St Margaret's Bay Fossil Collecting and Geological Guide to Kent and thousands of photos

Fossils and fossil collecting in
St Margaret's Bay, Kent
Location summary information for collecting fossils in St Margaret's Bay, Kent

St Margaret's Bay

The picturesque bay at St. Margaret’s is eroded out of Conacian Upper Chalk. Fossils can be found in the cliffs, boulders and shingle both to the east and the west of the bay. The location is picturesque and there is a very nice pub to relax in after fossil hunting.

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Location Information
	On a good day plenty of fossils will be found. These are more abundant in the chalk of the south-west side of the bay, but the north-east is still worth a look over for flint urchins and sponges.
	(Suitable for Children) The beach is easily accessible and fairly hazard free. There are some obstacles on either side of the bay, e.g. boulders on the west and (sometimes) slippery steps on the east, but with supervision, this is a location that is suitable for children.
	*Although the actual fossil hunting sites are easily accessible, the narrow road leading down to the bay is best suited to smaller vehicles. Camper vans etc. are not recommended.*
	Cliffs, boulders, wave-cut platform, shingle Most fossils will be found eroding out of the wave-cut platform and chalk boulders at the base of the cliff. Also keep an eye out for flint urchins. Fossils are present in the cliffs, but should not be extracted for safety reasons.
ACCESS RIGHTS	There is free access to both sides of the bay. Parking can be found in a pay and display car park.

Grid Reference

British National Grid	TR 37017 44533
Degrees	51.15093°N, 1.38772°E

! IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTES !

It is possible to be cut off by the tide at this location, so make sure that you consult a tide timetable before you visit, and preferably start your hunt on a falling tide. Don’t hammer into the cliffs or collect from areas below unstable portions of the cliffs. A hard hat and shoes or boots with a good grip are advisable here to protect against any small falling debris and the chances of slipping over on seaweed covered rocks.

View full St Margaret's Bay Fossil Guide