Dover Fossils and Fossil Collecting
Your Kent Geological Guide and Geology Info

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.

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.

Other Locations similar to Dover

If you are interested in chalk locations, you could try Seven Sisters Peacehaven, Beachy Head or Eastbourne both in Sussex.

In Kent, St Margaret's Bay and Samphire Hoe may be of interest, or in Dorset, Whitenothe.

At Whitecliff Bay and Culver Cliff on the Isle of Wight, Culver Cliff (west of the bay) has tall cliffs of Upper Chalk.