The Lyme Bay coastal region in south-west England straddles the county border between Dorset and Devon. It is an area of stunning scenery, history and heritage and is one of the most beautiful and picturesquely diverse regions in England. I want to help you make the most of your visit to this beautiful part of the world by suggesting things to see and do, great food finds, and anything else that might enhance your enjoyment when visiting the area. Once you’ve visited Lyme Bay I’m sure you’ll want to return.
An easily accessible part of England, Lyme Bay is renowned for its fossil hunting, stunning natural beauty, sheltered harbours, sandy beaches, thatched cottages and bucolic countryside. The climate is relatively mild year-round, making it a great place to visit any time of the year. Obviously, the area is quieter outside of the main school holidays, so this is the time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. There are so many things to see and do here on the Lyme Bay coast, so here are a couple of suggestions for things to do if you are holidaying in the area:
Civil War, Rebellion and Fossils in Beautiful Lyme Regis
If history is your thing, take a trip to the Philpot Museum in Lyme Regis, where the story of Lyme and its ever-changing landscape is told. From civil war and rebellion, fossils and Mary Anning, literary Lyme to Lyme’s famous Cobb Harbor, the museum vividly presents the history of this proud seaside town. The museum is housed in a magnificent idiosyncratic listed building in the heart of the city overlooking Lyme Bay and the historic Cobb Harbour. It was built in 1900 by Thomas Philpot and has recently been completely renovated.
The fortunes of Lyme Regis have been inextricably linked with the sea. For seven centuries, trade flourished and waned through its harbor, protected by the great wall of The Cobb. Fishing, smuggling, storms and shipwrecks have left their relics and The Philpot’s collections are unusually rich for a small museum. Lyme’s lively local history is well represented by maritime and domestic objects and illustrated by paintings, prints and photographs. This part of the coast, known as The Jurassic Coast, is noted for its fossils and there are some excellent examples on display in the geological galleries. The city’s literary connections, from Jane Austen to John Fowles, are illustrated in the new Writers’ Gallery.
The museum regularly organizes interesting temporary exhibitions, guided fossil walks and a lively program of talks and special events. Entry to the museum is £3.00 for adults with no charge for children and students.
Bread making, great food and music in beautiful Otter Valley
Where can you find food, arts and crafts, music, bread making courses and much, much more, all in one of Devon’s loveliest valleys and only a mile from the Jurassic Coast? The answer lies at Otterton Mill, which is located between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth, on the banks of the River Otter. Otterton Mill features a thousand-year-old working watermill, restaurant, artist gallery and studios, bakery, award-winning grocery store and music venue. The oldest written record of the mill is in the Domesday survey in 1068.
Why not learn the timeless principles of traditional bread making from the mill’s head baker? Sessions take place in small groups inside the bakery. You’ll learn the secrets to making the perfect bread by hand, as you progress through the techniques of mixing, cleaning, proofing, backing, cutting and scaling, hand-shaping, proofing, and baking. The bread making courses are suitable for any ability and are informative and fun. Otterton Mill is set in some truly beautiful countryside and after your visit you can take a walk along the Otter River and take in its fantastic views and thriving wildlife – a great day out in a simply lovely location.
a place to stay
One of the more flexible ways to take a break in the Lyme Bay area is to book a vacation home with a kitchen. Lyme Bay Cottages offer year-round self-catering holiday accommodation with properties ranging from traditional Devon and Dorset cottages to modern apartments, some in quiet rural hideaways, others in lively small towns and seaside villages. You can view details of Devon and Dorset holiday homes and more information about the Lyme Bay area.
