Lyme Regis - the Pearl of Dorset

About Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is a small coastal town on the border of Dorset and Devon, known for its fossil-rich cliffs, the ancient Cobb harbour wall, and a thriving collection of independent shops and galleries. It sits at the western end of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and has been drawing visitors since the 18th century, when it was a fashionable bathing resort.

Jane Austen set part of Persuasion here, and the town featured prominently in The French Lieutenant's Woman. The literary connections run deep - Lyme has a bookshop-to-population ratio that would make most towns envious.

Fossil Hunting

Lyme Regis is the fossil capital of the UK. The cliffs between Lyme and Charmouth are made of Blue Lias clay - a formation packed with ammonites, belemnites and occasionally larger finds dating back 200 million years. Mary Anning, one of the most important fossil hunters in history, grew up here in the early 1800s and discovered the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton on the beach below the town.

You can search for fossils yourself on the beach, particularly after storms when fresh material falls from the cliffs. For the best chance of finding something good, join a guided fossil walk - several local experts run regular tours from the beach. The Lyme Regis Museum (housed in a building on the site of Mary Anning's home) has excellent exhibits on the local geology and fossil history.

Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre, a few miles east of Lyme Regis, also runs fossil walks and has a free exhibition. The beach at Charmouth is often better for finding fossils than Lyme Regis itself, as the cliffs are more active.

The Cobb

The Cobb is Lyme Regis's most recognisable feature - a curved stone harbour wall that dates back to at least the 13th century. It shelters the harbour and creates a sheltered swimming area, but it is best known for walking along its length. The views back towards the town and the cliffs are excellent, and on a breezy day the waves crashing against the outer wall are dramatic.

The Cobb gained literary fame as the spot where Louisa Musgrove fell in Jane Austen's Persuasion, and where Meryl Streep stood cloaked in the wind in the film adaptation of The French Lieutenant's Woman.

The Town

Lyme Regis has a character that larger seaside towns struggle to match. The high street (Broad Street) climbs steeply from the seafront, lined with independent shops, galleries, cafes and restaurants. There are no chain restaurants on the main street - almost everything is locally owned.

Places worth stopping at:

• Lyme Regis Museum - Mary Anning, local history, geological exhibits
• Dinosaurland Fossil Museum - a private collection of local and worldwide fossils
• Town Mill - a working watermill with an art gallery and bakery
• Marine Parade - the seafront with fish and chip shops, ice cream and sea views
• The Marine Theatre - live music, comedy and film screenings in a small venue with views of the Cobb

Getting There from Weymouth

Lyme Regis is 30 miles west of Weymouth, about 45 minutes by car via the A35. The route passes through Bridport and the rolling hills of west Dorset. Parking in Lyme Regis can be tight - the main car parks are Holmbush (top of town, larger) and the seafront car park by the Cobb (small, fills early). In summer, arriving before 10am is advisable.

The drive itself is rewarding. The stretch of the A35 between Bridport and Lyme Regis passes through some of the best countryside in Dorset, with views south to the coast.

Combining Lyme Regis with Other Attractions

Lyme Regis works well as a full-day trip from Weymouth. On the way back, you can stop at West Bay (the harbour from Broadchurch) or Abbotsbury (the Swannery and subtropical gardens). For a different route home, the coast road through Charmouth and Seatown takes longer but passes through beautiful villages.