How to spend a day in Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis is the kind of place that feels like stepping into a postcard.

With its historic charm, dramatic coastline, and a slow, easy pace, it’s perfect for a day of exploring. Whether you’re into fossils, seafood, or just a good old-fashioned stroll by the sea, there’s plenty to pack into a visit.

Start your day with a proper breakfast at one of the town’s cosy cafés - somewhere with a good coffee and maybe a fresh pastry or a full English to set you up for the day. Once you’re fuelled up, head down to the beach for a bit of fossil hunting. Lyme Regis is famous for its fossils, and you don’t have to be an expert to find something special. Walk along Monmouth Beach or join one of the guided fossil walks run by local experts - perfect if you want to learn more about the Jurassic Coast and maybe take home a little prehistoric souvenir.

After a morning on the beach, wander up into the town. The streets are lined with independent shops, galleries, and quirky little bookshops, all worth a browse. The Town Mill is a must-visit - it’s a beautifully restored working watermill that’s now home to artisan studios, a bakery, and a great little café. It’s the kind of place where you can lose track of time, just pottering around and soaking up the atmosphere.

By now, you’ll probably be thinking about lunch, and there’s no better spot than by the sea. Whether you go for classic fish and chips eaten straight from the paper or opt for a sit-down seafood feast at one of the harbourside restaurants, you can’t really go wrong. The views over the water, the salty sea air - it all makes everything taste better.

After lunch, take a walk along The Cobb, Lyme’s famous harbour wall. It’s one of those places that feels instantly familiar, especially if you’ve read Jane Austen’s Persuasion or seen The French Lieutenant’s Woman. The views from here are incredible, stretching out along the Jurassic Coast. Just be careful if it’s windy—the Cobb can get pretty slippery! If you fancy learning more about local marine life, pop into the Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium, where you can even hand-feed some of the fish.

As the afternoon drifts on, head up to Langmoor and Lister Gardens, just above the seafront. It’s the perfect spot to sit for a while and take in the view, especially as the sun starts to dip. Lyme Regis has some of the best sunsets on the coast, with the cliffs glowing golden in the evening light.

If you’re staying for dinner, there are plenty of great options, from cosy pubs to stylish seafood spots. But if you’re heading home, grab a takeaway ice cream or a bag of freshly made fudge for the road. It’s the kind of place you’ll leave already planning your next visit.

Picture: Lyme Regis