Lyme Regis, spectacular Jurassic Coast

 

The historic and picturesque seaside town and fishing port of Lyme Regis nestles in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty at the point where the rugged West Dorset and East Devon coastlines meet. This charming town is noted for its many character buildings, centuries old Cobb Harbour and unspoilt surrounding countryside. Lyme Regis is at the heart of 95 miles of spectacular coastline recently recognized as a UNESCO Heritage Site The Jurassic Coast so named for its rich geological and natural history spanning 186 million years of earth history, Lyme Regis and its surrounding area is an internationally acclaimed haven for fossil hunters and geologists. The cliffs east and west of Lyme Regis are abound in fossil remains laid down in the Jurassic period. A fairly sedate walk along the beach at low tide brings you to exposed cliffs where it is very easy to find fossil remains.

Lyme Regis, yesterday and today

 

Lyme Regis has a fascinating history stretching back to the 8th century. The famous Cobb wall, dating  from the 13th century, protected the harbour and allowed the town to develop as an important port on the south coast. For centuries The Cobb made Lyme Regis one of the most visited harbours along the south coast, but it eventually silted up, and today only smaller fishing vessels and charter craft can enter. A walk along the characterful Cobb�s high wall is a must for any visitor. The town itself is a labyrinth of narrow, winding streets rising steeply up from the sea, where small local shops, galleries, cafes, pubs and restaurants are waiting to be explored. The unspoilt seafront with sheltered south-facing beaches make it a perfect spot where children can play in the sand and adults relax in the traditional deckchairs that still line the promenade. Beautiful newly landscaped gardens rise behind the promenade (the last phase of the gardens landscaping will finish in April 2007).  A favourite location of the gentry in past centuries, Lyme Regis enjoys clean and safe bathing water.

 

Lyme Regis, natural beauty

The surrounding countryside contains a wealth of footpaths accessible from the town, the stunning South West Coastal Path leads west to the Undercliff or east towards the towering beauty of Golden Cap. The hilly terrain, dramatic coastal views and rare flora and fauna make it very worthwhile. Of course a trip to Lyme Regis would not be complete without fossil hunting. The rich geological and natural history of the area can be explored at Dinosaurland, at the award winning Philpot Town Museum, or at the nearby Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre. Guided fossil walks can be booked from all of the above and also with internationally famous Zoologist and fossil hunter Dr Colin Dawes and local fossil hunter Brandon Lennon. Many boat excursions run from the harbour and there are also opportunities to sail and windsurf locally. The River Lym flows gently through the heart of the town turning the recently restored Town Mill waterwheel. 

 

Lyme Regis, local food and entertainments

There are plenty of places to eat and drink in town � the �nightlife� tends to be relaxed and informal � eating �al fresco� and enjoying drinks on the beach, or in one of the town�s many public houses. Look out for locally caught fish specialties and traditional English fare. Not a fast food restaurant in sight! There is also a sailing club, bowls, golf course, gardens with mini-golf, putting green, theatre, cinema and numerous local societies. The town centre provides good shopping facilities for day to day needs and the larger centres of Exeter, Taunton and Dorchester are all about 28 miles away. There is a main line railway station at Axminster (6 miles inland).

 

Lyme Regis, literary inspiration

Lyme has inspired many well-known writers including Jane Austen and John Fowles, several of whose books have in recent times been brought to the big screen: The French Lieutenants Woman and Persuasion are two notable films that highlight the beauty and character of historic Lyme Regis.