Stampede by the Sea Dorset Trail
Lyme Bay Holidays are delighted to be joining the herd for Weldmar Hospice’s Stampede by the Sea! Our “Memories...
A Lyme Regis beach is ideal for water sports, relaxing and fossil hunting. Savour the fresh sea air as you admire the stunning Jurassic Coast.
It’s no secret that Lyme Regis is a hotspot for some of the most incredible beaches in the UK. Situated along the UNESCO World Heritage Site Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis is well-placed for holidaymakers to enjoy miles of pristine sand, picturesque pebbles and fantastic waves.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot to relax for the day, a windswept adventure paradise for water sports, or you want to try your hand at fossil hunting, there is a beach for you in and around Lyme Regis.
Continue reading to discover 11 of the best beaches in Lyme Regis…
Named after the Duke of Monmouth who landed here after a failed rebellion in 1685, Monmouth Beach is now a haven for water sports. Stretching westwards from The Cobb, this tranquil beach is a favourite with fossil hunters.
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Many famous fossils such as ammonites, belemnites and even ichthyosaur vertebrae have been found here! Once you’re done splashing in the surf, you can explore the nearby Undercliff Nature Reserve.
For more ways to spend a day here, check out our blog: Your Guide to Monmouth Beach »
Miles of Beach: 1 mile
Type of Beach: Pebbled
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round
Address: Monmouth Beach, Lyme Regis, DT7 3LE
Sheltered by the harbour, Sandy Beach is the perfect spot for families. It boasts calm waters, soft golden sand, and plenty of amenities like toilets, showers and cafes nearby.
During peak season it’s raked every day, has lifeguards watching over the water and has plenty of places to pick up a refreshing treat. Ice cream anyone?
Miles of Beach: 0.3 miles
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but only on leads from October to April
Address: Sandy Beach, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JH
The main beach of Lyme Regis, Front Beach has everything you could ever need for the perfect day by the seaside.
This includes toilets, showers, a lifeguard hut, and plenty of activities like kayaking, snorkelling and canoeing on offer.
Right next to the promenade, the colourful beach huts are available to rent every day of the week. Beach matting also makes areas of the beach accessible to wheelchair users. Beach wheelchairs are also available to rent from the local council.
Miles of Beach: 0.7 miles
Type of Beach: Part sand, part shingle
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but only on leads from October to April
Address: Front Beach, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis, DT7 3JE
This dog-friendly beach in Lyme Regis gets its name from St Michael the Archangel Church, which overlooks the promenade above it.
You might recognise it as one of the locations featured in the film, ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’, starring Meryl Streep.
Whilst it is on the smaller side, what the beach lacks in size it makes up for with stunning views of the surrounding coastline. Make sure to check the tide times before you visit, as it is completely submerged at full tide.
Beach Size: 120 yards
Type of Beach: Part sand, part pebble/rock
Dog-friendly: Yes, all year round.
Address: Church Cliff Beach, Church Street, Lyme Regis, DT7 3QB
Walk along the sea wall from Lyme Regis town centre and you’ll reach its most easterly beach, locally known as Back Beach.
One of the quietest Lyme Regis beaches, East Cliff is a popular haunt with adults looking for a peaceful sunbathing spot, dog walkers, and fossil hunters looking for ammonites.
Miles of Beach: 0.4 Miles
Type of Beach: Shingle and rock
Dog-Friendly: Yes, all year round
Address: East Cliff Beach, Lyme Regis, DT7 3DA
This little spot of sand and shingle is a delightful place to watch boats coming and going from Lyme Regis Harbour.
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It lies at the end of The Cobb walkway and has built up over time from sand deposited from the mainland. If you choose to stop here, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views out towards the English Channel.
Beach Size: 70 yards
Type of Beach: Shingle and sand.
Dog-friendly: Yes, but only on leads.
Address: The Cobb, Lyme Regis DT7 3JJ
Charmouth is the village along from Lyme Regis and can be accessed by car or on foot. Sitting under the atmospheric Black Ven, to the west of the River Char, Charmouth West Beach is a great place to paddle, look for fossils and admire the views.
When you’ve finished sunbathing, you can head over to the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre to see an impressive collection of fossils found locally.
Miles of Beach: Approx. 1.5 miles
Type of Beach: Sand, with a few pebbles
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but you must pick up their waste
Address: Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6QX
Sitting on the other side of the river, Charmouth East Beach shares all the same village amenities as Charmouth West Beach, as well as plenty of car parking.
This family-friendly beach has fewer pebbles than its western counterpart, and plenty of exposed sand at low tide so is better for kids wanting to build sandcastles. It is also home to plenty of rockpools!
Miles of Beach: 2 miles
Type of Beach: Sandy
Dog-Friendly: Yes, but you must pick up their waste
Address: Charmouth, Dorset, DT6 6LS
This rugged section of the Jurassic Coastline is only accessible at low tide, via East Cliff Beach but it is well worth a visit.
The cliffs and beach below are sandwiched between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, so make a lovely day’s walk if you’re planning to visit.
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The interesting beach is often littered with fossils from the cliffs above, and the views over Lyme Bay are stunning. If you want to walk back from Charmouth, it’s best to take the inland Southwest Coast Path back to Lyme Regis.
Miles of Beach: Approx. 0.5 miles
Type of Beach: Sandy/Rocky
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Address: The Spittles, Lyme Regis, DT6 6BW
The picturesque seaside village of West Bay boasts two lovely beaches. East Beach has a glorious backdrop of sandstone cliffs, and plenty of space for games, sandcastles and all kinds of holiday fun.
Lifeguards patrol the beach in summer, and there are toilets and other amenities in the nearby village. In warmer weather, you can grab an ice cream and wander around the harbour when you’ve finished sunbathing, and in the winter you can head into The Bridport Arms for a hearty lunch.
Like the look of Bridport? Read our guide: 23 Fun Things to do in Bridport to discover a wealth of attractions.
Miles of Beach: 1 mile
Type of Beach: Shingle
Dog-Friendly: Yes
Address: East Beach, 1-3 Station Rd, West Bay, Bridport DT6 4EW
Pinhay Bay Beach is one of the Jurassic Coast’s best-kept secrets. Tucked beneath dramatic cliffs on the Dorset and East Devon border, this secluded stretch of coastline is perfect for anyone looking to escape the crowds and experience the region’s wild natural beauty. Accessible on foot at low tide or via the South West Coast Path, it rewards visitors with peaceful surroundings and spectacular coastal scenery.
Unlike many of Dorset’s more popular beaches, Pinhay Bay remains wonderfully unspoilt. The shoreline is made up of shingle, rocks and patches of sand, making it a favourite spot for coastal walks, photography and fossil hunting. Visitors should take extra care around the cliffs due to the risk of rockfalls and always check tide times before setting out, as access can become restricted at high tide.
Miles of Beach: ~0.5 miles
Type of Beach: Shingle, rock and coarse sand
Dog-Friendly: Yes, dogs are welcome all year round. As with much of the Jurassic Coast, owners should keep dogs under control, particularly around wildlife and livestock on nearby footpaths
Choosing where to stay in Lyme Regis depends on the type of break you’re planning. Whether you’re after sea views, easy access to the beach or somewhere peaceful on the edge of town, there’s an area to suit every kind of visitor.
If your ideal holiday revolves around the beach, staying along the seafront is hard to beat. You’ll be just moments from Front Beach, The Cobb, cafés, restaurants and the promenade, making it perfect for families with young children and anyone wanting to leave the car behind. It’s also a brilliant choice for couples looking to enjoy evening strolls along the Jurassic Coast or a meal overlooking the water.
Take a look at these Cottages in Lyme Regis with Sea Views »
The heart of Lyme Regis is ideal if you want everything within easy reach. Independent c attractions are all on your doorstep, creating a lively base that’s well suited to couples, groups of friends and visitors keen to make the most of the town’s atmosphere. While some streets are steep, you’ll have plenty to see and do without needing to travel far.
Check out this collection of cottages in Lyme Regis for properties close to the town centre!
Just outside the centre, Uplyme offers a quieter setting surrounded by beautiful countryside. This peaceful village is a great choice for walkers, couples and families looking for a more relaxed pace, while still being only a short drive or pleasant walk from Lyme Regis and the coast. It’s ideal if you’d like a little more space and easy access to the surrounding Dorset landscape.
Find the ideal place to stay in this collection of holiday cottages in Uplyme »
Staying on the Charmouth side of Lyme Regis gives you the best of both worlds, combining easy access to the town with the quieter surroundings of the eastern end of the bay. This area is especially popular with families thanks to its proximity to fossil-rich beaches, while groups of friends and outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate having scenic coastal walks and the wider Jurassic Coast close by.
Explore what’s available here by diving into this collection of cottages in Charmouth »
To make the most of Lyme Regis and its surrounding coastline, we’d recommend spending three to four days in the area. This gives you enough time to enjoy the town’s beaches at a relaxed pace, while also visiting nearby favourites such as Charmouth, Seatown and West Bay, all within a short drive along the Jurassic Coast.
If you’re planning a longer break, you’ll have even more time to explore hidden coves, tackle sections of the South West Coast Path and discover more of Dorset’s spectacular coastline without feeling rushed.
While Lyme Regis is one of Dorset’s most popular seaside towns, there are plenty of quieter beaches nearby if you’re hoping to escape the busiest stretches of coastline. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk, somewhere to relax with a book or a more secluded spot to enjoy the Jurassic Coast, there are several excellent options within easy reach.
Just a 10-minute drive west, Burton Bradstock Beach is one of the Jurassic Coast’s most picturesque stretches of coastline. Backed by the towering golden cliffs of Hive Beach, it’s a fantastic spot for coastal walks, fossil hunting and soaking up the spectacular scenery. After exploring the shoreline, you can also stop by the popular Hive Beach Café, making it an excellent choice for a relaxing day beside the sea.
Head 15 minutes east and you’ll reach Seatown Beach, a peaceful shingle beach near Chideock that’s backed by dramatic cliffs. Popular with walkers exploring the South West Coast Path, it attracts far fewer visitors than Lyme Regis while still offering spectacular coastal views. Afterwards, you can stop at the nearby Anchor Inn for food and refreshments overlooking the sea.
A little further along the coast in the opposite direction, Eype Beach, around 20 minutes from Lyme Regis and just south of Bridport, is another fantastic choice. Tucked beneath towering cliffs near Bridport, this quiet beach is perfect for those looking to unwind away from the larger seaside resorts. Its secluded feel and striking scenery make it a favourite for walkers, photographers and anyone wanting to experience a quieter side of the Jurassic Coast.
Dogs are welcome all year round on Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff Beach and East Cliff (Back) Beach. At Front Beach and Sandy Beach, dogs are only permitted between 1 October and 30 April. If you’re visiting during the summer with a dog, Monmouth Beach is one of the best options thanks to its year-round access. Other dog-friendly beaches in the area also include The Cobb Lower Walkway Beach and Charmouth Beach. For places to stay nearby, check out these dog-friendly cottages in Dorset »
Yes, you can swim at Lyme Regis, particularly at Front Beach, which is the town’s main bathing beach. It has a mix of sand and pebbles, seasonal RNLI lifeguard cover and is the most popular spot for swimming and paddling. Alternatively, Sandy Beach is a great place to go for a dip, as it’s also monitored by lifeguards throughout the busier months of the year (spring-summer). As with any coastal location, it’s always worth checking tide times and sea conditions before entering the water.
The best beaches for fossil hunting are Monmouth Beach and East Cliff Beach, with the nearby stretch towards Charmouth also being world-famous for fossil discoveries. Monmouth Beach is home to the iconic Ammonite Pavement, while the cliffs and foreshore between Lyme Regis and Charmouth regularly reveal fossils through natural erosion. For the best experience, consider joining a guided fossil walk and never collect fossils directly from the cliffs.
Yes, there are several car parks within walking distance of Lyme Regis’ beaches. Monmouth Beach and Cabanya Car Park are closest to Monmouth Beach, while Holmbush Car Park and Charmouth Road Car Park provide longer-stay parking for visitors heading to the seafront. During busy holiday periods, a seasonal Park and Ride service also operates.
Lyme Regis has a mixture of sandy and pebble beaches. Front Beach combines a sandy section with areas of pebbles, making it popular with families and swimmers. Monmouth Beach is mainly shingle and pebbles, while Church Cliff Beach has patches of sand revealed alongside rocky ledges at low tide. And, as the name suggests, Sandy Beach speaks for itself! This variety means there’s something to suit everyone, whether you’re building sandcastles, fossil hunting or enjoying a coastal walk.
Can’t wait to dip your toes in the sea and walk on sandy shores? Book a stay at one of these Lyme Regis holiday cottages close by.
Image Credits: Roger Cornfoot – CC BY-SA 2.0; Bob Jones – CC BY-SA 2.0
Hi, I'm Georgia and I joined the team in June 2021. I love travelling and finding hidden gems to explore. My favourite place for a...
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