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Things to do in Lyme Regis Feature Image Fossil shaped lights

The historic seaside resort of Lyme Regis may be famous for fossil hunting, but there are many things to do on a Lyme Regis Cottage Holiday. 

Head out for a day of family fun. Have a go at mackerel fishing, paddle boarding or crazy golf with the kids.

Or take in the culture and visit one of the museums or the seaside theatre.

Keep reading to find all the best things to do in Lyme Regis…


1. Fossil Hunting along the Jurassic Coast

person holding fossil on top of rocky beach

Head down to Lyme Bay’s shingle beach, and you will likely find fossils that could be around 100 million years old.

Or walk 15 minutes to Monmouth, another popular fossil hunting beach.

Here you can witness huge ammonites carved into limestone cliffs.

However, if you’re not sure what you’re looking for, you can book a guided fossil-hunting tour with Brandon Lennon, a local fossil collector with 30 years of experience. discover more about this breath-taking coastline with: Everything You Need to Know About the Jurassic Coast.


2. Take a walk along the Cobb

The Cobb looking out over the ocean

Take a walk along the town’s iconic seawall, The Cobb.

Step into the backdrop of Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman.

But take care as you climb the precarious steps known as ‘Granny’s Teeth’ leading up to the sea along the stone breakwater.

From here, look back upon gob-smacking views of the beach and coastline. It is the perfect chance for a romantic photograph with your partner. For more inspiration on Lyme Regis walks read our blog: The Best Walks in Lyme Regis.


3. Catch your dinner fishing in Lyme Regis

fishing boat in lyme regis

Why not see if you can join the local fishermen, and snag your catch for dinner?

Nick’s fishing trips are suitable for all ages and abilities, whether you want to sit back and enjoy the salty breeze or are serious about bringing back fresh mackerel for tea.

An alternative fishing provider is the Harry May Boat Trips.

Here, you can enjoy a one-hour fishing experience or a three-hour deep-sea fishing trip on two colourful pirate boats.

Around the coast of Lyme Regis, there is an abundance of fish to catch. Be patient and enjoy the experience with your children on this marine trip.


4. Take to the high seas, sailing along the coast

sailing in Lyme regis

Budding sailors and salty sea dogs, roll up to feel the wind in your sails and experience the beauty of the World Heritage coastline by boat.

The ancient Cobb Harbour is the perfect place to launch a dinghy and learn the ropes under the tutelage of Lyme Regis Sea School.


5. Langmoor and Lister Gardens

view over the beach from langmoor and lister gardens

Following the waterfront, these stunning gardens are a haven for birds and wildlife.

Wander along the boardwalk, hit the crazy golf or putting green, or soak up spectacular views of Portland and Golden Cap (the highest point on the south coast).


6. Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium

lyme regis marine aquarium building

Come face-to-face with the underwater world without dipping a toe in the water.

At this interactive attraction, you can get close to local marine life. From mullet to starfish, you can delve into Lyme Regis maritime history.

The Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium is one of the best places to teach your children about the wonders of the ocean.

With everything from local marine animals to some spectacular specimens from around the world, the museum is a great way to get interested in marine life.


7. Lyme Regis Museum

Lyme Regis museum front

Spare some time to dip into the Lyme Regis Museum and learn more about the area’s natural history.

Here you can find information about the history of Lyme Regis, including the life of the town’s prolific fossil hunter, Mary Anning.

Becoming famous in 1811 for discovering an Ichthyosaur, Mary Anning led the way in finding some of Lyme Regis’ most important fossils.


8. Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

Dinosaur Land

If you want to see some of Mary Anning’s discoveries, head over to the Dinosaurland Fossil Museum.

Delve into an exciting and extensive collection of fossils from microfossils to Ichthyosaurs and learn about a prehistoric life before humans.


9. Marine Theatre

marine theatre

Why not add a bit of culture to your visit by heading to the Marine Theatre? See the curtain go up on classic shows or enjoy some of the region’s local music.

From jazz concerts and live music to cinema and comedy weekends, this historic theatre by the sea boasts a diverse year-round calendar of entertainment and events.


With so much to see and do in Lyme Regis, you might have to visit again just to fit it all in! 

Lyme Regis is perfect for families, couples, and pets. You can discover the history of the Jurassic Coast and enjoy the quaint town life surrounding Lyme Regis. 

Make the most of your visit by staying in one of these Lyme Regis holiday cottages.

Book your Lyme Regis holiday online with Lyme Bay Holidays.


Image Credits: Robin Webster – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Darkroom Daze – (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0); Nilfanion – (CC BY-Sa 4.0); Kenlar88 – (CC BY-Sa 4.0)