Lyme Regis - the town that inspired The French Lieutenant's Woman and now Dorset's western most town on the newly designated UNESCO Dorset and East Devon World Heritage Coast. You'll find the town a perfect place to base yourself on a visit to this wonderful part of Dorset's coastline. A large choice of cottage rental, self catering accommodation, quality hotels and friendly B & Bs and guesthouses awaits you along with a superb choice of holiday and caravan parks and camping sites.

The sea has been the centre of the town's community throughout its history, the famous Cobb breakwater was originally constructed in the 13th century from massive oak beams and boulders to provide protection for the harbour.

Lyme Regis's history reaches as far back as the 8th century when monks distilled salt from the sea water. In 1644 during the Civil War Royalist troops attacked the town and for 2 months it was under siege. In 1685 the Duke of Monmouth landed at Lyme Regis in his pursuit of the Royal crown. His capture at the Battle of Sedgemoor sent twelve local men who had been among his supporters to their deaths. Today the sea still plays its role, although now more popularly for relaxing and sporting activities. Lyme Regis is renowned for its watersports: take your choice from sailing, water-skiing, windsurfing, swimming or fishing.

If you prefer land-based activities, these are available too: golfing, bowling, biking, horse riding and walking to name just a few. The attractive town offers a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from quality, character hotels to cosy bed and breakfasts, holiday cottages and apartments. There is a small theatre featuring a full programme of events and there are beautiful gardens just minutes' walk from the town and beach. Lyme Regis and its surrounding coastline is famous for fossils. It was here that Mary Anning (Lyme Regis's own palaeontologist) found the first Ichthyosaur when she was only twelve years old. Examples of fossils can be seen at the Heritage Coast Centre and the local museums, although, if you have the patience, you may be lucky enough to find one of your own.

The town hosts many events throughout the year. In June the town comes to life to the sounds of the Lyme Regis Jazz Festival and in July the RNLI Lifeboat Week promises a wealth of things to see and do ranging from parachute displays to art exhibitions.

As a base for tourists Lyme Regis is perfect. Exploring the nearby countryside by car takes you through many of Dorset's most ancient villages, whilst the more energetic will find walking the nearby Dorset Coast Path along the Axemouth to Lyme Regis undercliff (a National Nature reserve) quite awe-inspiring.

Use the map of Lyme Regis below to zoom in or out to view directions or click the satellite button for an aerial view.

To open a large version of the map in a new window and plan a journey click here.