Lyme Regis Hailed as England's Prettiest Seaside Destination
With January firmly behind us, many Britons are eagerly anticipating warmer weather to enjoy a delightful staycation. If you're among them, you won't want to miss what's been dubbed England's 'prettiest seaside town'.
UK travel influencer Amy Hulley recently showcased this stunning location in a reel on her Instagram account, which boasts an impressive 434,000 followers. The spot she highlighted? The magnificent Dorset treasure that is Lyme Regis.
Amy Hulley's Glowing Endorsement
Amy's short clip captured her exploring all that Lyme Regis offers, from its gorgeous coastline to its delightful town centre and picturesque harbour. In her post's caption, Amy simply branded Lyme Regis as 'one of the best'.
Her audience clearly agreed with her assessment, with one follower proclaiming: 'I love Lyme Regis,' whilst another branded it their 'happy place'. Another supporter simply wrote: 'Oh wow,' whilst someone else mentioned they were 'adding it to their wish list'.
What Makes Lyme Regis So Special?
There are numerous great activities you can enjoy in this beautiful seaside town, which lies on the famous Jurassic Coast – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its geology and fossils. The town offers beaches, walks, museums, activities and much more.
Beaches and Outdoor Activities
- Lyme Regis Beach – A lovely sandy and pebble beach perfect for sun, swimming, sandcastles, and bat & ball games.
- Lyme Regis Fossil Beach (Ammonite Pavement) – A great spot on Monmouth Beach for fossil hunting and seeing natural ammonite layers in the rock.
- Lyme Regis Front Beach – Walk along the seafront and enjoy cafes and stunning coastal views.
Exploring Nature and Scenic Walks
- Stroll along the South West Coast Path for breathtaking cliff and bay views.
- Langmoor & Lister Gardens – Peaceful gardens overlooking the bay, great for picnics and relaxing.
Fossils, Museums and Historical Attractions
- Lyme Regis Museum – Local history, geology and fossils; built on the site of famous paleontologist Mary Anning's former home.
- Dinosaurland Fossil Museum – Large private fossil collection with marine and dinosaur specimens, plus guided fossil walks available.
- Fossilwise – A visitor attraction focused on fossils and geology.
- Join guided fossil hunting walks (especially after storms) to search for ammonites, belemnites and more.
Water-Based Fun and Marine Experiences
- Lyme Rib Rides – Exciting rib boat trips around Lyme Bay.
- Lyme Bay Boat Trips - Sightseeing & Mackerel Fishing – Sightseeing and fishing trips from the harbour.
- Nick's Fishing Trips – Local mackerel fishing experiences.
- Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium – Small but enjoyable marine displays overlooking the Cobb.
Local Culture, Food and Shopping
- The Town Mill – Historic mill complex with artisanal shops, cafés, pottery, mill bakery and Lyme Regis Brewery close by for local brews.
- Independent shops, bookstores and cafes around town — great for souvenirs and browsing.
Heritage and Coastal Walking
- Wander the iconic Cobb Harbour, famous from The French Lieutenant's Woman and Jane Austen's Persuasion — beautiful views and lots of historic charm.
- Walk parts of the Jurassic Coast trail or take scenic routes to neighbouring beaches like Charmouth (excellent for fossils too).
Annual Events and Festivals
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival (usually around early May) — talks, guided walks, stalls, and activities celebrating the area's geology and paleontology.
