the classic guide

A guide to the West Country from the people that know…

Lyme Regis

Awash with history, Lyme Regis is an integral part of Dorset’s famous Jurassic Coast; guided fossil hunting tours are a popular way to discover the rich geological history of the area. Literary history is equally important to Lyme Regis; the unique harbour, known as ‘The Cobb’ was immortalised by John Fowles in his novel ‘The French Lieutenant’s Woman’ and Thomas Hardy set many of his novels in the area.

5 Stars

Sep 2022

Lyme Regis

Well worth a visit to one of our favourite places in Dorset. Lovely independent shops and always walk around the Cob. The high street is a must and plenty of parking.
If you take your dog visit the Pug and Puffin for many doggy things.

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5 Stars

Aug 2019

Lyme regis

10 mins away, £2 to park all day, AMAZING! Beautiful town, lovely shops great sea front, and not too busy, highly recommend.

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5 Stars

Sep 2015

Great memories here! Would love to go back soon

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3 Stars

Aug 2012

Excellent parking very difficult in good weather but park and ride regular and drops off in good position. Beach very crowded and deckchairs etc. in short supply.

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4 Stars

Aug 2012

This is a really brilliant bustling seaside town. The thing to be aware of before making the trip is that summertime parking is a challenge. We combat this by getting there early or late. Early means before about tenish, and you're guaranteed easy parking. A late visit for fish and chips on the beach watching the sun go down is brilliant too. The town has great shops to browse, and a huge range of pubs, restaurants and other eateries. There's always something going on, with Lifeboat week in late July being a particularly good event, with a Red Arrows fly by ending the week in style. There's a sandy section for the kids near the cob, but otherwise pebbly. Beach huts line the far end of the beach. You can walk to Charmouth from Lyme Regis and enjoy the amazing fossil hunting along the way.

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3 Stars

Jul 2012

Lyme Regis

Okay but not a lot to do there, we walked out on the Cobb which was a little disappointing and wandered around the town.We were going to eat in the Hix restaurant but after searching reviews we decided to give it a miss, the service seemed hit and miss and had some less than complimentary reviews about poor service, quality of food, service charges etc. Seems you might just be paying for a name here rather than service. We do not mind paying for quality food but will not dine at a place that charges and does not back up its costs.There is a cheese shop down one of the side streets (The Town Mill) that has a great variety of cheeses but beware you are not allowed to touch them (even the wrapped & priced ones) you have to stand there looking only and then ask for everything you want to buy!

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5 Stars

Jan 2010

Dorset seaside town

A sandy beach - rare on this stretch of coast - and if not beach weather always something interesting to do and see. Fossil hunting, mackerel fishing and other boat trips, walking in the French Lieutenant's Woman's steps on the cobb, regular events like the jazz festival, town band performances , excellent range of eating places...

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5 Stars

Feb 2009

Old fashioned sea-side charm

Lyme is the most beautiful place to visit, whether it is sunny or pouring down with rain. Last time we visited it was a damp cold day in October, but the town still shone. Ideal for families as you can choose from pebble or sandy bits of beach. The cobb is great for grandparents who wish to reminisce about the French Lieutenant's Woman. For those with twenty thousand pounds to spare, you might be able to snap up the odd beach hut! For mums and daughters and anyone else who likes pottering, the shops in the town are delightful with delis, independent bookstores, Joules and White Stuff clothing and quirky giftshops.

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3 Stars

Jul 2008

Fond memories.....

..... of camping in a field on school trips. Mini-bus trips in the rain to the beach then the rush to the fudge shop for the best flavours!

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