Where is Lyme Regis?
For those staying at Lower Knapp Farm, the charming seaside resort of Lyme Regis is only 25 minutes away – try putting the postcode DT7 3JH into your sat nav. A short drive down the A3052, and you’ll find yourself in this ancient, picturesque town.
Lyme Regis parking
Lyme Regis has two long stay car parks, both within walking distance of the beach and town centre. These are;
Charmouth Road (DT7 3DW)
Holmbush car park (DT7 3LD)
Overall, Lyme Regis is a great place to spend a day or two, combining breathtaking scenery with a welcoming atmosphere and plenty to see and do. In fact, there’s so much to uncover here that we’ve put together a list of six of things for visitors to find in Lyme Regis… will you discover them all?
Things to find in Lyme Regis
1. An impressive Conger eel
Did you know Lyme Regis is a fantastic spot for deep-sea and mackerel fishing? With the pleasant waters and wide range of fish, a morning on the water is great experience for both novice fishermen and seasoned experts. If you’re up to the challenge, the conger eel is the biggest fish that it is possible to catch around Lyme Regis, thanks to the many wrecks which create the perfect environment for them to thrive. In addition, there is also a variety of different reef environments within a few miles of Lyme Regis harbour, providing a home for a range of fish, including dogfish, bream, mackerel and pollack.
There are several fishing trips running out of Lyme Regis. As a starting point, we would recommend Harry May, who has years of experience with mackerel and deep-sea fishing and offers a range of trips to suit all kinds of fishermen.
2. Ancient artifacts during Lyme Regis Fossil Hunting
Lyme Regis is famous for its geology, with its local blue lias clay containing remarkable fossil remains of sea creatures from millions of years ago. Set out and see what you can discover, from awe-inspiring creatures such as ichthyosaurs and plesiosaurs, to the more common ammonite. Fool’s gold, belemnites and larger ammonites can also be fond within the large boulders, with some being up to a metre across! Both adults and children will enjoy the thrill of discovering part of a long-forgotten age, so it’s well worth seeing what you can dig up!
If you want some guidance, the Lyme Regus Museum holds regular fossil walks, run by experts who will teach you about the history and geology of the area, and hopefully help you find some gems of your own. Find more information here.
3. Local ale in a cosy pub in Lyme Regis
Tucked away off the beaten track, Lyme Regis Brewery is the only microbrewery in the area and well worth a visit if you’re a beer-lover. Situated in the Malthouse extension of the Town Mill, which originally housed the batteries that provided the town’s overnight electricity, their products include bitters, pale ales, golden ales and a strong IPA – all brewed right on site. The ales can be purchased throughout the town, but we’d recommend popping into their own shop, where you can sit and enjoy a drink in the Town Mill Courtyard on a sunny day. On top of their lovely selection of ales, they sell fruit ciders and wine – thankfully, their expert staff are always on hand to advise and help you pick your perfect tipple!
4. Delicious regional produce
If you’re after a further taste of the local area, make sure to pay a visit to Lyme Regis in September, when the Food Rocks festival takes place. Having started in 2012, the festival has quickly become a highlight in the town’s calendar. The aim is to promote the produce of Lyme Regis and the local area, as well as raise money for deserving local causes, by showcasing some of the best locally-sourced food and supplies available… and it certainly succeeds!
During the festival, Marine Parade becomes a procession of stalls run by local producers, while the main stage hosts a dynamic schedule of cookery demonstrations, talks and tastings. The main event is free to attend and has something for the whole family, although there are also ticket-only events to enjoy, including suppers hosted by well-known chefs and suppliers. Just make sure you bring your appetite!
5. Friendly starfish
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium holds all kinds of surprises for both young and old. It’s a great way to learn more about the sea life found along the Jurassic coast. There’s plenty to see and do, including interactive experiences where you can hold a starfish, hand-feed the mullets and meet lobsters and crabs. In addition, there are dozens of species on display, ranging from sea urchins to tub gunards. There’s also a fascinating ‘info zone’, with presentations on the history of the area, including the iconic Cobb, the local fishing industry and the famous lifeboats.
The aquarium is open every day between mid-February to October, and an adults ticket costs £6. Alternatively, you can also book your tickets online for a discounted price.
6. Inspirational artwork
As well as housing the brewery, the Town Mill is a fantastic spot to discover the local arts and crafts in the area. The Town Mill Galleries showcase over 40 exhibitions a year, both from established artists and new talent. The artists steward their own shows, allowing visitors to meet and speak with them and get a real understanding of the pieces. There are two galleries available – the prestigious Malthouse and the Courtyard Gallery, which also has a dedicated retail space where you can buy pieces for your own home.
The galleries are open from 10.30 – 4pm every day, and entrance is free. For a full schedule of current and future exhibitions, just visit the website.
A day in Lyme Regis is full of discoveries, from ancient fossils to contemporary artwork, all hidden amongst the charm and lively atmosphere of this famous seaside town. There’s something for all the family, and all just a stone’s throw from our delightful Lower Knapp Farm property.
Find out how you can enjoy a tranquil stay on the fantastic Jurassic Coast by getting in touch with our expert team.
