One of the most fun (and completely free) things I love doing with my kids near Bournemouth is going fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast.
I’m by no means a fossil expert, but over the years we’ve collected loads of ammonites from one of our favourite hidden spots. It’s become one of our go-to family days out a proper adventure that the kids absolutely love
If you’re staying in Bournemouth with kids and fancy something a bit different from the beach, here’s exactly how a typical fossil hunting day looks for us.
Getting Ready for a Fossil Hunting Day
We always try to pick a dry, sunny day ideally a few days after a storm. That’s usually when fresh fossils have been uncovered along the coastline.
Before we go, we always check the tides and aim to arrive on a falling tide, when it’s safest and there’s more beach to explore (and more rock pools to search).
Packing is part of the fun. We usually bring:
+ A packed lunch (and a thermos in winter)
+ Snacks for the kids
+ Walking boots or wellies
+ Waterproofs (just in case!)
+ Swimwear — I never miss a chance for a sea dip
Where We Go: Chapman’s Pool
Our destination is Chapman’s Pool, a beautiful secluded bay just west of Swanage on the Jurassic Coast.
Getting there is part of the adventure.
If we’re feeling extra adventurous, we sometimes head via Sandbanks and take the chain ferry over to Studland which the kids always love. Otherwise, we drive inland past Wareham, Corfe Castle, and the stunning Purbeck countryside.
Before heading down, quick tip:
Make sure everyone’s had a toilet stop there are no facilities at the beach!
The Walk Down
From the car park near Worth Matravers, it’s about a 45-minute walk down to the beach.
The route takes you:
+ across open fields
+ down around 150 steps
+ along a track to the bay
If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s also a steeper “shortcut” route involving a rope and a bit of a scramble great fun with older kids, but it can get muddy and slippery.
Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Once you reach the beach, we usually grab a quick snack and then get straight into fossil hunting.
This is where the magic happens.
We stick well away from the cliffs (they can be unstable) and instead look for:
+ Loose rocks (often called nodules)
+ Fossil imprints in flat stones
+ Ammonites in rock pools
You don’t need to be an expert half the fun is just exploring and seeing what you can find.
Important: You shouldn’t take rocks directly from the cliffs, but loose fossils found on the beach are generally fine to collect.
Lunch, Rock Pools & Sea Views
After a bit of exploring, we usually stop for lunch on the beach.
This is what makes it so special — it’s peaceful, quiet, and feels like a proper escape from busy Bournemouth beaches.
The kids love:
+ rock pooling
+ spotting sea life
+ climbing over rocks
And if it’s warm enough, I’ll usually sneak in a quick swim.
The Walk Back (and a Well-Earned Treat)
When the kids start to tire, it’s time for the walk back up (which definitely feels steeper on the way up!).
Afterwards, we usually stop at the Square and Compass pub, just a few minutes’ drive away.
It’s a brilliant little spot:
+ amazing views over the Purbecks
+ great for a drink and a rest
+ and it even has its own fossil museum, which the kids love
Why It’s One of the Best Family Days Out Near Bournemouth
For us, this is one of the best family days out near Bournemouth.
It’s:
+ completely free
+ full of adventure
+ and something a bit different from the usual seaside day
Staying in Bournemouth With Kids?
If you’re planning a trip and looking for a comfortable base, check out our family-friendly holiday apartments in Westbourne Bournemouth perfectly located for exploring the Jurassic Coast, beaches, and everything the area has to offer.
👉 Check availability at our family-friendly Westbourne apartments and book direct to save.
