Were walking on the beach when they found something that others thought was a common stone

A casual walk on a quiet Lancashire beach turned into an unexpected treasure hunt for one lucky couple — who stumbled upon a rare and valuable find worth tens of thousands of pounds.

Gary and Angela Williams, from Overton, were strolling along Middleton Sands near Morecambe Bay when a strong, unpleasant smell caught their attention. Following the fishy, farm-like odor, they discovered a large, waxy lump — something that looked like a simple rock, but was actually far from ordinary.

The mysterious “stone” turned out to be ambergris — a rare and precious substance formed inside the intestines of sperm whales and known in the perfume industry as “floating gold.”

“It was a bit of a shock,” said Gary, 48. “It was down a section of the beach where no one really walks. It smells awful — like a mix between squid and farmyard manure.”

The couple carefully wrapped the find and brought it home. Weighing 1.57 kilograms — about the size of a rugby ball — the lump could fetch up to £50,000 depending on quality and demand.

Ambergris is a highly prized ingredient in luxury perfumes because it helps scents last longer on the skin. As it ages, it develops a soft, sweet fragrance — a stark contrast to its raw form’s unpleasant smell.

“It feels like a hard rubber ball,” Gary explained. “The texture is waxy, like a candle, and bits stick to your fingers when you touch it. If it’s really worth that much, it could make our dream of owning a static caravan come true.”

This isn’t the first time such a discovery has been made in the area — back in 2013, another lump of ambergris weighing twice as much sold for £120,000.

What Is Ambergris and Why Is It So Valuable?

Ambergris is a rare byproduct found in the digestive system of sperm whales. Scientists believe it protects the whale’s intestines from sharp or indigestible materials. Over time, the substance hardens, floats to the surface, and washes ashore.

Because it takes years to form and can only be sourced naturally, it’s one of the most expensive animal-derived materials in the world — used by luxury fragrance brands like Chanel and Dior.

Finding even a small piece can mean a life-changing payout for beachcombers, with some ambergris sales exceeding £150,000 per kilogram depending on age and quality.

Experts often call ambergris “the ocean’s hidden treasure,” as it transforms something once considered waste into one of the most sought-after ingredients in luxury markets.

For Gary and Angela, what started as a quiet seaside stroll might just turn into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery — proof that sometimes fortune truly does wash up at your feet.

How Much Could Ambergris Be Worth in Today’s Market?

Due to increasing demand from the global perfume industry, the market price of ambergris continues to rise.

• In the UK, top-grade ambergris sells between £40,000–£70,000 per kg.
• International buyers, especially from France, the UAE, and the US, pay even more for aged, high-quality ambergris.
• Luxury perfume manufacturers use it as a fixative for scents that can sell for over £300 per bottle, meaning even small finds have immense value.

Experts say the couple’s 1.57 kg discovery could be worth well over £50,000 depending on purity and scent profile — an amount that rivals a year’s average salary in the UK.