Our Dorset Life

Fossils, beaches, ice creams and seaside charm on the Jurassic Coast

We love a family day out in Lyme Regis. This little coastal town on the Jurassic Coast has it all; a sandy beach, fossil-strewn shores, and enough cafés and ice cream stalls to keep everyone smiling. Whether you’ve got a dinosaur-obsessed child or just fancy a paddle, here’s how we like to spend a day here.

Looking for the best local spots? After reading this dive into our Dorset Trip Planner here.

Go Fossil Hunting

Lyme is fossil heaven. It’s where Mary Anning discovered the first ichthyosaur aged 12. Monmouth Beach is our go-to spot. At low tide you can hunt for ammonites or walk along the ammonite pavement (don’t forget to check tide times before heading out).

Walk Along the Cobb

The Cobb is Lyme’s famous curving harbour wall part history, part film set. It’s a brilliant mini adventure with older kids and gives you the best views over the bay. You’ll usually spot people fishing or crabbing off the edge, and it’s a great place to take photos if you get a clear day.

Enjoy the Beaches

There are four beaches in Lyme Regis, and Town Beach is ideal with little ones. It’s got a stretch of soft golden sand, perfect for paddling and building sandcastles. Just behind is a row of food huts selling crepes, fish and chips, and cold drinks. You can also find the arcade here, which our children love, especially on a rainy day! For a quieter vibe, Monmouth Beach is lined with boat sheds and pebbles we often head here for a wander in the afternoon.

Kiosk is our go-to spot for a beachside coffee or for one of their famous breakfast bagels. The bacon, avo and halloumi is perfection! It’s the perfect way to start a slow morning in Lyme, sat with sandy toes and a flat white in hand. It’s also the perfect place to warm up with a hot drink if you’ve been for a sea swim in the winter.

Hire a Beach Hut

We hired a beach hut for the day via Airbnb and it was one of the best decisions we made. Having a base to store bags, change clothes, and sit with a coffee while the kids played made such a difference. It felt like our own little patch of the seafront for the day and we’d absolutely do it again.

Visit Dinosaurland Fossil Museum

Housed in Mary Anning’s old church, Dinosaurland is full of real fossils, dinosaur replicas and even a geological time staircase which our kids loved. It’s great for a rainy day or to dive deeper into the fossil story.

Tickets are £7.50 for adults, £5.50 for children, and under-fives are free. A family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is £22.00 and dogs are welcome to visit with you.

Note the opening times: Open daily between 10am and 4pm from the start of the February half term to the end of the October half term. Closed over the winter.

Poco, Lyme Regis – A Slice of Italy by the Sea

If you’re in Lyme Regis and craving proper Italian pizza, Poco is a must-visit. This small, friendly spot overlooks the beach and brings serious Roman vibes to the Jurassic Coast. The focus is simple: authentic Roman-style pizza, done brilliantly. Expect thin, crispy bases with beautifully charred edges and thoughtfully sourced toppings that taste like Italy on a plate.

The menu is refreshingly focused, it’s pizza only, but when it’s this good, you won’t want anything else. Pair it with a glass of Italian wine or beer from their curated drinks list, or sip an aperitivo on the terrace while pretending you’re in Portofino (jumper recommended and booking too – it is Dorset, after all!).

And if you’ve got room, don’t miss the gelato or a sweet Italian pastry to finish. It’s the kind of place you’ll want to come back to every time you visit the coast.

📍 Find Poco in Lyme Regis – Poco Pizza 29 Marine Parade Lyme Regis DT7 3JF

Dine at Swim

For a proper meal with a view, Swim is one of our favourite beachfront spots in Lyme. Whether it’s brunch with sea views or dinner watching the sun set behind the Cobb, it’s hard to beat the location. The menu has something for everyone, from burgers to, (in their own words) write-home-about sandwiches and cocktails. It’s family-friendly (with a fab kids menu) relaxed, and stylish without trying too hard.

Bonus Tips

• Parking: It can get busy, especially in summer, we usually head to Charmouth Road car park and walk down.
• Picnic Spot: Langmoor Gardens has a beautiful view and benches to sit with a snack or picnic.
• Mini golf fan: If you are you can find a 18 hole mini golf course in Lister Gardens. This is a great spot to enjoy the panoramic views across Lyme Bay.
• Rainy Days: Town Mill has art galleries and a lovely little café – their cakes are a winner!

Enjoy!

Love Sarah x