Northumberland has a number of fossil hunting locations within Carboniferous rocks, which commonly yield brachiopods, crinoids, corals, and plant remains. These deposits are well exposed along the coastline and provide good collecting opportunities.
Seaton Sluice is a particularly well-known site for Carboniferous plant fossils, often producing well-preserved material. Other coastal locations such as Howick and Beadnell offer accessible exposures of limestone and shale.
These sites provide a mixture of marine and plant fossils, making Northumberland a productive and varied area for collecting Carboniferous material.
This secluded location offers a surprisingly varied selection of fossils over a little more than a kilometre of coastline. Trilobites, crinoid pieces, corals, brachiopods, plant fossils, trace fossils and more can be found here. Carboniferous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Blocks of shale packed with Carboniferous brachiopods and more can be collected at Beadnell. The location is a great one to explore. It has excellent access and is also suitable for children.Carboniferous, Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
A good location at which to find a range of Carboniferous fossils, including crinoidal limestone and corals, as well as plant remains and trace fossils in sandstone. Carboniferous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
Many pretty coral fossils can be seen in the rocks on the beach north of where the River Tweed meets the sea. Smaller coral pebbles can be collected, while larger examples in boulders can be observed. Carboniferous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
Seaton Sluice at the north end of Whitley Bay is an excellent chance to collect fossils from the Carboniferous coal measures. Coal itself can be seen in the rocks which are also rich in plant remains, corals and bivalves. An easy location to access and fossils are common. Carboniferous, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
