The Yorkshire coast is one of the best locations in the world to go fossil hunting. Hunters from far and wide flock to this dramatic coastline to look for natural treasures that are millions of years old. Some of the most popular locations are places such as Whitby, Staithes, and Robin Hood’s Bay. However, if you’re planning a trip to the seaside to search for some prehistoric finds, then there is a place which you may not have heard of – Reighton Sands.
Full of Prehistoric Natural Treasures
Located just five miles south of Filey, Reighton Sands is one of the most picturesque beaches on the Yorkshire coast. With dramatic white cliffs stretching north towards Filey Brigg and south towards Speeton, it is the perfect location to blow the cobwebs away and have a fun-filled and peaceful day at the seaside. It is also an absolute paradise for fossil hunting.
It is a prime location for fossils as during the last Ice Age, huge glaciers moved southwards across Yorkshire, carrying fossils and rocks within the ice. When the glaciers melted, all the material was deposited along the coast. Therefore, as you stroll along the beach keeping a keen eye out, you will come across a variety of fossils, including:
- Corals and Crinoids from the Carboniferous Period
- Belemnites, Ammonites, and other Molluscs from the Jurassic Period
- Cretaceous Echinoids
The best time to find fossils is after storms or periods of strong tides. After these events, the sea washes away the fine clay and naturally sieves the sediment, leaving behind numerous fossils along the seafront. So, top tip: check that weather forecast when planning your trip!
Reighton Sands is a wonderful day out, whether you are an experienced fossil hunter or a first-timer wanting a fun day out on the beach with a little bit of natural history thrown in. If you have kids, they will absolutely love it, running around on the beach, playing on the rocks, and searching for that lucky fossil find.
Discover the ‘Laura’ shipwreck
Fossils aren’t the only bit of history you’ll come across at Reighton Sands. While you are searching for fossils, you’ll come across the shipwreck ‘Laura’. In 1897, this Austrian ship was carrying coke from Newcastle to Trieste when it ran aground due to thick fog. Luckily, the 24-man crew was saved, but ‘Laura’ was left broken by the tide and left to be battered by the elements. Today, only her stern post and two boilers survive. You’ll be able to see the wreck when it’s a low tide. It is quite the spectacle!
So, head down to Reighton Sands on your next trip to the Yorkshire coast, and get ready for some seaside fun and finding some prehistoric treasures.
Read More: 8 Of The Most Secret & Secluded Beaches In Yorkshire
Feature Image Credit: Photo © David Dixon (cc-by-sa/2.0)
