Where Dorset meets Devon and the rolling countryside tumbles down to the sea nestles the fascinating town of Lyme Regis. For centuries sea travellers have sought the protection of its ancient Cobb Harbour. 

Visitors have enjoyed its dramatic location (look at the maps), congenial weather,  timeless charm and the hospitality of its townsfolk. Today the welcome is as warm as ever. From the crest of Timber Hill a magnificent view of the bay lies before you with the blue sea above the ragged rooftops of the town, embracing and beckoning. The delightful maze of steep, narrow streets with their interesting architecture, shops and cafes just begs to be explored. 

Deservedly designated a area of outstanding natural beauty, the coastline; is also famous for its fossil finds - but more of that later. 

Whether you come to the resort  for its history, its geology, for its walks, nature trails,  its sporting facilities or just to relax on the beaches and soak up the sun and atmosphere of this unique and favoured town, what is certain is that once experienced,  the resort will soon weave its spell and you'll keep coming back for more.

The West Country is ideal for walking vacations.
Visit the tourist information centre.

It  is an ancient town - its roots stretch back to the 18th century when monks distilled salt from the seaside water. 

The sea has, of course, been central to the community's development; the famous Cobb breakwater, first constructed in the 13th century from massive oak beams and boulders, provided essential harbour protection for the development of a thriving trading port. 

And that unique spirit, which still characterises the town, thrust this small corner of the West Country into the centre of the nation's affairs when, supporting Parliament, Lyme-Regis was caught up in the Civil War. In 1644 Royalist troops attacked the town and the Siege of Lyme, still remembered today, lasted two months and claimed many lives. 

It was here in 1685 that the Duke of Monmouth landed in pursuit of the Royal Crown; his subsequent capture at the Battle of Sedgemoor also sent twelve local men, numbered among his supporters, to their deaths. 
 
 

Visit the history page

To the west of the town is the Undercliff National Nature Reserve (see location on the maps), one of the wildest and most unspoilt areas of the coast, accessible only to walkers (It was a few miles along this stretch of coastline that the famous landslip of 1840 occurred when around twenty acres slipped down towards the sea!). If you've the stamina for a hike through quite a rough terrain, you'll be rewarded by the rare flora and fauna - there are hundreds of different wild flowers including many species of orchids and ferns. You may be lucky enough to hear a Nightingale or glimpse a Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. (Keep to the paths and trails).

For the more adventurous the Heritage Coast footpaths stretch for over twenty miles to the east and west of here, ideal for walking vacations in any weather  - official recognition of the area's beauty, rarity and need for protection. Our neighbouring town of Charmouth has a Heritage Coast Information Centre where you can see interesting displays, handle artefacts or talk to someone who knows and loves this stretch of coastline - as no doubt you will too. 
 

Visit the history page.

Take a moment to look at all the other attractions you can make a day trip to see

Look at the historic buildings, homes and gardens within easy reach.

Some have discovered that Spring comes early to this sheltered corner of the West Country and so take advantage of enjoying seaside air and countryside before the rest of the world awakens.