Date/Time
Date(s) - Sunday, 23 August 2026
10:30 - 16:00
Categories
Sunday 23rd August 2026
Get ready to step back in time on one of Rockwatch’s most popular fossil hunting adventures! We’re thrilled to be returning to the incredible cliffs at Walton-on-the-Naze, guided by the fantastic fossil experts Ian and Roz Mercer.
This stretch of coastline in Essex is one of the best places in the county to explore layers of Earth history – and even better, to take some of it home with you!
What will we discover?
After a short introduction at the Nature Discovery Centre, we’ll head down to the beach where the real adventure begins.
The cliffs here reveal a fascinating stack of ancient environments:
- London Clay (around 54 million years old) – look out for shark teeth, fossil wood and shiny pyritised twigs
- Red Crag (around 2–3 million years old) – packed with shells from ancient seas
- Thames Gravels (Ice Age) – containing pebbles that have travelled long distances across Britain
As the cliffs slowly crumble into the sea, they release these hidden treasures – so every visit is different!
What might you find?
- Shark teeth from long-extinct species
- Beautiful fossil shells (some very delicate!)
- Fossilised wood and plant remains
- Curious pebbles from across the UK
Trip Details
Time: 10:30am – approx. 4:00pm (flexible)
Cost: £2.50 per person (members only)
Age: Suitable for all ages
Location: Walton-on-the-Naze, Essex
Terrain: Steps down to beach; foreshore can be slippery
What to bring
- Bags for your fossil finds
- Packed lunch (or buy food before heading down)
- Sturdy footwear
- Optional: small trowel for digging
Facilities
Toilets and cafés available at the top of the cliffs
This is always a hugely popular trip – don’t miss your chance to explore one of the UK’s richest fossil hunting spots!
Book your place now!
(Full logistics and meeting details provided upon booking)
Bookings
Children must be accompanied by an adult so please buy tickets for children and accompanying adult/s.We're sorry - this event is fully booked. Check out the Rockwatch Event listing for future events!
