I need permission to collect rocks and fossils near York?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Can I use a hammer at protected sites?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What is good practice for coastal collecting?

Accepted Answer

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.

Spot	Minerals	Coordinates	Access
Ravenscar	Ammonite Belemnite Whitby Jet Pyrite	54.4010, -0.4880	Public
Robin Hood's Bay	Ammonite Belemnite Gryphaea Pyrite	54.4300, -0.5330	Public
Sandsend	Whitby Jet Ammonite Pyrite Reptile Bone	54.5030, -0.6712	Public
Whitby Beach	Ammonite Whitby Jet Pyrite Belemnite	54.4930, -0.6060	Public
Saltwick Bay	Ammonite Belemnite Whitby Jet Pyrite Reptile Bone	54.4854, -0.5817	Public
Runswick Bay	Ammonite Whitby Jet Pyrite Belemnite Gryphaea	54.5316, -0.7448	Public
Port Mulgrave	Ammonite Belemnite Pyrite Reptile Bone	54.5467, -0.7703	Public
Staithes	Ammonite Belemnite Gryphaea Pyrite	54.5580, -0.7830	Public
Kettleness	Ammonite Whitby Jet Reptile Bone Belemnite	54.5540, -0.7220	Public
Odin Mine	Galena Fluorite Calcite Baryte Sphalerite	53.3482, -1.8017	Public
Dirtlow Rake	Fluorite Baryte Galena Calcite	53.3365, -1.7747	Permission
Treak Cliff Cavern	Blue John Fluorite Calcite	53.3446, -1.7972	Paid / fee
Blue John Cavern	Blue John Fluorite Calcite	53.3455, -1.8032	Paid / fee
Jeffrey Lane Open Cut	Fluorite Baryte Galena Calcite Sphalerite	53.3211, -1.7433	Permission
Ladywash Mine	Fluorite Calcite Baryte Galena	53.2877, -1.6655	Permission
Milldam Mine	Fluorite Calcite Baryte Galena	53.3032, -1.7389	Permission
Magpie Mine	Galena Fluorite Calcite Baryte Sphalerite	53.2106, -1.7424	Public

Rock and fossil collecting near York

Closest collecting spots to York

Most-reported finds near York

Every spot within 60 miles of York

York collecting FAQ

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