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Lyme Regis has a bucketload of things to do, whether you’re visiting for a weekend or staying with us for longer, below are our suggestions for your holiday schedule! If you’d prefer to do nothing and enjoy our beautiful accommodation, we understand that as well.
Being local to the town, we’ve been lucky to experience the delights Lyme Regis has to offer over the years. If you’ve never visited before, you’ll be simply stunned by the setting of the town, and walking along the beach promenade will be the best place to start. Surrounded by the Jurassic Coastline and pastel coloured beach huts, you may not ever want to leave!
Get to know the area with a stroll along Marine Parade. You’ll see the dramatic coastline that runs for 95 miles from Exmouth, East Devon all the way round to Old Harry Rocks near Swanage, Dorset. The Jurassic Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is protected for its 185 million years of history.
Along the promenade you’ll be immersed in pastel-coloured beach huts and the smell of fresh sea air. With ample cafe and restaurant options along the way, you’re spoilt for choice if you decide to sit down to take it all in. The beauitfully decorated beach front houses are there to be admired, and are a reminder of why Jane Austin put Lyme Regis on the U.K. map.
The famous harbour wall that protects Lyme Regis from the coastal storms is somewhere you must see on your visit! Known as ‘The Cobb’, it’s become an internationally famous harbour, mooring sailing and powerboats.
The grade I listed structure curves round and out to the opten water, providing an area of protection for boats and the sandy beach. Find the historic ‘Granny’s Teeth’ steps that take you between the harbour and high level of the Cobb – be very careful as they can take you by surprise when going up and down!
This wall features in a pivotal scene in Jane Austen’s Persuasion and several film and TV adaptations of the book, as well as an iconic scene from The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
Lyme Regis has four south-facing beaches to spend the time at your leisure: Sandy Beach, Monmouth Beach, East Cliff Beach and Chruch Cliff Beach. They are all special and very different to one another, so why not beach hop if you have the time.
Sandy Beach is the town’s main beach off Marine Promenade. It has easy access to the sea for swimming and eateries in touching distance whilst you enjoy those summer rays. It runs from the Cobb to the opposite side and the bottom of Broad Street. Cobb Gate beach joins onto this which is pebble stoned.
A pebble stoned beach named after the Duke of Monmouth landed here in 1685. It extends for over a kilometre south-west of the Cobb housing beach huts and holiday homes. You may notice the world famous Ammonite Pavement depending on the tide – this is a 199 million year old fossil bed and one of its kind!
A tranquil, quieter beach that runs east towards Charmouth. It’s a mixture of shingle and sand, bringing the chance to find fossils that have come from the cliffs above and seabed rock. Make note of tide times and be wary of cliffs that can be prone to fall into the sea.
Submerged a high tide, this is a sandy cove to the east of the town. At low tide you’ll find rock pools and soft sand, making it a perfect spot for sea life.
Lyme Rib Rides is a family run business that provides fast and leisurely boat rides. You’re in the safe hands of their experienced and qualified skippers who have a rib (rigid inflatable boat) called “Sea Spirit”, moored on the pontoon at the end of the Cobb.
Photo credit: Love Lyme Regis
Photo credit: Landmark Trust
This beauitful home is a short walk up Broad Street from our properties, painted in a stunning salmon-pink and with gorgeous views over the Jurassic Coastline.
This is where he wrote The French Lieutant’s Woman and The Magnus, all from the writing room which has envious views of the immaculate garden and out to sea.
The property is owned by the Landmark Trust and is used for provate use, however there are open days held throughout the year so if you’re lucky you may be able to get inside.
A fun, interactive and family friendly activity to do during your visit to Lyme Regis. The auquarium may be small in size located right on the end of the Cobb, but it brings an informative insight into tbe creatures that are found in the waters around Lyme Regis and is always a winner with kids!
You’ll discover the creatures of the seashore as well as the deeper waters of Lyme Bay and the Jurassic Coast, and be taken back in time as you delve into Lyme’s maritime history.
Photo credit: Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
Relax and unwind on your holiday whilst experiencing the Jurassic Coast in complete mindfullness by a Maitri Yoga class with Pip.
Pip’s yoga sessions take place on the Lyme Regis beach from 6:45am Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings. She also offers bespoke classes at the location of your choice as well as studio style yoga.
Keep an eye on her website to check for any scheduling or newly added classes, but whatever you have in mind Pip will be able to make it possible for you during your holiday.
Photo credit: Harry May mackerel fishing trips
Harry May began his deep sea and mackerel fishing trips from Lyme Regis back in 1970 and is a very friendly face about town.
The seafood in Lyme Regis is delicious, but you won’t get fresher than catching your own lunch or dinner on one of the many fishing boat trips out of Lyme Harbour. Harry May’s deep sea and mackerel fishing trips are spectacular, as a friendly skipper that will take you out to catch your own.
Marie F and Sunbeam are Harry’s two custom-built fishing boats that regularly set out from the end of the harbour with up to ten passengers each in search of mackerel or more exotic fish. Harry promises a safe journey, hours of fun and the excitement of the catch. All the equipment is provided.
Top tip: Ask Harry to clean, gut or fillet your fish for you then when you’re back on dry land, you can take it over to a local chipper where they’ll happily cook it up for you (Ask Harry for his recommendation) or just simply take them back to cook for dinner!
Photo credit: Lyme Bay Winery
The Lyme Bay Winery is a small winery found in the gorgeous Axe Valley, Devon. It’s a short drive from Lyme Regis and the home to their delicious drinks.
With award-winning English still and sparkling wines, spirits, ciders, and meads under its belt, a visit is sure to be satisfying.
Head to the winery shop and sample the Lyme Bay Dry Gin and Lyme Bay Brut Reserve Sparkling. Both are marvellous and the perfect addition to your suitcase for the journey home.
Be sure to book in advance as they’re becoming more and more popular. Lyme Bay Winery combines knowledge and love of flavours with wine-making skills to craft award-winning traditional drinks, tailored to the 21st-century palate.
Each of their amazing products are fermented, blended and aged, as appropriate, right here in Devon. You won’t want to leave!
The 18 hole par 71 course occupies a cliff top site with coastal views towards Portland Bill and overlooks the historical town and World Heritage Site of Lyme Regis. It’s a challenging test, with a sea breeze but ideal for all abilities and the views are unforgettable.
The Clubhouse, overlooking the 18th green, makes it a perfect location to unwind and relax after a round of golf or for those special events, such as birthdays and anniversaries or even just a relaxing lunch.
Visitors are very welcome to Lyme Regis Golf Club. You will need to hold a current handicap or be a member of a recognised golf club. There is also a driving range for a few practice shots before you head out onto the course.
The green fees section of their website details all the pricing to play as well as buggy and trolly hiring costs should you need it.
Photo credit: Lyme Regis Golf Club
Photo credit: Jurassic Golf Facebook
Maybe football across a golf course instead of the actual game? A great activity for all ages and abilities. Jurassic Golf is a 9 hole meadow style course totalling 550 metres, set in 5 acres overlooking the beautiful West Dorset countryside.
Jurassic Golf is located on the A3052 at the top of Lyme Regis and easy to find just off of the A35 (Charmouth bypass). You’ll also find it opposite the Park and Ride. There’s no need to book, simply pay and play as you arrive.
Open on weekends and school holidays 10am – 5pm with the last tee off at 4pm. Dogs are welcome on leads. There’s also plenty of free parking, a tuck shop and picnic area on site for refreshments.
The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is Dorset’s answer to Jurassic Park, a brilliant place to visit for fossil fanatics and dinosaur devotees. Run by retired paleontologist Steve Davies and his wife Jenny who started the museum over 25 years ago with 130 specimens, today there are more than 14,000 specimens on display.
The ground floor of the museum houses a spectacular collection of 200-million-year-old Jurassic fossils which have been discovered along the local coastline. Exhibits range from the enormous Ichthyosaur to the tiniest fish and ammonites. More exotic exhibits include real Chinese dinosaurs, Russian trilobites and a 73 kg lump of dinosaur dung!
Upstairs the Time Gallery introduces you to the vastness of geological time and takes you through a tour showing how the continents and life have changed with time culminating in the monsters of the Age of the Dinosaurs. The Natural History Room has a collection of modern shells and skeletons to show you how present-day life evolved and how it is related to the dinosaurs and fossils in the museum.
The museum is located in a historic Grade I listed former congregational church building where pioneering fossil hunter Mary Anning was baptised in 1799, moments from our properties Coombe Cottage and The Bothy.
Photo credit: Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
Photo credit: Shoreline Sauna, Lyme Regis
The Sandy Beach, Lyme Regis, has something very special for those that want to warm up after a dip in the ocean…
Shoreline Sauna is a luxury wood-fired sauna with perfect sea views along the Jurassic Coast. It’s a wonderful way to de-stress and enjoy views of the Cobb from your seat.
If you’re looking to visit Shoreline Sauna during your stay, we would suggest booking your sauna slot ahead as spaces fill up – they’re open Thursday to Sunday. Get 20% off when you subscriibe to their mailing list!
As well as the fossil hunting walks along Lym’e beaches, the Lyme Regis Museum is worth a visit for its brilliant fossil collections. You can also discover the life story of Mary Anning, learn more about why there are so many fossils on this part of the UK coastline, and find out what they teach us about life on earth millions of years ago.
Lyme Regis Museum is located right on the seafront so you can enjoy a stroll along the walkway beforehand or even stop by into The Lyme Bay cafe & restaurant which is right nextdoor.
Photo credit: Lyme Regis Museum
Lyme Regis is brimming with independent boutique shops and art galleries, so it’s easy to spend a few hours browsing them. Here are a few you should make sure to check out…
Shops:
Galleries:
Photo credit: The Dorset Travel Guide
Nestled in the town’s artisan quarter, the ancient Town Mill has provided flour to Lyme Regis since at least the 1300s. Today, the medieval watermill is still running, creating artisanal stone-ground flour. Visitors can take a self-guided tour – it’s free, but if you can, please make a donation to help keep the mill running.
These days, this is much more than just a mill! The atmospheric setting is also a creative hub. Several local businesses call the mill home, including art galleries, artists’ studios, a café, a silversmith, a bakery & deli, one of the best breweries in Dorset – and more! So there are plenty of reasons to visit and explore this part of the town.
