Fossil Hunting in Cambridgeshire

Cambridgeshire is best known for its Upper Jurassic fossil sites, particularly around Peterborough, where the Oxford Clay Formation has produced a wide range of marine fossils. This deposit is especially notable for yielding complete skeletons of marine reptiles such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs.

Fossil finds commonly include reptile bones, ammonites, and crinoids, making the area highly significant for Jurassic marine material. The Oxford Clay is one of the most important formations of its type in the UK.

Although many of the historic quarries have been lost to development, a small number of sites remain accessible, still providing opportunities to collect fossils from this important Jurassic deposit.

Cambridgeshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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Yaxley (Hampton Vale)

The flooded brickpits at Yaxley, beside Hampton Vale, preserve a glimpse of the Middle Jurassic sea beneath modern Peterborough. Weathering of the fossil-rich Oxford Clay has yielded oysters, belemnites, ammonites and occasional marine-reptile remains along the lake embankment. The exposed shore changes with water level and vegetation, and access to lakeside paths does not automatically permit collecting on the banks. Check current signs and obtain permission before leaving the paths or removing material. Jurassic, Lake Embankment, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦

Cambridgeshire by UK Fossils (UKGE Group)
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King’s Dyke Pit

King’s Dyke combines a history of important Jurassic reptile discoveries with a managed fossil hunting area supplied with Oxford Clay from the quarry. Oysters, belemnites and delicate ammonites are characteristic finds in this material. Visits depend on current opening arrangements, a membership permit and gate code; ordinary access following the reserve’s stabilisation closure has not been confirmed. Jurassic, Working Quarry, Rating: ♦♦