A guide to Lyme Regis

Whether you’re seeking an action-packed coastal adventure or a tranquil retreat in the fresh sea air, Lyme Regis is an idyllic staycation destination with plenty to see and do. Discover the town’s fascinating fossil heritage, and go in search of prehistoric treasures yourself along the famous Ammonite Pavement.

Take a refreshing saltwater dip before sinking into a deckchair with a good book and a coffee on the shore, or hire a kayak and paddle your way along the dramatic coastline. Duck in and out of the shops on the pretty high street, before tucking into some fresh seafood with a view at one of the many restaurants and cafés. 

Looking for more inspiration for your visit? Dive into our guide to some of the best places to eat, drink, shop and explore.

Things to do 

There’s no shortage of activities to get stuck into at Lyme Regis. From fossil hunting and wildlife watching to arts and arcades. Here are a few of our favourites. 

Best for fossil hunting 

Lyme Regis is famous for its fossils, formed in the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods. Pioneering palaeontologist Mary Anning collected fossils here in the early 19th century – she discovered the first complete Ichthyosaur found in England when she was just 12 years old! Today, you can follow in her footsteps by scouring the Ammonite Pavement, Monmouth Beach and Eastcliff Beach. Take a guided fossil walk for a better chance of uncovering some hidden gems! And if you’re keen to learn more, head to The Dinosaur Land Fossil Museum or the Lyme Regis Museum to marvel at the many exhibited collections. 

Best for art and history lovers

Since 2015, Lyme Regis’s Langmoor and Lister Gardens have doubled as an open-air gallery, showcasing contemporary sculptures by a variety of local artists. As you wander along the gardens’ winding paths, past lush lawns and bright flower borders, you’ll encounter an array of unique artworks. Highlights include ‘The Reader’ by Victoria Westaway, a delicate steel wire figure sitting on a bench, and ‘The Juggler’ by Claire Trenchard, a whimsical hare sculpture inspired by acrobats at Covent Garden. The gardens are perched on the sloped cliffs overlooking Lyme Bay – and the panoramic ocean views are just as inspiring as the artworks. 

Best for coastal fun

With vast and beautiful stretches of beach cradling Lyme Regis, there's no end of activities to enjoy both in and out of the azure waters. Head to Lyme Kayak Hire, a hut situated right on the beach, to grab a kayak or bodyboard and spend hours of fun in the gentle waves or exploring the arc of coastline. To unwind after all your seaside pursuits, Shoreline Sauna is the perfect waterside spot to rest and rejuvenate with a steam. 

For traditional seaside fun, try your luck on the 2p machines, go head-to-head in a racing game or on the basketball hoops, or have your fortune told by the legendary Zoltar… if you’ve got children in tow (or you just want to embrace your inner child), the flashing lights and arcade jingles at Lyme Regis Amusements are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Once you’ve exchanged a handful of tickets for a prize, head outside to continue the fun on the beach with sandcastle building, kite flying, beach cricket and, to round it all off, some well-deserved ice cream cones from Baboo Gelato.  

Best for a boat trip

What better way to explore the breathtaking Lyme Regis coastline than from the deck of a boat? During the summer months, several brilliant local operators set sail from the harbour. Jurassic Boat Trips offers gentle one-hour sightseeing tours aboard  ‘Susie B’, led by the knowledgeable skipper Shawn. You’ll venture west past Monmouth Beach and towards Charton Bay, before cruising east to admire the views of Charmouth, Black Ven and the dramatic Golden Cap. Keep an eye out – you might be lucky enough to spot dolphins, seals, seabirds and other marine life along the way.

The food

Lyme Regis has a vibrant food scene for all tastes, whether you’re craving locally-caught seafood, a hearty brunch or a generous slab of homebaked cake. Here are some of our top picks.  

Best for brunch with a view

Perched right on the seafront, Swim is a contemporary bar and eatery serving laidback dishes all day. We especially love the breakfast menu which features delicious options like the ‘Aussie’ (smashed avocado, lime, coriander, salsa macha and poached eggs on toast), a Croque Monsieur sourdough toastie, and brioche French toast topped with crispy bacon and maple syrup. The huge floor-to-ceiling windows mean you’ll get a panoramic view of the coast whilst you tuck in, too. What a way to start the day.

Best for local seafood

If you’re looking for local seafood a stone’s throw away from the water, try Tom’s. At this family-run restaurant the menus change depending on the season and the day’s catch – but they’ll typically have scallops, mussels, crab, oysters, monkfish and more on offer. Choose from the tasty light bites at lunchtime, or treat yourself to three courses from the A La Carte menu for a special dinner out. If the weather allows, you can savour your meal on the oceanfront terrace whilst you sip a glass of crisp white wine and soak up the scenery – bliss. 

Best for cakes & pastries

Tucked away in the historic Town Mill courtyard, amongst cobbled stones and an ancient watermill, Town Mill Bakery is a must-visit for fans of baked goodies! The menu champions simple, high quality ingredients – think freshly baked sourdough, warm buttery pastries and hefty servings of homemade cake. Take a seat in the relaxed setting at one of the long wooden tables and enjoy with a flat white on the side. There’s a great breakfast and lunch menu too, if you fancy something a little more substantial. Meanwhile, if you want to pair coffee with your sweet treat or stop for a lunch of creative and homecooked dishes, Amid Giants & Idols is a must-visit. 

Best for woodfired pizza

Poco Pizza is another of Lyme Regis’s foodie gems – this time for the pizza lovers. This small seafront restaurant is all about authentic Italian woodfired pizza, made by hand with the best ingredients. On the menu you’ll find ‘simple and classic’ pizzas like the Marinara or the Margherita, as well as a good variety of meaty, veggie and spicy options – all served on delicious Roman-style bases, thin and crispy with charred edges. Choose from coffee, limoncello or frangelico affogato for the ultimate Italian dessert.  

The drink

From locally-brewed craft beer to hot chocolate on the beach, Lyme Regis has plenty of great spots to pull up a stool (or a deckchair) and wet your whistle. 

Best for hot chocolate in a deckchair

Wander along Marine Parade past the pastel-coloured beach huts and you’ll reach Kiosk, a charming takeaway café serving hot drinks and tasty snacks. Opposite the hole-the-wall serving hatch, the Kiosk team put out deckchairs on the pebbly beach, where you’re welcome to sit and enjoy the scenery for a while. Is there anything better than relaxing on the beach with a hot chocolate (or a good coffee) in hand, watching the sea rolling on the shore and the seabirds swirling overhead? 

Best for cocktails

Lilac is a wine bar and restaurant but also happens to be one of the best spots to enjoy a decadent cocktail in Lyme Regis. The cellar setting feels elegant but relaxed – think mood lighting, velvet cushions and rustic stone walls – perfect for a romantic evening out. Order a selection of cocktails to savour with your significant other, from classics like the negroni or dry martini, to seasonal specials such as the Rhubarb Blush, made with rosemary-infused white rum, dry vermouth, rhubarb Chung and Cointreau. Cheers! 

Best for craft beer

Beer enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Lyme Regis Brewery. This microbrewery, run by a team of four passionate friends, has been crafting small-batch ales and lagers since their beginnings in 2010 – and you can visit their taproom for a taste in the picturesque Town Mill courtyard. The relaxed outdoor seating area is a lovely spot to sip a session pale or savour a golden ale with a few bar snacks. There are often live music events happening here in the summer too – check their social media to find out what’s on. 

Best for a pub atmosphere

Set in a historic building in the heart of town, The Pilot Boat is an excellent pub with tonnes of character. Whether you’re craving a refreshing pint after a day out exploring or looking for a cosy corner to settle into with a bottle of red, The Pilot Boat is the perfect spot to unwind in a welcoming seaside pub atmosphere. There’s plenty of choice on the drinks list, from ales and cider to wine and cocktails – and once you’ve picked your tipple, if the sun’s out, you can make the most of it on the rooftop terrace. If not, there’s a roaring fire indoors to keep you warm.

The shopping

Lyme Regis’s picturesque streets are dotted with boutiques selling all sorts of wonderful wares, from crafts and fossils to books and home goods. Enjoy some independent retail therapy with some of our favourites.

Best for books

If Lyme Regis Bookshop’s striking blue shopfront doesn’t tempt you in, the unmistakable bookshop smell will! Situated on the main shopping stretch, Broad Street, this beautiful store has been operating for over 40 years and is packed to the nines with fiction and non-fiction – with lots of titles dedicated to exploring the Jurassic Coast. There’s a whole room for children’s books at the back too, plus a wonderful selection of bookish gifts if you’re looking for a treat for someone back home. 

Best for homewares

A little further up Broad Street you’ll find Ryder & Hope, a lifestyle boutique filled with gorgeous home treasures. Every shelf and surface is lined with carefully curated items, including candles and holders, cushions, ceramics and garden accessories. Everything is of exceptional style, quality and colour, thanks to shop owners Michelle and Abby – and their impeccable taste hasn’t gone unnoticed, with the shop earning a spot in The Telegraph’s list of The 50 greatest boutiques in Britain. 

Best for fossils

If you’ve tried your hand at fossil hunting but didn’t uncover anything to keep, choose something from one of Lyme Regis’s wonderful fossil shops instead! The Lyme Fossil Shop on Bridge Street has an extensive collection to feast your eyes upon, whether you’re an experienced collector or an enthusiastic beginner. From tiny fragments of fossilised dinosaur bone discovered overseas to enormous ammonites from the Dorset coast, it feels more like a museum than a shop – especially on the lower floor, where you’ll find a display of magnificent local finds. 

Best for artisan crafts

Found on the main street, families will love Wylder for its curated collection of stylish adult and children's clothing, accessories, and gifts. Head further along to The Town Mill which was lovingly restored by volunteers in a ten-year restoration project and is home to a selection of creative artisan shops as well as the town’s historic watermill. From a silversmith and a seamstress to unique art boutiques, there’s plenty to discover. We’re especially fond of Molesworth & Bird, whose hand-pressed seaweed art prints, calendars, cushions and stationery make the perfect souvenirs from your trip to the coast. 

 Staying in Lyme Regis

If you’re looking for a peaceful place to stay in Lyme Regis, we have a selection of carefully selected hideaways that could be just the ticket. Imagine waking up in a boutique beachside chalet, with the soothing sound of waves as you sip your morning coffee. Or perhaps you’d prefer a cosy and colourful shepherd’s hut nestled in the countryside, complete with a private hot tub for relaxing under the stars after a day of exploring? Take a look at our full collection of dreamy hideaways in Dorset.