Suffolk is well known for its Pliocene and Pleistocene deposits, along with some Eocene London Clay locations, offering a varied range of fossil hunting opportunities. Although less well known than other regions, it contains several productive sites.
Fossils commonly found include shark and fish teeth, particularly at locations such as Ramsholt, as well as remains of Ice Age mammals including mammoths. These deposits provide a good range of material from more recent geological periods.
Boulder clay deposits across the county also contain reworked fossils transported by glaciers, allowing collectors to find ammonites and occasional ichthyosaur remains alongside a wide variety of fossil molluscs.
At East Lane, Bawdsey, coastal erosion exposes Eocene marine clay beneath shell-rich Red Crag. Loose beach material can include mineralised wood, shells and occasional teeth, together with older fossils reworked into the Crag. Changing beach levels and damaged access routes make conditions important to every visit. Eocene, Pliocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
Ramsholt is one of the best fossil sites in Suffolk, exposing a diverse range of deposits from the London Clay, Red Crag and Coralline Crag. The foreshore yields shark teeth, shells, corals and echinoids, along with more exceptional finds such as complete crabs, lobster remains and fish material from the basement bed. With multiple fossil-bearing layers present, it offers a varied and highly rewarding collecting experience, particularly after favourable tides and erosion.Eocene, Pliocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
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Below Easton Wood, south of Covehithe, intermittent exposures of Norwich Crag have yielded shells and important Early Pleistocene mammal remains. The fossil beds may stay hidden beneath beach sand for long periods, but the coast offers a rewarding geological walk when tides and access are favourable. Pliocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
The eroding coast at Easton Bavents, just north of Southwold, reveals Early Pleistocene sands, clays and gravels of the Norwich Crag. Shells, fish remains and rare mammal fossils record a changing North Sea coastline, although beach sand often hides the most productive beds. Pliocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
The Corton–Hopton coast is a classic place to explore Suffolk’s Ice Age geology. Cliffs of till and meltwater sediment release transported fossils from older rocks, while the separately studied Corton Woods succession records changing rivers and ice margins. Sea defences and beach cover can limit collecting and access. Pleistocene, Erratics (Jurassic, Cretaceous), Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦
The Pakefield–Kessingland coast preserves an exceptional record of ancient rivers, changing seas and advancing ice. Its Cromer Forest-bed deposits contain important mammal fossils and evidence of early human activity, while loose beach stones can hold much older fossils carried here by glaciers. Pleistocene, Erratics (Jurassic, Cretaceous), Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
The low cliffs at Stutton Ness preserve Middle Pleistocene river and estuary deposits with scientifically important mammal remains and shells. Older marine clay occurs separately farther west. Fossil finds are occasional, and visitors should approach on public paths, respect estate land and keep clear of soft tidal ground. Pleistocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦
The Orwell shore towards Levington offers a quiet search for small fossils released from Eocene marine deposits. Shark teeth, shell fragments and other remains may occur among the shingle, while cementstone bands and changing clay exposures reveal the geology. Tides, soft mud and protected estuary wildlife need careful attention. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦♦♦
At Nacton Shore, low estuary cliffs reveal early Eocene clay and volcanic-ash layers of the Harwich Formation. Small teeth and shell fragments may occur in the shingle, alongside much older fossils in reworked flint. This is a gentle-paced search on a tidal shore where firm ground and a safe return route matter. Eocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦
At Covehithe, rapidly eroding cliffs reveal Early Pleistocene marine sands and clays, with cold-water shells in beds that appear as beach cover changes. Older fossils also occur in loose flint pebbles. The ruined church provides a memorable starting point, but safe access follows current public paths rather than the severed coastal road. Erratics (Cretaceous), Pliocene, Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦♦
The coast around Benacre Broad brings together eroding Crag cliffs, a shifting shingle barrier and younger wetland deposits. Occasional fossils in flint and other transported stones reward a careful search, while the changing shoreline and important wildlife make this a place to explore with care. Erratics (Cretaceous), Cliffs and Foreshore, Rating: ♦
Broom Pit, west of Orford, preserves unusually shelly Pliocene Coralline Crag. Its cross-bedded sands, bryozoans and contrasting weathered layers record an ancient shallow sea and later changes in fossil preservation. This woodland pit is private, so permission and an agreed approach are essential before a visit. Pliocene, Disused Pit, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
Crag Farm Pit at Sudbourne is the type locality of the Sudbourne Member of the Coralline Crag. Cross-bedded shelly sand and bryozoans preserve evidence of Pliocene tidal sandwaves. The pit is on private land: arrange permission and confirm the available exposure before travelling, with no assumption of public entry or digging rights. Pliocene, Disused Pit, Rating: ♦♦♦
Neutral Farm Pit near Butley exposes shelly Red Crag that records changing conditions in an early Pleistocene sea. Cross-bedded sands pass upwards into finer burrowed layers, with a small transported freshwater and land-shell component. This private geological site requires prior permission for entry and any collecting. Pliocene, Disused Pit, Rating: ♦♦♦
Alderton’s Buckanay Farm Pit preserves shell-rich Red Crag with striking cross-bedding formed by ancient tidal sandwaves. Its marine shells and sedimentary structures make it scientifically important. This is a private inland pit: arrange permission and the practical details of a visit before travelling. Pliocene, Disused Pit, Rating: ♦♦♦♦♦
