The Best of Spring & Summer in Lyme Regis
With bright blue skies and sunny rays on the horizon, it’s the perfect time to go on a getaway to the Jurassic Coast! Lyme Regis is always wonderfully abuzz during the warmer months, with so much to do on our shores there’s something for everyone, from fresh coastal walks to relaxing beachside whilst soaking up the rays, you’ll be sure to find your perfect break.
At Lyme Regis Stays, we are especially lucky, with 10 of our wonderful stays located centrally in Lyme, everything is in walking distance, cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops, the beach and our very own Marine Theatre. Our stays offer the perfect place to relax for an idyllic summer holiday and to show you just how lively Lyme is during the warmer months we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to do over Spring & Summer to truly show you the magic of Lyme Regis!
1. Exploring the Jurassic Coast
Lyme Regis is nestled along the Jurassic Coastline, an incredible 95-mile long stretch filled with prehistoric charm and treasure. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s sure to take your breath away, which is does for us time and time again. Whether it’s simply looking out towards Golden Cap from the beach or delving into the Coastal Paths that zigzag their way up and down our coastline, we adore it!
It’s charm takes on a lovely golden glow in the warmer seasons, with the sea turning an enticing deep blue with turquoise hues streaked within during in the summer months. Our coastline is chock-full of amazing hikes to do, whether you want a refreshing sea breeze to keep you cool or a forest-lined exploration to provide deep shade, Lyme Regis has got you covered! All of our favourite hikes can be found here, on our walks page, but do keep your eyes peeled, as we do often do an adventure blog detailing our own hiking trails, such as our trek to the top of Golden Cap!
2. Lyme Regis Museum & Fossil Trips
Tying into exploring the wonders of the Jurassic Coast, a trip to the Lyme Regis Museum and bagging a spot on one of their fossil walks in a ‘must do’ activity when visiting Lyme Regis.
Perched overlooking Lyme Bay, the Museum is the perfect place to explore over 200 million years of history and really get you inspired to find your own Jurassic treasures.
Perfect for both adults and families their Fossil Walks are a great starting point for the budding fossil hunter that resides in each of us! Not only do you get a guide to fossil hunt with, but you also get to hear all about the wonderful fossil hunter Mary Anning and fascinating facts about the Jurassic geology that makes up this wonderful coastline.
Every year in June they also host the most anticipated palaeontological event of the year, the Lyme Regis Fossil Festival. A unique free event, filled with engaging activities, expert talks and a whole host of amazing exhibits - perfect for any aspiring palaeontologists!
Located a few minutes walk away from our properties on Sherbourne Lane, it’s the perfect activity to engage all ages!
3. Relaxing Beachside
What better way to kick-start the warmer months than a trip to the seaside for a relaxing day on the beach. Our lovely main beach located in front of Marine Parade is a sandy haven, combed spotless every morning, this is the best spot for a day of relaxation. Sheltered by The Cobb, a dip in the sea is wonderfully refreshing and incredible calm in this protected cove. The amazing RNLI also have lifeguards on duty in the summer months, running usually from mid-July to early September, official dates and patrol times can be found here.
If you are bringing your furry friends on a warm getaway do not fear, Lyme Regis also has some all year round dog-friendly beaches so they can enjoy a beachside break as much as you! For more information about these spots and some of our favourite pooch-friendly pubs & restaurants check out our dog-friendly blog!
4. Al Fresco Dining
Boasting one of the most foodie spots on the Jurassic Coast, it’s no wonder that Lyme Regis is perfect in the Spring & Summer months for a spot of Al Fresco Dining! Whether you’re in Lyme as a couple and fancy a romantic meal out, or are visiting on a family holiday and want something for fussy little ones, you’ll be sure to find the perfect meal out!
There’s almost too many to recount but we have to give a shout out to some of our favourites, The Strawberry Tree, Rockfish and The Millside all of which are open throughout the warm seasons with amazing outdoor seating. We also have to give a mention to the Royal Standard, an incredible spot with a sun-trap garden that leads directly to the beach, perfect for relaxing with a cold drink.
To give you a taste of how diverse each outdoor area and the wonders on offer we’ve outlined the best of the best below:
The Strawberry Tree: A tucked away garden bar, offering you a cool tranquil spot to relax, this Spanish hideaway becomes the coolest garden bar in summer, with music soft lighting and amazing tapas and drinks on offer, it’s perfect for an evening of relaxing!
Rockfish: Arguably holds the title for the best views of the Jurassic Coast! Set within Langmoor Gardens, this restaurant offers incredible panoramic views over The Cobb & beyond, the most idyllic setting to enjoy a menu offering the freshest seafood in the south-west. Focused around seasonal & sustainable fishing, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the best of British seafood.
The Millside: Offers elegant riverside dining combined with a relaxed experience focused on fresh locally sourced ingredients. Their al fresco dining area sits in the heart of the Artisan Quarter, an incredible spot to watch the hustle & bustle go by as you relax surrounded by beautiful blooms of flowers.
All these spots and more are located only a few minutes walk from most of our stays in the centre of Lyme Regis! They are some of our favourite picks for treating yourselves to both a wonderful meal and experience, our mouths are already watering looking at the amazing dishes available in Lyme. For even more options for little ones & young families we have a whole host of restaurants on our Eat, Rest & Play page!
5. Go for a Swim, Sauna & Sip
One of our favourite activities all year round, we have to mention the incredible sessions on offer at Shoreline Sauna, a lovely locally run business, located in the perfect spot next to the beach. After sweating away all worries you can either plunge into the shoreline sauna ice bath or take a short hop to the beach and dip reinvigoratingly into the sea, rinse & repeat and you’ll feel all & any stress melt away!
After a refreshing session we then head on over to one of our favourite cafes, Kiosk, to grab a coffee & bagel and sink into one of their iconic orange deckchairs scattered about the pebbles. Nothing is better than enjoying a delicious drink after a sauna & soak session and feeling the suns rays soak into your skin.
6. Jane Austen & The Cobb
Lyme Regis has an incredibly colourful history with links to a vary of notable figures, from royalty to business, however one of the most famous would be the novelist Jane Austen. In the 19th century Lyme Regis became a hub of activity for summer visitors and people flocked to the British shores, Jane Austen herself was one such visitor and recalled her visits to Lyme with wonderful affection.
For those of you who love to delve into Austen’s literature, a trip to Lyme Regis to experience the same paths that Jane walked is a must! Nothing is as refreshing as strolling along the top of The Cobb, with the waves beating the walls below you and the sea stretched out before you. It truly is a delight for all and extra special for Austen admirers.
We are also fortunate to have Austen’s Garret as one of our wonderful stays, a place Jane Austen herself stayed during her visits to Lyme. With its panoramic views overlooking the Lyme Bay, it is easy to see how she found such wonderful inspiration in Lyme Regis and the impact this had on her novel, Persuasions.
“So much novelty and beauty! I have travelled so little, that every fresh place would be interesting to me; but there is real beauty at Lyme” - Jane Austen
7. Pop into The Artisan Quarter
The creative heart of Lyme Regis is a truly unique area nestled in the Old Town, it’s cobbled courtyard instantly captures your attention before you set out to explore the watermill, art gallery and a selection of wonderful artisan businesses.
Wander along Coombe Street as you make your way to the Artisan Quarter as it’s meandering lane takes you straight to Sherbourne Lane, with the elegant ‘Blue Shutter’ Mill perched overlooking the River Lym, we think it’s one of the most picturesque spots in town (we might be bias!).
8. Discover the History of Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis has a wonderfully unique and rich History, embedded throughout the ages in both fact & fiction it really is a stand alone spot on the Jurassic Coastline! If you fancy wandering down the historical lanes of Lyme Regis and discovering something new Lyme Regis Museum do some wonderful guided town history walks which are a great way to learn more about this lovely town whilst also experiencing a fun day out. We loved exploring the hidden history of Lyme and walking the same cobbled streets that our wonderful guide recounted in his historical telling’s!
9. Catch a Show at Marine Theatre
Located right on the seafront you’ll find our very own Marine Theatre, a venue that isn’t just limited to plays but hosts bands, comedians and other events! From a “Midsummer Lyme’s Dream” to the ‘Lyme Regis Comedy Club” you’ll be sure to find something that takes your fancy during your stay. Located a short stroll along the cobbled streets, its location is perfectly situated to gaze out across the Jurassic Coastline. In the summer months they also host amazing outdoor events, the perfect chance to soak up the creative arts with the Jurassic Coast gleaming in the background. It’s definitely a ‘must see’ spot to watch some fantastic entertainment for all ages!
10. Explore River Cottage
Surprise surprise, did you know Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s The River Cottage was so close to Lyme Regis?
The River Cottage Kitchen & Store is the perfect spot to drop by for breakfast, lunch, drinks and cakes, with incredible views over the Axe Valley and beyond. For a delve into the River Cottage belief that great food can lead to happier, healthier lives- and inspire positive change in the world, it’s definitely worth an exploration during your stay. Surrounded by rolling countryside and with events being hosted throughout the year we highly recommend visiting this nourishing spot!
11. Sneak at Peak at Lyme Regis LIVE
What better way to get a feel for Lyme Regis than seeing it live through our continuously updating webcam! Focusing on The Cobb, sandy beach and the harbour it’ll give you taste of the wonderfully relaxed hustle & bustle of Lyme Regis from the comfort of your own home. If you’re lucky you might even catch a glimpse of Mike, one of our very own co-founders, tending to his boat in the harbour, be sure to give him a wave if you ever spot him!
If we’ve tempted you to have a Jurassic Adventure be sure to check out all our stays, or get in touch, we’d love to hear from you!
