Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a small town often referred to as the ‘pearl of Dorset’. Lyme Regis has breathtaking scenery and is known most as being the birthplace of Mary Anning, a renowned palaeontologist and it remains one of the best and most popular destinations anywhere in the world for fossil hunting.

The town boasts a selection of beaches, including East Cliff, Town Beach, Church Cliff and Monmouth Beach. Monmouth beach is best for fossil hunting, whereas Church cliff is fantastic for rockpooling and even a spot of fishing when the tide is right. During the summer months Town Beach is popular amongst families thanks to the sheltered stretch of sand which is ideal for making sandcastles.

Next to the beach a level promenade is lined with colourful beach huts and cafe’s, which lead to Lyme Regis’s famed harbour. The historic sea wall, known as ‘The Cobb’ is an excellent place to walk even on a blustery day and  look at the motor cruisers and commercial fishing fleet as they head out to sea. Just a short walk from the harbour, Langmoor Gardens is a wonderful place to relax and soak up the sunshine. It’s elevated position on the hillside affords visitors far reaching views over Lyme Bay and beyond on a clear day. Lyme is a walker’s paradise, with plenty of different areas to the town and coast to enjoy, as well as the Lym Valley trail and a spectacular walk along the Undercliffs from Lyme Regis to Seaton, which we highly recommend!

Eat, drink, explore

The high street has an array of independent shops, perfect for perusing during a quiet afternoon. There are a number of art galleries showcasing the work of local artists as well as well as shops selling clothes, gifts and homeware. Lyme Regis also boasts beautiful restaurants, which serve up a range of tasty treats straight from the sea.

Lyme Regis is very dog friendly with East Cliff, Church Cliff and Monmouth Beach allowing dogs on the beach throughout the year. Restrictions are in place at Town Beach, where dogs are only allowed from October to April, inclusive. There’s a great range of events in the town, including Lyme Regis Carnival, Guitars on the Beach, Dorset Street Food Festival, Lifeboat Week, a Gig Rowing Regatta, a Folk Weekend, Candles on the Cobb and more!

There are many attractions, with some of our favourites being Harry May’s Mackerel and Deep Sea Fishing Trips, Lyme Regis Museum, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium and the Town Mill. There are a few car parks in the town, which get very busy in peak season. A park and ride operates in peak season from Charmouth Road.