Hunt for Fossils at Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch

Hunt for Fossils at Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch

Hunt for Fossils at Highcliffe Beach, Christchurch
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With spectacular views, stretches of sand and clay full of fossils, it’s not hard to understand why we love Highcliffe beach.

 

Highcliffe Beach

Highcliffe Beach ChristchurchThe views from the clifftop car park are spectacular.

 

 

 

 

Highcliffe Beach in Highcliffe near Christchurch, DorsetYou can see along the coast for miles in both directions and out to the Isle of Wight and The Needles.

 

 

 

 

 

Cliffhanger Cafe

Highcliffe Beach ChristchurchThe Cliffhanger Cafe is a child-friendly cafe next to the car park.

On arrival the staff gave us a highchair, a colouring book and some crayons.

 

 

 

 

The Tides

Highcliffe Beach ChristchurchAt low tide, the beach is an expanse of sand and shingle.

At high tide the beach all but disappears.

 

 

 

Highcliffe Beach in Highcliffe near Christchurch, DorsetBe sure to check the tides when planning your trip – I have been caught out on a number of occasions by the unusual ‘Double High Waters’ here. 

 

 

 

 

Finding Fossils

Highcliffe Beach ChristchurchAlong the beach we noticed some lumps of clay lying on the beach that were full of small, grey shells and tubes. Some were visible on the outside of the clay and some were hidden inside. 

 

 

Highcliffe Beach ChristchurchIn about fifteen minutes we managed to collect 7 fossils.

They were whole and quite small – most were less than 2cm long.

 

 

 

 

The Cliffs

Highcliffe Beach in Highcliffe near Christchurch, DorsetThe cliffs can be unstable so we do not look for fossils on or near the cliffs.

They are also made of clay so you can get very muddy when you visit.

 

 

 

 

 

To Reach the Beach

Highcliffe Beach in Highcliffe near Christchurch, DorsetThe are two routes from the car park down to Highcliffe beach.

There is a path down the cliffs, which has a sea view but is steep with some stairs. 

There is an easier route that can be accessed through a green gate on Waterford Road (by Cliffhanger Cafe) at the entrance to the car park. It doesn’t have any stairs and has a smooth and less steep surface.

 

 

Highcliffe Play Area

Highcliffe Play Area in Highcliffe near Christchurch, DorsetIf you find yourself waiting for the tide to change, or just fancy a play, then have a look at the nearby Highcliffe Play Area.

 

Read More

 

Visit the Highcliffe Beach website

Visit the Highcliffe Beach Fossil website

 


Further Information

Nearest Town: Highcliffe, near Christchurch and Bournemouth
County: Dorset
Nearest Postcode: BH23 5DG

Opens: Daily
Cost: Free

Where to Eat: Bring a picnic or try the Cliffhanger Cafe. 
Facilities: Ice creams, snacks, picnic tables, cafe, toilets and accessible toilets.

How Long We Spent There: Full day.
Buggies: Buggy friendly if you use the easier route to the beach (detailed above).

Parking: Large car park
Cost of Parking: Various depending on the season.

Wildlife You Might See: Sealife and seabirds.

Information Written: November 2016
Information Checked: July 2022

Visitor Information

 


Ratings

Our visit to Highcliffe Beach in Highcliffe near Christchurch is summarised below and you can add your own rating under ‘User Rating’ or in the ‘Add Comment’ section below.

 

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Before taking part in any activities or visiting any places listed, you should make appropriate checks to ensure high quality provision, a safe environment is provided and to check all these details are up to date before you visit and/or take part. We accept no liability (to the fullest extent permitted by law) for the quality of the activities provided or places listed or for the accuracy of any information given.

 


 

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