by Rachel Knowles

Created on: November 26, 2010

Nicknamed “The Pearl of Dorset,” the historic town of Lyme Regis is situated in Lyme Bay on the Dorset-Devon border on the south coast of England, on part of the Jurassic Coast - an area designated as a World Heritage Site because of its outstanding natural beauty. Lyme was granted a Royal Charter in 1284 allowing the designation “Regis,” hence the name by which it is known today of Lyme Regis.

Lyme Regis is world famous for its abundance of fossils which appear on the beach with great regularity because of the rapidly eroding cliffs. Fossil hunting is a very popular pastime for visitors to the town. The most popular spot for fossil hunting is on the beach between Lyme Regis and Charmouth, although the beaches to the west of Lyme Regis are also very good for ammonites. The best time to find fossils is at low tide, but care must be taken not to get cut off from the shore by the incoming tide.

For those who prefer the guidance of experts, Lyme Regis Museum runs fossil walks as well as giving talks and running family activities. The museum is superbly located overlooking the sea and tells the story of Lyme through its well-presented displays. The geology gallery tells the story of local girl Mary Anning who found the first complete ichthyosaur skeleton when she was just twelve years old and went on to run the family business of finding and selling fossils. Mary’s grave can be seen in St Michael’s Parish Church.

Dinosaurland Fossil Museum is housed in the church where Mary Anning was baptised. It is a private museum run by palaeontologists and houses a huge collection of marine fossils and a time gallery introducing visitors to the geological timescale, showing how it is possible to date rocks, as well as displays showing how life has changed over time.

For those who prefer the more traditional seaside activities, Lyme Regis offers a sandy beach as well as opportunities for crabbing and rock pooling. There is a marine aquarium on the Cobb and a crazy golf course in Langmoor Gardens. Fishing and sightseeing boat trips are available from the harbour and it is also an ideal location for other water sports such as sailing and windsurfing.

Lyme Regis is also famous for its literary connections. Jane Austen visited the town several times in the early 1800s and sets part of her novel “Persuasion” in Lyme Regis; the harbour wall, known as The Cobb, is famously described as the scene of Louisa Musgrove’s dramatic fall. The Cobb also features in the film “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” and in the book by John Fowles on which the film is based. John Fowles lived in Belmont House in Lyme Regis for many years and for part of that time was curator of Lyme Regis Museum. “Literary Lyme” walks are available for visitors who wish to explore the town’s connections with Jane Austen and John Fowles in detail.

Beatrix Potter stayed at the Mariners Hotel in Lyme Regis when she was just seventeen years old and was inspired to write the “Tale of Little Pig Robinson” while staying here. Many of the illustrations in this book are based on the dramatic scenery she saw in Lyme and the surrounding area during her visit.

To the west of the town is the Undercliff National Nature Reserve – an unspoilt area of coast land which is only accessible to walkers - whilst The South West Coast Path runs through Lyme Regis, giving some breathtaking views of the Jurassic Coast.

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