Fossil hunters paradise
For thousands of years the cliffs have crumbled and fallen, revealing great numbers of fossils. People occasionally picked up the oddly shaped stones, but it was not until the early 19th century that any scientific interest was taken.
Lyme Regis old town
It is this location that has given Lyme Regis an enviable status as a wonderful destination for fossil hunters, rather than its earlier reputation as a regular haunt for smugglers. The old town, dating back to the 14th century, is an ideal place to walk and explore the local shops, art galleries, attractive gardens, with plenty of opportunities to eat and drink.
The beach at Lyme Regis
The sandy beach stretches about 1000 yards westwards from the town centre to the famous Cobb, Lyme Regis's harbour wall. The sea front promenade gives access to one of the best known landmarks of this area, which has appeared featured in the films of Jane Austen's novel "Persuasion" and the "French Lieutenant's Woman" by John Fowles. The Marine Aquarium has been situated on the Cobb for more than fifty years.
Family fun in Lyme Regis
Other family oriented events during the year include a jazz festival, the Life Boat week 18 - 26 July with most probably the Red Arrows and RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team (www.whatsoninlyme.co.uk), the Regatta & Carnival Week and the Artsfest. Also the Lyme Regis Town Band performs Music By The Sea concerts throughout the summer.
Lyme Regis theatre and museum
Despite being relatively small, Lyme Regis has a cinema, a theatre and a museum, so there is a good deal to keep you entertained. The Marine Theatre has the deserved reputation of having the finest view and being in the most dramatic location of any in England.
The Philpot Museum has recently undergone major reconstruction with many new displays illustrating Lyme Regis's lively local history, along with a number of locally discovered fossils.
Lyme Regis Accommodation
Lyme Regis is served by several hotels and boarding houses, together with many self catering establishments and caravan and camping sites.
Lyme Regis Rail Network
In common with Swanage, Lyme Regis also lost is railway connection as a results of the Beeching cuts, but unlike Swanage the line has never been re-opened.
