Lyme Regis - The Pearl of Dorset

Dorset is a county of sweeping landscapes, dramatic seascapes, noble country houses, thatched cottages and picturesque towns and villages that have inspired authors and writers throughout the centuries, from Thomas Hardy and John Constable to John Fowles ('The French Lieutenant's Woman' was filmed in and around Lyme Regis).

World Heritage Site

Popularly known as ‘The Jurassic Coast’, one of the most beautiful and impressive stretches of England’s shore, much of the coastline is designated a ‘World Heritage Site’. Because of cliff erosion, Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous rock strata are clearly visible in the cliff-face. It is said that a walk along the coast is an almost unbroken journey through 185 million years of geological time. Fossils, washed out of the cliff, lie on the beaches waiting to be found.

History of Lyme Regis

Lyme Regis, the Pearl of Dorset, is set into this landscape. The sea has been central to the development of the town. 8th century monks evaporated sea water to make salt; Cromwell fortified the town because of its strategic importance; the Duke of Monmouth landed here when returning from exile to lead a revolt against James I. (The rebellion was quashed, and twelve men hung on the spot where the Duke first set foot on English soil. The site was later called Monmouth Beach, where the Boat Building Academy now stands).

In the 18th century the industrial revolution took business to the North of England and ships became too large to berth at The Cobb, or harbour, in Lyme Regis. The population of the town dropped, and the only growth industry was smuggling. But then, in the 19th century, Lyme became important as a tourist town, and this importance continues today.

Present Day

Because of its history, and position as one of the ‘gateway’ towns on the Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis has unique character and charm. With its steep, narrow streets and Georgian architecture, it has a pace of life difficult to find anywhere else at the beginning of the 21st century. The town has a vibrant group of small galleries and studios, a 1930’s cinema and a small theatre overlooking the sea where the local drama, opera and pantomime societies, as well as professional companies, put on their productions. The town band play on the esplanade, the majorettes march at the head of every procession, the football team play every week in The Perry Street League and everyone hears the flares go up when the lifeboat is called out. There is a great sense of community in Lyme Regis.

On Monmouth Beach, at the Boat Building Academy, you are part of that community.