Lyme Regis

For details of places to stay and things to do in Lyme Regis, please try the links on the left.

THE history of Lyme Regis stretches 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 small by modern standards, and in 1588 it sent two ships to battle against the Armada.

Lyme Regis was once a popular haunt for smugglers but it later became a haven for fossil hunters. Among the most famous was Mary Anning who lived in Lyme Regis nearly two hundred years ago and has been described as 'the greatest fossilist who ever lived'. She and her family were responsible for some exceptional discoveries including the first ichthyosaur.

Today, Lyme Regis is still a favourite destination for fossil hunters, but as well as beachcombing visitors can also try a rock pooling, mackerel fishing, crabbing or taking to the water on a boat trip.

In the Philpot Museum you'll find a fascinating insight to Lyme Regis's history, along with a number of fossils discovered locally over the years.

It's easy to see why this coastline has been acclaimed as one of the great natural wonders of the world and therefore been awarded World Heritage status. Just to the west of Lyme Regis the Triassic rocks dip below sea level and the dark clays around the town, at 200 million years old, are the oldest Jurassic rocks found along this coast.

The stone Cobb, Lyme's harbour wall, is one of the most well known landmarks of this area. It has sheltered seafarers for centuries and featured in the novel 'Persuasion' by Jane Austen and the 'French Lieutenant's Woman' by John Fowles.

Nicknamed 'The Pearl of Dorset' Lyme Regis is made up of narrow, winding streets rising steeply up from the sea. The River Lyme flows through the heart of the town, which is packed with small shops, galleries, studios, cafes and pubs.

Local Links
Lyme Regis, Dorset - a comprehensive guide.