Known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset’, Lyme Regis is a charming seaside town in West Dorset — a stunning coastline, a colourful promenade over turquoise water, and plenty of history.
It’s part of the World Heritage Jurassic Coast, so there are fossils everywhere you look: on the beaches, in the shops, even shaped into the lamp posts. It’s the birthplace of the palaeontologist Mary Anning, and still one of the best places in the world to go fossil hunting.
Where to stay
I spent the weekend in the Baker’s Loft with Jurassic Properties — five places around the town, sleeping 2–4, many of them dog-friendly, from about £100–£120 a night.
The stay
The Baker’s Loft
A Grade II listed loft tucked behind the high street — quiet at night, two minutes from the beach.
Georgian bones
Fully renovated, with the original stone walls exposed alongside new furnishings. Two bedrooms, a living room, a full kitchen and a modern bathroom.
A proper welcome
Local Dorset tea, Nespresso coffee, milk for breakfast, biscuits and a bottle of Prosecco in the hamper — and beautiful crockery to cook with.
Pastries downstairs
The Good Food Cafe & Deli is right below, so breakfast is croissants and the smell of the bakery as you step out.
Eight things to do
01
Monmouth Beach
Go fossil hunting
Monmouth Beach has hundreds of ammonites on the boulders. I cracked open a small rock and found two inside. Guided walks run all year, and there’s a Fossil Festival every spring.
02
To Charmouth
Take a coastal walk
A 5-mile circular route runs through woodland and over the cliffs to Charmouth, returning along the beach — fossil hunting as you go.
03
The high street
Browse the shops
Independent shops sell everything from fossils to homeware. Give The Sanctuary bookshop an hour or two — it’s an Aladdin’s cave.
04
Rainy days
Visit the museums
Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and Lyme Regis Museum tell the story of Mary Anning’s finds — ideal on a rainy day.
05
On the water
Swim or paddle
People swim here all year, even in winter. Paddleboarding and kayaking are easy to hire.
06
The seafront
Relax on the beach
Mostly stone, with a small sandy beach west of the harbour for sandcastles — and cafes along the promenade.
07
The harbour
Walk The Cobb
The 13th-century sea wall curves out to sea. See it from above in Langmore Gardens, then walk to the Marine Aquarium at the end.
08
At sea
Take a boat trip
Mackerel fishing with Harry May Boat Trips, dolphin-spotting cruises, or a faster RIB ride along the Jurassic Coast.
Where to eat
Breakfast & snacks
Town Mill Bakery & The Whole Hog
Plus The Gallery Cafe — and the homemade doughnuts at The Whole Hog.
Lunch
The Pilot Boat & Rock Point Inn
Opposite each other and very popular, so book a table early.
Dinner
Tom’s, Largigi & Swim
And Lilac, a wine bar, for the evening.
My picks
Lal Qilla, Poco & Red Panda
The best Indian food, wood-fired pizza on the balcony, and bao buns to take away.
Where to park
In town
Broad Street
Best for dropping luggage, with free overnight parking 6pm–8am — but pricey by the hour in the day.
Long stay
Holmbush
Further out with a steep hill into town, but the best value for a weekend.
A note on this stay My stay at the Baker’s Loft was gifted by Jurassic Properties. The notes in this guide are my own.
