Lyme Regis is a charming seaside town with a delightful blend of history, natural beauty, and vibrant community life.
Nestled along the famous Jurassic Coast, it offers a varied array of activities for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re into fossil hunting, leisurely strolls along the beach, or exploring quaint shops and eateries, this town has something for everyone.
You’ll find a mix of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and local attractions that showcase the unique charm of this coastal gem.
Each activity presents a wonderful opportunity to create unforgettable memories in one of England’s most picturesque locations.
Read on to find out what’s on offer in Lyme Regis.
Table of Contents
1. Take The Lyme Regis Town Walking Tour
Taking a Lyme Regis Town Walking Tour is a great way to learn about the town’s rich history.
The tour guide shares fascinating stories about Lyme’s past and its famous residents, such as Mary Anning, a palaeontologist famous for her Jurrasic discoveries in Dorset.
One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to iconic filming locations from films such as Willy Wonka.
The tour ends at the beautiful Cobb Harbour, where you can get tips on the best places to find fossils and where to enjoy a delightful cream tea.
The tour typically lasts 1-2 hours and is family-friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome.
💡 Good to know:
- Service animals are allowed
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Involves lots of walking
2. Enjoy a Sauna by the Sea
Shoreline Sauna in Lyme Regis offers a unique beach sauna experience next to Sandy Beach.
Visitors can enjoy a relaxing time in a wood-fired sauna while taking in stunning views of the sea and harbour.
The warm, soothing atmosphere helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves heart health and aids quicker recovery after exercise.
There are so many benefits to enjoying the sauna that you’ll struggle not to check it out!
The sauna has a small changing room, so a changing robe can be useful for those who prefer extra privacy.
💡 Good to know:
- Not suitable for small children
- Bring own towels
3. Visit Lyme Regis Museum
Situated on the stunning seafront of the Jurassic Coast, the Lyme Regis Museum offers amazing views over Lyme Bay.
The museum is known for its extensive collection of local fossils and intriguing displays about the area’s geology and historical figures.
The museum is a great starting point for guided fossil-hunting walks. These walks are very popular and suitable for all ages, helping people discover more about the rich history lying beneath their feet.
While exploring the museum, visitors can take advantage of the new learning centre, which offers engaging activities for children and adults alike.
💡 Good to know:
- Cafe
- Gift shop
- Suitable for children
- Mostly wheelchair accessible
4. Have a Beer At The Lyme Regis Brewery
Located in the historic Town Mill courtyard, Lyme Regis Brewery is a must-visit for beer lovers.
The brewery offers a cosy atmosphere with various styles of craft beer, ciders, wine, and other spirits.
For those interested in the brewing process, the brewery runs brew days where visitors can watch and smell the malt and hops.
It’s a great way to explore how their delicious beers are made.
The brewery also sells bottles and merchandise, making it easy to take a piece of Lyme Regis Brewery home.
Whether you’re sitting in the courtyard or relaxing inside, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy a drink.
5. Walk along the Cobb And Enjoy The Scenery
The Cobb is a historic harbour wall in Lyme Regis that has been around since the 18th century.
Walking along the Cobb offers stunning views of the coastline and the town.
It’s a peaceful and relaxing experience, perfect for a leisurely walk.
The scenic beauty of the Cobb is unmatched. You can see sailing boats bobbing on the water and enjoy the panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast.
During your walk, you’ll pass by various spots where you can sit and take in the views and take photos.
If you visit during low tide, you might even find some interesting rock pools at the bottom of the Cobb; children will love exploring the different areas and spotting crabs and sea creatures.
💡 Good to know:
- Cafes and restaurants nearby
- Gift and souvenir shops nearby
6. Explore the Undercliff
The Undercliff is a 7-mile stretch between Lyme Regis and Axmouth.
It’s part of the South West Coast Path and offers a unique walking experience. The path takes you through a sheltered, wooded area with a fascinating natural habitat.
This area is known for its large trees and ferns. You may feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
The path can be challenging, with steep climbs and rough terrain.
Because the Undercliff is so remote, it provides a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
💡 Good to know:
- Not suitable for children
7. Fossil Hunting on Monmouth Beach
Monmouth Beach, located to the west of Lyme Regis, is a prime spot for fossil hunting. It’s well known for its abundance of fossils, particularly ammonites.
The beach is rocky with plenty of large boulders, so it’s easier to spot fossils, especially at low tide.
Mary Anning, the famous palaeontologist, once scoured these shores. Her significant discoveries, including a 5.2-metre-long skeleton of an ancient species, put Lyme Regis on the map for fossil hunters.
While there, visitors should keep in mind that the best time to find fossils is after a winter storm. The cliffs erode rapidly, causing fossils to fall onto the beaches. Take care when visiting.
💡 Good to know:
- Parking close by
- Wear appropriate footwear
8. Dine at The Oyster & Fish House
Perched on a hillside with stunning views of The Cobb and Jurassic Coast, The Oyster & Fish House offers an unforgettable dining experience in Lyme Regis.
This restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
The menu features a variety of locally sourced fish and seafood. Diners can enjoy dishes prepared with the freshest ingredients, ensuring each bite is delicious.
The large outdoor terrace is perfect for warm days. It wraps around the restaurant, offering panoramic views that make every meal special.
The restaurant’s charm and excellent service make it a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Get booked in to secure your table. Sit back, enjoy the views and have a fantastic dining experience.
💡 Good to know:
- Wheelchair accessible
9. Visit the Town Mill
The Town Mill in Lyme Regis is a delightful spot with a rich history. It’s an ancient watermill that has been milling grain for over five hundred years.
Visitors to the Town Mill can see stoneground wholemeal flour being milled by volunteer millers. It gives a unique glimpse into traditional milling methods.
The building itself is quite impressive, with its machinery spanning three large floors.
The Town Mill is more than just a working mill. It houses various galleries and workshops, making it a bustling hub of creativity.
There’s a pottery, a silversmith, and even a microbrewery on site. Each offers something different for visitors to explore and enjoy.
Check out The Strawberry Tree for an authentic taste of Spain and some delicious tapas!
💡 Good to know:
- Cafe
- Gift shop
- Activities for children
- No lift is available, but ground floor is accessible for wheelchairs
10. Stroll Through Langmoor and Lister Gardens
Langmoor and Lister Gardens are a must-visit in Lyme Regis. These gardens were opened in 1913 and offer a peaceful retreat.
They stretch along the coastline and provide stunning views of the sea and the Jurassic Coast.
Visitors can enjoy a leisurely walk through beautifully landscaped paths. The gardens are full of colourful flowers, trees, and well-kept lawns.
Benches are placed throughout, perfect for taking in the sea breeze and relaxing.
The gardens are great for all ages. Kids will love exploring the open spaces, while adults can appreciate the tranquillity and scenic beauty.
It’s a lovely spot for a picnic or a quiet moment away from the hustle and bustle of the town.
💡 Good to know:
- Café
- Giftshop
- Educational
- Free entry
- Step-free route for pushchairs and wheelchairs
11. Discover Dinosaurland Fossil Museum
The Dinosaurland Fossil Museum in Lyme Regis is a must-visit spot for fossil enthusiasts. This museum houses over 20,000 specimens, offering visitors a chance to see an impressive variety of fossils.
Inside, you’ll find a fascinating collection of Jurassic marine fossils. These range from tiny microfossils to the large Ichthyosaurs.
Highlights include the Diving Ichthyosaur and the Langdon Ichthyosaur, likely the largest found in Lyme Regis.
The museum’s exhibit is known for its traditional style. Rather than using modern, interactive displays, it relies on the beauty and majesty of the fossils to captivate visitors.
This approach helps to convey just how exciting the world of fossils can be.
Visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy here.
💡 Good to know:
- Gift shop
- Suitable for children
- Wheelchair accessible
Whatever you decide to do in Lyme Regis, you’re guaranteed to have good, wholesome fun!
Whether you enjoy beautiful scenery, locally brewed beer or dinosaurs and fossils, you’re bound to find something to engage you and your loved ones.
Have a great time exploring Lyme Regis, and thank you for reading.
