Lyme Regis Beaches

Overview

Lyme Regis offers a captivating seaside experience on England's stunning Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage site. While known for its dramatic cliffs and historic harbour, the Cobb, it's more than just a traditional sandy beach destination. Visitors find a charming mix of coastal walks, fascinating geology, and beaches ranging from the family-friendly sand and shingle of the main town beach to extensive pebble stretches famous worldwide. It's an ideal spot for those seeking adventure and discovery alongside relaxation by the sea.

The town's main beach, Lyme Regis Beach, provides easy access and areas suitable for swimming, especially popular with families. Just west of the harbour lies the world-renowned Monmouth Beach, a prime location for fossil hunters hoping to uncover treasures from millions of years ago, including the famous Ammonite Pavement. Nearby Charmouth Beach also offers excellent, family-friendly fossil hunting opportunities. For a slightly quieter fossil hunt closer to town, Church Cliff Beach is another popular spot.

Beyond the immediate town, the wider Jurassic Coast beckons. A day trip to see the magnificent natural arch of Durdle Door is a highlight for many visitors exploring the area's unique coastline. Whether you're keen on building sandcastles, searching for ancient fossils, or simply enjoying the coastal scenery, Lyme Regis provides a memorable base. For a comprehensive look at all the coastal spots nearby, explore our full guide to the area's beaches.

Top Beaches

FAQ

Is Lyme Regis a good place for a beach holiday?

Lyme Regis is a popular coastal destination known for its dramatic cliffs and historic harbour, offering a classic seaside experience. While it has beaches, it's particularly famous for fossil hunting along the Jurassic Coast. It suits visitors looking for a mix of beach time, coastal walks, fossil hunting, and exploring a charming town, rather than just a fly-and-flop sandy beach holiday.

Is Lyme Regis good for families with children?

Yes, Lyme Regis is generally considered very family-friendly. Town Beach offers sand (especially at low tide) and safe swimming areas, while the thrill of fossil hunting on Monmouth or Church Cliff beaches appeals to children's sense of adventure. The town also has attractions like the aquarium and dinosaur museums.

Monmouth Beach

Can you swim in the sea at Lyme Regis?

Yes, swimming is popular at Lyme Regis, particularly at Town Beach which often has designated safe swimming zones, especially during summer. Water quality is generally good, but check local signage or apps like Surfers Against Sewage for the latest updates. Monmouth Beach is also used for swimming, though it's pebbly.

Monmouth Beach

Which beach is best for finding fossils in Lyme Regis?

Monmouth Beach, west of The Cobb, and Church Cliff Beach, east of the town centre, are generally considered the best and safest beaches for fossil hunting. East Cliff Beach also yields fossils but can be prone to landslips and access restrictions. Always check tide times and safety warnings before heading out.

Monmouth Beach

Where is best to stay for easy beach access in Lyme Regis?

Staying in the central part of Lyme Regis town provides the easiest walking access to Town Beach and Monmouth Beach via The Cobb. Numerous cottages, guesthouses, and hotels are located in the town centre, though proximity often comes with higher prices and potential parking challenges.

See the full list of accommodation options here.

Monmouth Beach

Are dogs allowed on Lyme Regis beaches?

Dog restrictions vary by beach and time of year. Generally, dogs are allowed on Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff Beach, and East Cliff Beach year-round. However, restrictions apply on the main sandy Town Beach and Cobb Gate Beach, typically banning dogs from May to September. Always check local signage for current rules.

Monmouth Beach

What's the difference between Town Beach and Monmouth Beach?

Town Beach is the main central beach, featuring sand (especially at low tide) mixed with pebbles, easy access, amenities, and lifeguards in season, making it popular for families and swimming. Monmouth Beach, west of the harbour, is predominantly pebbles, famous for fossil hunting (including the Ammonite Pavement), and generally quieter.

Monmouth Beach

Is Lyme Regis sandy or pebbly?

Lyme Regis offers a mix. Town Beach has areas of sand, particularly towards the Cobb end and especially noticeable at low tide, mixed with shingle and pebbles. Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff, and East Cliff beaches are predominantly pebble and shingle, known more for fossils than sand.

Monmouth Beach

People Also Ask

What's the best time to go fossil hunting in Lyme Regis?

The best time for fossil hunting is during a falling tide, ideally heading towards low tide, especially after rough weather or storms which can expose new fossils. Winter months often yield more finds due to coastal erosion, but require caution. Always check tide tables and weather forecasts.

Is parking difficult near the beaches in Lyme Regis?

Parking in Lyme Regis, especially near the beaches during peak season (summer, school holidays) and weekends, can be challenging and expensive. There are several car parks (e.g., Monmouth Beach, Holmbush, Charmouth Road), but they fill up quickly. Arriving early or using park and ride services (if available) is recommended.

Monmouth Beach

Where is the Ammonite Pavement?

The Ammonite Pavement, also known as the 'Ammonite Graveyard', is a natural feature located on Monmouth Beach, west of The Cobb harbour wall. It's best viewed at low tide when the sea retreats to reveal the large ammonite fossils embedded in the limestone ledge.

Monmouth Beach

Are there lifeguards on Lyme Regis beaches?

RNLI Lifeguards typically patrol the main Town Beach during the peak summer season (usually July and August, sometimes extending into weekends in June and September). Other beaches like Monmouth Beach and Church Cliff Beach are generally not lifeguarded. Always check local information for specific dates and patrol areas.

Monmouth Beach

Can you walk between the different beaches?

You can easily walk between Town Beach and Monmouth Beach via the promenade and The Cobb. Accessing Church Cliff Beach involves walking east from the town centre. East Cliff Beach access can be variable due to coastal erosion and may involve rougher paths or be restricted; check local safety notices.

Monmouth Beach

Are there quieter beaches near Lyme Regis?

While Lyme Regis can be busy, Church Cliff Beach tends to be quieter than the main Town Beach. For significantly quieter experiences, exploring further along the coast towards Charmouth (east) or Seaton (west) might offer less crowded spots, though accessibility varies.

Lyme Regis or Charmouth for fossil hunting?

Both Lyme Regis (Monmouth Beach, Church Cliff) and nearby Charmouth Beach are excellent, world-renowned locations for fossil hunting. Charmouth has a dedicated Heritage Coast Centre focused on fossils and is often considered slightly easier for finding smaller, loose fossils, especially for beginners and children. Lyme Regis offers the iconic Ammonite Pavement and potentially larger finds within the rocks.

Charmouth Beach

Monmouth Beach