Fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast has been named among the top must-do UK staycation experiences.

Lyme Regis and Charmouth are synonymous with fossil hunting - not least by Mary Anning's exploits and discoveries - and now the regions proud history of fossil hunting is attracting more and more visitors.

In a study carried out by UK travel expert Richard Madden, for Sykes Holiday Cottages, 2,000 adults were asked about their favourite things to do whilst on holiday around the UK. 

READ: Lyme Regis Fossil Festival a hit with town's visitors

Fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast came ninth in a list of 30 'bucket list' experiences Brits want to try.

Top of the list was seeing the Northern Lights, followed by the Eden Project in Cornwall and and the Titanic Museum in Belfast.

Graham Donoghue, chief executive of the holiday let agency, said: “There is so much on our doorstep when it comes to holidays and activities, with the UK boasting a whole host of exciting things to see and do.

“Our research has shown that Brits have a strong desire to tick off a wide range of experiences in this country, including must-visit museums, natural phenomena, and popular nature spots."

READ: Incredible life of Lyme Regis fossil hunter Mary Anning

Lyme Regis recently hosted a fossil festival which celebrated fossil hunting from across the globe, but also shone a light on the Jurassic Coast's rich geological landscape.

Charmouth beach has also seen a huge rise in visitor numbers over the past decade, with fossil hunting a huge draw.

The Charmouth Heritage Centre's palaeontologist, Phil Davidson, says that since he started working at the centre, visitor numbers have almost doubled from 70,000 to 130,000 a year. 

He said: "The Jurassic Coast is a world famous world heritage site and there are a few hotspots to collect fossils such as Lyme Regis and Charmouth.

"The best thing is anyone can make a discovery - there is no need to be an expert to make an amazing discovery.

"We have definitely seen a big increase here."

READ: Postcards from Dorset: Florida family's fun with fossils

The heritage centre also wanted to make sure people are aware of the dangers of the beach whilst out fossil hunting. 

Mr Davidson added: The beauty of the beach can hide its dangers. 

Check the tides and go out at falling tide to avoid getting stuck and stay away from the cliffs, the best place for fossil is in the pebbles anyway.

"You are not allowed to dig away at the cliffs as they are a world heritage site.

"All we do ask is you pop into the centre if you think you have found a scientific discovery so we can document it and take a photo of it - but you can keep what you find."