Lyme Regis

Travel Guide

Lyme Regis which includes street scenes and a city
Lyme Regis showing heritage architecture
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Photo by Geraldine Soh
Photo by Geraldine Soh
This charming seaside town is a popular base for exploring Dorset’s UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast. 

Nestled between steep cliffs, Lyme Regis is speckled with bright cottages and Victorian villas. Relax on the town’s sandy beaches or join a fossil-hunting tour along its rugged coastline. 

Walk the length of the Cobb, a curving stone breakwater which dates back to the 13th century. One of Lyme Regis’ most famous attractions, the Cobb was featured in the film version of Jane Austen's Persuasion as well as in John Fowles' novel The French Lieutenant's Woman.

Learn about the town’s fascinating history at the Lyme Regis Museum in the former home of resident Mary Anning. She and her brother discovered the first ichthyosaurus skeleton near Lyme Regis around 1811. The museum has a fine collection of fossils, as well as exhibits dedicated to local writers. Look for an office chair that belonged to novelist John Fowles who was curator of the museum for 10 years.

Take the kids to Dinosaurland, which houses more than 10,000 fossils discovered in the area. Its exhibits include a 161-pound (73-kilogram) dinosaur dung specimen as well as the remains of a plesiosaurus. Check out interesting minerals and fossils for sale in the museum store. 

The Marine Aquarium, another popular family-friendly attraction, showcases the diverse species of Lyme Bay. Hand feed mullet fish, hold a starfish and see eerie spider crabs.

Head to the Town Mill Complex to sample microbrews and local cheeses. The site of a working 14th-century watermill, the complex also has a pleasant café as well as galleries for pottery and art.

Admire the plasterwork ceilings and beautiful tapestries inside Forde Abbey. Located 10 miles (16 kilometres) north of the city centre, the abbey was originally built in the 12th century as a Cistercian monastery. Be sure to explore the 30-acre (12-hectare) garden surrounding the abbey to see a number of rare flower species. 

Reach Lyme Regis by driving along one of numerous highways. You can also take the train to Axminster, with bus connections available from the station. The nearest airports are in Bristol, Exeter and Bournemouth.

The Royal Lion Hotel
The Royal Lion Hotel
3 out of 5
60 Broad St, Lyme Regis, England
The price is S$229 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
S$229
includes taxes & fees
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lyme Regis. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Lyme Regis Beach and Dinosaur Land are ...
9/10 Wonderful! (199 reviews)
"Characterful hotel with comfortable and clean rooms. Lovely breakfast and evening meal and great pool and sauna. All the staff were warm and welcoming and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay."

Reviewed on 26 Mar,2025

The Royal Lion Hotel
Rock Point Inn
Rock Point Inn
3.5 out of 5
Broad St, Lyme Regis, England
The price is S$217 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
S$217
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star inn in Lyme Regis. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (116 reviews)
We would definately go again .
"had a to remove the loo paper before you had your shower, otherwise one would get a soggy loo roll as it was situated to near the shower . We ate in the restaurant each evening and the food was very good. ... Personally, being in Lyme Regis, a little more fish on the menu would have been perfect. ..."

Reviewed on 20 Jan,2025

Rock Point Inn
Lyme 1 Hotel
Lyme 1 Hotel
3 out of 5
1 Pound Street, Lyme Regis, England
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Lyme Regis. Enjoy free breakfast and free WiFi. Popular attractions Lyme Regis Beach and The Town Mill are located nearby.
9.2/10 Wonderful! (100 reviews)
"Property was small, plenty of character, beautifully done out, peaceful and very convenient, will definitely stay there again. Breakfast was delivered promptly at 8.30, nice to chill in the morning in your room and eat breakfast."

Reviewed on 12 Mar,2025

Lyme 1 Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Bendene Townhouse
Bendene Townhouse
2 out of 5
15-16 Richmond Road, Exeter, England
Stay at this vacation home in Exeter. Enjoy a 24-hour front desk, daily housekeeping, and a garden. Popular attractions Exeter Cathedral and Royal Albert Museum ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Good value for money option near the centre. Friendly staff."

Reviewed on 27 Mar,2025

Bendene Townhouse
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Westbeach Holiday Apartments
4 out of 5
Nelson Rd, Bideford, England
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Bideford. Enjoy free parking, balconies or patios, and rainfall showerheads. Popular attractions North Devon Coast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (112 reviews)
"Beautiful views, spacious, clean & apartment had everything we required. Management company very accommodating, very happy & would recommend & return"

Reviewed on 1 Nov,2024

Westbeach Holiday Apartments
Astor House
Astor House
4 out of 5
Warren Road, Torquay, England
Stay at this 4-star beach apartment in Torquay. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Princess Theatre and Inner Harbour ...
9/10 Wonderful! (64 reviews)
Astor House
"All brilliant the place was ace and the lady I spoke to at plum locations was fantastic, hotels.com were brill"

Reviewed on 26 Nov,2024

Astor House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Lyme Regis

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
28
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
16
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very crowded

5/5 - Excellent

Pete

First time in Lyme. Loved it, walked the beach to Charmouth, found a fossil!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Very lovely, but very busy. Ended up going Charmouth beach though as too busy on bank holiday weekend in Lyme Regis

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We have visited Lyme many times over the past ten years, sometimes on our own and sometimes self catering with our family. We love the fact it is peaceful, not commercialised and a bit like stepping back in time.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

It is a beautiful little bay. Very clean easily walkable to everything. Happy people and made to feel welcome. Will definitely return. 

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Very pleasant sea side town but very busy (start of the English summer holidays). Plenty of places to eat but limited good quality restaurants.