Five reasons to spend a weekend in Lyme Regis

The Cobb’s prominent stone steps (referred to as Granny’s Teeth) are attributed to being the spot where Jane Austen’s character Louisa Musgrove flirts with Captain Wentworth in the novel Persuasion. The character jumps down the steps and ‘fell on the pavement on the Lower Cobb, and was taken up lifeless!’. There’s also the opportunity to reenact Fowles’ French Lieutenant’s Woman, which is set in the town.

Other famous literary visitors who gained inspiration from Lyme Regis include Alfred Lord Tennyson, G.K. Chesterton and J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Jurassic Coast runs along 95 miles of coastline from Dorset to east Devon and reveals a ‘walk through time’ spanning 185 million years of life on Earth. Go fossil hunting to find your own piece of prehistoric treasure. Such a vast collection of rock types makes for mind-boggling geology and the landscape is just as scenic as it is significant.

The local museum will take your fossil-hunting experience further as it hosts regular three-hour fossil walks throughout the day, offering expert insight into the history and geology of the region.

Head to the pontoon at the end of the Cobb to find Lyme RIB Rides, which offers both fast and slower-paced boat trips suitable for the whole family and large groups. Boat charters, bespoke trips and water-taxi rides are also available.

Join the hikers walking from Lyme Regis to Charmouth. This well-trodden five-mile circular walk climbs through woodlands and over the cliffs between the two seaside towns, returning along the beach. The views across the sea are stunning but it can be blustery in windy weather, so check the forecast and be sure to time your return with low tide. Look out for fossils on the way back!

The building that houses Rock Point is thought to be of Georgian origin from the late 1700s. It’s been closely associated with the wine and spirit trade from at least the early 19th century. The name ‘Rock Point’ was used as early as 1925.

During the second world war it was requisitioned by the armed forces, after which it became a hotel and bar once more. St Austell Brewery purchased the building and the adjoining fish and chip shop in 2018 after which it was completely restored and refurbished. It now provides a perfect base for those looking to explore the town, and serves up comfy rooms and good food and drinks with a side of sea air.