Lyme Regis
The Pearl of the World Heritage Jurassic Coastline. The resort, which has played a significant role in national and world affairs down through the centuries, is blessed with its location in one of the most beautiful areas of the country and is renowned for fossil hunting, The Cobb harbour and the Undercliff nature reserve.
Local Walks
The Lyme Regis to Axmouth Undercliff, 5 to 10 minutes walk from Skerries, is a delight for walkers and strenuous efforts are rewarded by the sight of rare flora and fauna. The Undercliff National Nature Reserve lies to the west of Lyme Regis. The reserve is an active landslip and the Southwest Coast Path which extends some 7 miles between Lyme Regis and Axmouth runs through it. Part of the Devon and East Dorset World Heritage Site, geologists will note exposures in the rocks of the Triassic-Jurassic transition. The last great landslide occurred here on Christmas Day in 1839 resulting in a seaward slip of some 16 acres. It created a chasm 120m wide, 45m deep and about three-quarters of a mile long.
Fossil hunting
The area around Lyme Regis is famous for its fossils and was the home of Mary Anning the famous paleontologist. In 2001 the coast around Lyme Regis was given World Heritage Site status. There are several shops and centres in Lyme specialising in fossils and at Charmouth there is a dedicated visitor centre to help you explore the coast. Organised fossil hunting walks are regularly arranged throughout the season; click here.
Forde Abbey
This historic building was founded by the Cistercians in 1140 and became one of the richest and most learned monasteries in the country. The church was demolished in the dissolution, but in 1649 Sir Edmund Prideaux transformed the Abbey into a magnificent house. Of particular note are the splendid tapestries and ceilings from the 1650’s and a crucifixion painting dated c1320. The 30 acres of world famous gardens include a walled working kitchen garden, ponds, cascades, rockery, bog garden and the Centenary Fountain.
Sailing, Diving and Fishing
The historic Cobb harbour dates back to at least 1294 and is a delightful area much appreciated by artists and photographers. There are plenty of good quality restaurants and bars on the shore line. The harbour is the home to many fishing and diving boats. For a list please click here. The resort is also a mecca for sailing, providing some of the best water on the south coast, with sheltered launching and recovery. Tuition is available from the Lyme Regis Sea School and the Sailing Club hosts major sailing championships.
Fine Dining
Skerries is located very close to River Cottage and is the ideal base for those visiting Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall’s base. 5 Minutes walk from Skerries B&B is the Hix Oyster and Fish House serving fish from the bay. For those after family dinning Lyme Regis is the home to a number of pubs serving good quality home cooked food please ask us for our up to date recommendations.
Shopping
Lyme is blessed with a wide variety of local shops, Lyme Regis Bookshops iknow-dorset.co.uk small galleries as well as more household names or picking up the essentials during your stay.