Nestled on the stunning Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Lyme Regis is a charming seaside town renowned for its rich heritage as much as its (very many) scenic views and instagram worthy photo opportunities.

Known as the ‘Pearl of Dorset,’ this picturesque harbor town invites visitors to explore its cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, golden beachfront and importantly for me, selection of fabulous eateries! Whether you’re an avid fossil hunter drawn to its world-famous fossil beds or you just want to get away and slow down, Lyme Regis promises an unforgettable experience.

Here are my top tips!

Where to Stay:

Waterside House, Lyme Regis Stays*

Coombe Cottage, Jurassic Properties*

Coombe Cottage is a two bed character property jut rolling distance from the beach. Ideal for popping back if you forget your bucket and spade, water bottle, snacks etc! Check in was super easy as there was a key safe and we were emailed a code the morning of check in.

You open the front door into the open plan lounge kitchen diner – it was noticeable immediately that everything was immaculately clean and there were a variety of cute design touches. The bathroom is downstairs and if you lean out of the window you can see the water wheel (and you can hear it without the leaning 😆!)

My bed was super comfortable (very important) and the bunks looked great too. Despite being very central there wasn’t any noise besides the seagulls in the morning, and they didn’t even bother me! Prices start from £99 per night during low season.

What to do: Spanish Cookery Class & Lunch at The Strawberry Tree*

Sundays can be a bit ‘meh’ knowing you’ve got to go back to work/real life the next day but my whole experience at The Strawberry Tree was a joy from start to finish! We were welcomed by Ed and Giselle, the owners of this absolutely gorgeous Tapas Restaurant & Cooking School situated in the courtyard of the 1,000 Town Mill where they gave us a little insight into how their ‘passion project’ began.

The class/lunch runs from 10.45am and ends at approximately 2.30pm dependant on the group – it was a very relaxed atmosphere and we didn’t feel hurried in the slighest.

Costing £95pp for an individual or £75 each if in a pair (sharing a work station and food etc), on this occasion I was paired up with the lovely gluten free Rhi aka The Chubby Bristolian.

We made three dishes together:

Then in order to give us a ‘break’, Giselle gave us a demo of the two final dishes…

Afterwards, we had a little time while our skewers were cooking, to chat and enjoy a beverage in the beautiful gardens before sitting down as a group to eat our tapas feast. Highly recommend this experience.

I cannot believe I cooked something so blooming tasty!! Although I think probably most of the credit there goes to Rhi.

Where to eat:

KIOSK

Their orange and yellow deckchairs on the beach are pretty hard to miss, but it’s the tasty treats you need to stick around for.

We had a little picnic lunch on the beach consisting of a sausage roll and chocolate hazelnut croissant that we purchased from here.

Both excellent. We’ll definitely be back.

Lyme’s Fish Bar

Service was fierce but friendly, the chips were hot and fresh and the curry sauce thickkkkk. Reasonably priced, would definitely return.

Baboo Gelato

Famous and with good reason, we had the salted caramel with a flake and it was blooming delicious. A must try if you’re visiting.

SWIM

Definitely one of the dining spots with the best views! Bea and I ate here together on a sunny evening because she wanted her favourite (Mac & Cheese) and I spotted it on the kids menu.

It was a little anaemic looking for my liking and for £9 I think should have come with a side (most other kids menus include garlic bread) but this is one of those locations you’re paying for the view. I wouldn’t want her to order it again.

My fish burger was tasty but I know Mr E.E would have been disappointed with the fries. At £15 I didn’t think it was too bad considering the location (definitely better value than the kids meal).

I’d 100% return for drinks and a snack, I might be of the fence about dinner.

The Cobb Arms*

I love a seaside pub and this one had everything you could need – moments from the beach when you’re in need of a break, cute outdoor seating for drinks with a view, happy helpful staff but most importantly, great food!

I shared a selection of dishes with friends and thoroughly enjoyed.

We kicked off with a ‘prestarter’ board which included the sourdough garlic bread, butterbean artichoke and basil hummus, marinated olives and pickles, cockle popcorn and (I kid you not) the best chorizo cooked in cider I’ve ever tasted. The cockle popcorn was the surprise hit for me – I had it a few years ago and hated it (too chewy/fishy) but this was seriously moreish.

Afterwards it was on to our ‘starters’. We had:

This was the Fish Sharer, which we very nearly ordered:

How incredible does that look? It had whole grilled fish of the day, mussels & wild garlic prawns, cuttlefish croquettes, fries, salad and wild garlic bread. Should you not be feeling so adventurous on the fish front though they also had my absolute favourite and go to when by the seaside – scampi! There’s also a kids menu. Definitely worth a visit.

Town Mill Bakery

Located super centrally, Town Mill Bakery is a must visit just make sure you’re there on the right days – sadly it’s shut on a Tues and Weds 😭

It has cute deli where you could purchase the most divine pastries and produce to take away and on our most recent visit we bought the most fabulous sausage roll to take down to the beach. It also has indoor and outdoor seating, where you can chose from a vast breakfast menu including traditional favourites and the slightly more exotic (Turkish Eggs anyone?)

When I ate in I had the smoked salmon and scrambled eggs, and swapped my spinach and beetroot for avocado. It was absolutely delicious – I can be a fusspot with salmon but this was fresh and full of flavour, eggs were creamy but not to the point of underdone.

For me it was perfection on a plate. My neighbours mushrooms and chorizo on toast looked pretty tempting too!

Where to drink: The Lyme Bay*

For after dinner drinks on an adult visit I tried The Lyme Bay cocktail bar. Nosing upstairs the cafe looks equally as stylish and is on my hit list for another visit.

Staff were friendly and happy to make something off menu, provided they had the ingredients (I wanted a Black Russian).

It gave off ‘speak easy’ vibes, perfect for drinks on a date night or girly catch up with friends. It’s open from 5pm until 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where to wander: Everywhere!

Lyme Regis is simply begging to be explored and seems to have something for everyone. The joy is wandering and finding them for yourselves but here are a few ideas to start you off…

So just incase you hadn’t gathered I’m now most definitely a fan of Lyme Regis! On both overnight visits I have parked at Woodmead carpark. It’s up on the hill – but doable for most abilities. At only 1 hour 15 from Clevedon and 1 hour 30 from south Bristol it’s an easy seaside destination without feeling like a trek. We will definitely be back!

Thanks for reading,

Lizzie xxx

Disclaimer – certain elements of this article were either complimentary or on a discounted basis, these are denoted by an * above! But all of my views are my own and without bias – if I do not like somewhere then I won’t write about it!