Nicknamed "The Pearl of Dorset", Lyme Regis lies on the South Coast of England at the Dorset / Devon border. Lyme Regis is world famous for its abundant fossils but it is popularly known for its breathtaking natural beauty and timeless atmosphere which makes it a popular destination for all kinds of visitors. Lyme Regis overlooks Lyme Bay and the setting is generally considered to be spectacular - two feature films have already been filmed locally and many creative artists, author and craftsmen have been drawn to live in and around Lyme Regis.
This Lyme Regis page is intended to be an introduction only, for further information you can try the Lyme Regis Visitor's Guide or follow any of the links below:
A Brief History of Lyme Regis 
Lyme Regis traces its origins back as far as the 8th century when monks distilled salt water from the sea. In the 13th century it developed into one of the major British ports although the harbour is tiny by modern standards. Various battles occurred over the centuries, (see the history of Lyme Regis) and Lyme Regis has made its mark on contemporary culture by being the location of two feature films and a popular destination for holiday makers.
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Lyme Regis now
Designated an area of outstanding natural beauty, Lyme Regis is now better known for its dramatic setting, genial climate, crafts, outstanding walks, literary links and romantic charm.
The town is a mosaic of narrow, windy streets rising steeply up from the sea. The River Lym flows gently through the heart of the town and everywhere you will find small shops, galleries, studios, cafes and pubs.
Many people remember Lyme Regis for the stone Cobb, an enormously characterful harbour wall that has sheltered seafarers for centuries and which featured in novels by Jane Austen and local resident John Fowles (and has featured in the subsequent movies The French Lieutenants' Woman and Persuasion).
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Whilst a visit to the Cobb is a must for most visitors, there are endless other activities in and around Lyme Regis. Being set on the coast, a number of activities revolve around the sea. Divers, deep sea anglers, windsurfers, sailors and surfers can all be seen dotted around the bay on a summer's day. Mackerel fishing trips often prove popular for casual holidaymakers.
Fossil hunting around Lyme Regis is world famous and can be enjoyed by everyone, either as an excursion for youngsters or as an interesting extra for adults walking on the beaches. The cliffs around Lyme Regis are tall and prone to continual erosion by the sea, providing a seemingly endless supply of fascinating relics dating back some 195 million years. For children the coast also offers beach combing, rock pooling and crabbing.
Lyme Regis has a formidable reputation for walks. It is hilly terrain but the dramatic views and rare flora and fauna make it very worthwhile. Amongst the most popular walks is the Undercliff National Nature Reserve, a wild and unspoiled area that was hit by a massive 20 acre landslide in 1840, creating a haven for orchids and rare ferns.
Organised entertainment can be found in Langmoor Gardens where table tennis and mini-golf are available. (Serious golfers will find a trip to the Lyme Regis Golf Club more worthwhile!). Other local activities include bowls, horse riding and fly fishing.
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Also Nearby:
You will find lots more information in Lyme Regis Visitors Guide which includes many of the smaller (and better) concerns which have yet to make it onto the web in their own right. This includes some interesting gardens and nurseries, museums and houses. Another popular activity is visiting the local markets.
The tourist attractions of Abbottsbury and Chesil Beach are within easy range and weekly markets are held in a number of local towns. The towns of Seaton and Sidmouth have a welcoming ambience, numerous tea rooms for that essential cream tea and several antique shops. Honiton, a Mecca for antique hunters, is about 25 minutes drive away. There are a myriad of small and picturesque villages to explore, discover and enjoy - many people head to Beer whose setting and craft shops make a lovely afternoon excursion.
Go to: The Lyme Regis Visitors Guide Site Home Page See a map of the local area
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