Stone treasures: Hotels for fossil-hunters in the UK

“The fascinating stories that explain the long natural history of our world can be found encased in stones throughout the world – and the UK is no exception to fossils, big and small. While these historic gems can literally be found anywhere, there are a number of places on this island that are known for being ‘fossil-rich’. Whether you’re an amateur fossil-hunter or a seasoned pro, rest up in one of these five hotels during your adventures in search of ammonites and dinosaur footprints.

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Fernhill Hotel, Bridport, England
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The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 90 miles of fossil-hunting along the shoreline. Charmouth is a great place to start your search as the soft cliffs give up their treasures easily, whether you’re hunting alone or with a fossil walk organised by the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Base yourself in nearby Bridport – not far from the main fossil-hunting sites – at the three-star Fernhill Hotel, where you can relax after your search in the hotel’s pool, restaurant or bar.

Have a look at our hotels in Bridport page for more options.

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Purbeck House Hotel, Swanage, England
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Kids are sure to love a fossil-hunting quest, especially if your journey into the past involves dinosaurs. At the Swanage Museum and Heritage Centre on the Jurassic Coast you and your youngsters can see dinosaur footprints in their exhibition on Swanage Bay and its rocks, which help tell the story of millions of years of history in this part of the world. The nearby Purbeck House Hotel, a grand Victorian hotel that offers comfortable rooms, a bar and lounge and full English breakfast, is a five-minute walk away.

Have a look at our hotels in Swanage page for more options.

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Raven Hall Country House Hotel, Ravenscar, England
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A great place for fossils in the north of England is beneath the cliffs close to the picturesque harbour town of Robin Hood’s Bay, where it’s possible to find all kinds of ammonites along the beach. The best stretch of coastline is between the town and Ravenscar, where you’ll find Raven Hall Country House Hotel high atop the cliffs. The hotel features an indoor pool, tennis courts, restaurant and bar, and after a day being buffeted by the North Sea breeze, it’s also possible to pamper yourself in the hotel’s sauna.

Have a look at our hotels in Ravenscar page for more options.

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The Bridge Guest House, Helmsdale, Scotland
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Fossil-hunters travelling north of the border should head to Helmsdale in Sutherland, where the boulder-strewn shoreline is known to give up all manner of Jurassic fossils for those with a bit of patience, while in the town itself, the Timespan Heritage Centre’s natural history collection features a wide variety of locally found fossils. The Bridge Guest House is a great choice for fossil-hunters heading to Helmsdale, with comfortable rooms, complimentary breakfast and a location just a short walk from both the heritage centre and the beach.

Have a look at our hotels in Helmsdale page for more options.

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Best Western Heronston Hotel & Spa, Bridgend, Wales
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The coastline around Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan is arguably one if not the top fossil-hunting spot in Wales, where it’s possible to find huge Jurassic shells among the wide variety of fossils that have been discovered there. A short drive from the coast will bring you to the Best Western Heronston Hotel & Spa. It’s not only a great base from which to explore the area, but also a place to relax, with its spa treatments, hot tub and sauna, indoor pool and restaurant.

Have a look at our hotels in Bridgend page for more options.”