Fossils, Beaches, The Cobb & Everything You Need to Know
If you’re staying in Sidmouth and looking for somewhere to explore for the day, Lyme Regis should be high on your list.
Sitting just across the Devon-Dorset border at the heart of the Jurassic Coast, this historic seaside town is famous for its fossils, beaches, independent shops and iconic harbour. It’s close enough to Sidmouth for an easy day trip, yet has a character all of its own.
Whether you want to hunt for fossils, walk along The Cobb, spend a few hours on the beach or simply find a great spot for lunch, there’s plenty to fill a day.
Here’s everything you need to know about planning a day trip from the Bedford Hotel to Lyme Regis.
How Far is Lyme Regis from Sidmouth?
Lyme Regis is around a 30-minute drive from Sidmouth, making it an easy destination for a morning, afternoon or full day out.
For keen walkers, there’s another option: you can technically walk from Sidmouth to Lyme Regis along the South West Coast Path.
However, this isn’t a gentle stroll. The route is approximately 17 miles, passing through some challenging sections of the East Devon coastline and the Undercliff National Nature Reserve before reaching Lyme Regis. It’s a fantastic adventure for experienced walkers, but you’ll need most of the day, suitable footwear, plenty of water and a plan for getting back to Sidmouth afterwards.
For a leisurely day exploring Lyme Regis itself, we’d recommend driving.
Where Should You Park in Lyme Regis?
There are several car parks around Lyme Regis, and where you choose will depend on how far you’d like to walk.
Holmbush Car Park and Charmouth Road Car Park are useful long-stay options if you’re planning to spend most of the day in town. Both are around a 10–15 minute walk from the seafront, although it’s worth remembering that Lyme Regis is hilly!
If you want to be closer to the harbour and beach, Monmouth Beach Car Park is another convenient option, with a relatively level walk towards The Cobb and Marine Parade.
There are also short-stay spaces closer to the centre, but these are better suited to shorter visits.
During the summer and school holidays, Lyme Regis can become particularly busy, so arriving earlier in the day is worthwhile.
Start with a Walk Along The Cobb
Once you’ve arrived, make your way towards Lyme Regis’ most famous landmark: The Cobb.
This historic harbour wall has protected the town for centuries and has become one of the most recognisable sights on the Jurassic Coast. It also has some impressive literary connections, appearing in Jane Austen’s Persuasion and John Fowles’ The French Lieutenant’s Woman.
Walk out along the harbour wall for wonderful views back towards the town and along the coastline. On a clear day, it’s a lovely spot to stop, take in the scenery and watch the boats coming and going.
Go Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Lyme Regis is synonymous with fossils, and for good reason.
The cliffs surrounding the town form part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and have produced some extraordinary prehistoric discoveries. Lyme’s most famous fossil hunter, Mary Anning, made several hugely important discoveries here during the early 19th century.
Today, visitors can still search the beaches for ammonites and other fossils washed from the cliffs.
If you’re new to fossil hunting, joining a guided walk is a great idea. Lyme Regis Museum runs expert-led fossil walks exploring the town’s East Beach and Black Ven, where guides explain what to look for, the area’s geology and Mary Anning’s remarkable story.
Remember never to dig into the cliffs themselves. Rockfalls are a natural part of this constantly changing coastline, so keep well away from the cliff face and follow local safety advice.
Visit Lyme Regis Museum
Once you’ve tried finding a fossil of your own, discover the stories behind them at Lyme Regis Museum.
Appropriately, the museum stands on the site of Mary Anning’s former home and fossil shop. Inside, exhibitions explore the geology and fossils of the Jurassic Coast alongside the history and people of Lyme Regis.
It’s a particularly good addition to your itinerary if the weather isn’t playing ball—or if fossil hunting has left you wanting to know more.
Explore Lyme Regis’ Beaches
Lyme Regis has several beaches, each offering something slightly different.
Front Beach is the classic seaside choice, with a sandy section close to the town’s shops, cafés and restaurants. It’s a good option for families or anyone wanting to spend a couple of hours relaxing by the water.
Head towards Monmouth Beach and the scenery becomes wilder. This stretch is particularly well known for fossils, including the famous ammonite pavement visible at low tide.
If you’re planning to explore the shoreline, always check tide times beforehand.
Stop for Lunch
A day by the sea calls for a good lunch, and Lyme Regis has plenty of choices.
For something relaxed, you’ll find cafés, fish and chips and casual places to eat around Marine Parade and the town centre.
For a longer lunch, Eat at Millside is tucked away in the historic Town Mill area and is a lovely option if food is going to be a highlight of your visit.
Alternatively, The Lyme Bay sits close to the seafront and is well placed for lunch before continuing your explorations.
There are plenty of independent options throughout the town, so it’s worth having a wander and seeing what takes your fancy.
Discover the Town Mill
Away from the busy seafront, the historic Town Mill area reveals another side of Lyme Regis.
The restored watermill dates back centuries and sits amongst a collection of independent galleries, artisan businesses and places to eat and drink. The mill itself returned to milling grain in 2001 after an extensive restoration.
It’s an atmospheric little corner of the town and somewhere that’s easily missed if you stick entirely to the beach and promenade.
Browse the Independent Shops
Leave the seafront behind for a while and wander up Broad Street and through Lyme’s smaller lanes.
You’ll find independent boutiques, galleries, bookshops, fossil shops and plenty of places to pick up a souvenir from your visit.
Naturally, fossil shops feature heavily. Even if you haven’t managed to find your own ammonite on the beach, you certainly won’t struggle to find one to take home!
Finish with an Ice Cream by the Sea
Before heading back to Sidmouth, make time for one last walk along Marine Parade.
Grab an ice cream, find a bench overlooking the bay and enjoy the view before making the journey back to the Bedford Hotel.
Sometimes the best part of a day trip is simply having nowhere else you need to be.
Can You Walk from Sidmouth to Lyme Regis?
Yes—but we’d only recommend it for experienced and well-prepared walkers.
The South West Coast Path route from Sidmouth to Lyme Regis is roughly 17 miles. It takes you through some spectacular scenery, including Beer and the Undercliff National Nature Reserve, but there are strenuous sections and significant climbs and descents.
A more manageable alternative is to divide the journey. The official Coast Path itinerary separates Sidmouth to Beer (8.8 miles) and Beer to Lyme Regis (8.5 miles), making either section a substantial day walk in its own right.
If you do tackle the full route, arrange transport back to Sidmouth in advance rather than assuming you’ll want to walk another 17 miles home!
A Perfect Day Trip from Sidmouth
Lyme Regis offers something for almost everyone. History lovers can discover the extraordinary story of Mary Anning, families can hunt for fossils and enjoy the beach, walkers can experience the Jurassic Coast, and those looking for a slower day can simply browse the shops, enjoy lunch and wander along The Cobb.
And at only around half an hour from Sidmouth by car, you don’t have to rush.
Spend the day exploring, then return to the Bedford Hotel in time to put your feet up, enjoy dinner at Pynes Bar & Restaurant and watch the evening settle over Sidmouth Bay.
It’s one of the many reasons Sidmouth makes such a fantastic base for exploring the Jurassic Coast.
