Dover Fossil Collecting and Geological Guide to Kent and thousands of photos

Fossils and fossil collecting in
Dover, Kent
Location summary information for collecting fossils in Dover, Kent

Dover

A fairly long walk is required to reach Langdon Bay from the National Trust car park at the top of the cliffs, but this is a classic location, well worth a visit. Fossils are found both in the chalk and as casts in flint. The scenery here is magnificent; it is hard not to be impressed by this stretch of coastline.

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Location Information
	There is such a large amount of chalk to look over in search of fossils that you should always find at least a few good specimens. After a new rock fall there is usually plenty to find.
	(Suitable for older children) Although this site is suitable for older children, they may get tired out by the long walk back up the cliff – especially if they are carrying a bag full of rocks. There is a high ladder at the end of the walk down to the beach that some people may object to. Some parts of the cliff-top path are un-fenced and narrow.
	This is not a location to visit if you are after an easy stroll! It takes about 15 minutes of walking across undulating terrain before you reach the steps down to the beach. You then descend approximately 70m before completing the rest of the descent (about 5m) down a steep ladder. To get the most out of this location, some scrambling and climbing over boulders is required.
	Cliffs, Foreshore Cliffs, boulders, shingle Fossils can be found in the cliffs and chalk boulders below them. The cliffs should be avoided for safety’s sake however. It is also worth looking among the flint pebbles and cobbles for sea urchins.
ACCESS RIGHTS	The cliff-top land here is owned by the National Trust and you must pay to gain access. Once on the land you can roam freely.

Grid Reference

British National Grid	TR 34267 42268
Degrees	51.13173°N, 1.34699°E

! IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES !

There is one particular part of the path, near the start of the walk that is narrow and right on the cliff edge, with a long drop below. Taking younger children to this location is therefore not recommended. When collecting fossils, avoid hammering into the cliffs and do not go too near any areas that look unstable. It is easy to become cut off by the tide at this location, make sure you visit on a retreating tide.

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