Experiencing Winter in Lyme Regis
Winter for us in Lyme Regis is one of frosty mornings, windy walks and wild storms beating against The Cobb, once that’s been paired with a cosy trip to the pub and a relaxing meal out, what’s not to love! We truly are spoilt for choice nestled on the Jurassic coast, unlike similar places in the UK during the ‘off season’ Lyme retains its wonderful charm and is still filled with a lovely hustle & bustle about town feel.
At Lyme Regis Stays, we are especially lucky, with 10 of our wonderful stays located centrally in Lyme, everything is in walking distance, cafes, pubs, restaurants, shops, the beach and our very own Marine Theatre (which runs events throughout Winter!). Our stays offer the perfect place to relax for an idyllic winter holiday and to show you just how lively Lyme is during the so called ‘off season’ we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite things to do over Winter to truly show the magic of Lyme Regis!
Exploring the Jurassic Coast
Lyme Regis is nestled along the Jurassic Coastline, an incredible 95-mile long stretch filled with prehistoric charm and treasure. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s sure to take your breath away, which is does for us time and time again. Whether it’s simply looking out towards Golden Cap from the beach or delving into the Coastal Paths that zigzag their way up and down our coastline, we adore it!
It’s charm takes on a lovely rugged edge in winter, nothing is more exhilarating than hiking along the coast with the brisk wind stinging your cheeks whilst marvelling at the uniqueness of the Jurassic coastline.
It’s so special that Lonely Planet declared the stretch of beach between Charmouth & Lyme Regis the best beach to visit in Winter 2023, and a close 2nd place in 2024 beating the black sand Reynisfjara Beach in Iceland and sandy stretches on the Coromandel Peninsula in New Zealand. It’s the perfect place to have your very own Jurassic Adventure and enjoy the outdoors in a Winter Getaway.
2. Lyme Regis Museum & Fossil Trips
Tying into exploring the wonders of the Jurassic Coast, a trip to the Lyme Regis Museum and bagging a spot on one of their fossil walks in a ‘must do’ activity when visiting Lyme Regis this winter.
Perched overlooking Lyme Bay, the Museum is the perfect place to explore over 200 million years of history and really get you inspired to find your own Jurassic treasures.
Perfect for both adults and families their Fossil Walks are a great starting point for the budding fossil hunter that resides in each of us! Not only do you get a guide to fossil hunt with, but you also get to hear all about the wonderful fossil hunter Mary Anning and fascinating facts about the Jurassic geology that makes up this wonderful coastline.
Located a few minutes walk away from our properties on Sherbourne Lane, it’s the perfect activity to engage all ages if you fancy a winter holiday with the kids this year!
3. Jane Austen & The Cobb
Lyme Regis has an incredibly colourful history with links to a vary of notable figures, from royalty to business, however one of the most famous would be the novelist Jane Austen. In the 19th century Lyme Regis became a hub of activity for summer visitors and people flocked to the British shores, Jane Austen herself was one such visitor and recalled her visits to Lyme with wonderful affection.
For those of you who love to delve into Austen’s literature, a trip to Lyme Regis to experience the same paths that Jane walked is a must! Nothing is as refreshing as strolling along the top of The Cobb, with the waves beating the walls below you and the sea stretched out before you. It truly is a delight for all and extra special for Austen admirers.
We are also fortunate to have Austen’s Garret as one of our wonderful stays, a place Jane Austen herself stayed during her visits to Lyme. With its panoramic views overlooking the Lyme Bay, it is easy to see how she found such wonderful inspiration in Lyme Regis and the impact this had on her novel, Persuasions.
“So much novelty and beauty! I have travelled so little, that every fresh place would be interesting to me; but there is real beauty at Lyme” - Jane Austen
4. Hiring a Beach Hut
A new favourite activity of ours! If you’ve ever walked along the beachfront you’ll have past the rows of iconic pastel-coloured huts nestled together on the lower seafront that are available to hire. For only £6 a day in Winter, why not load up some blankets and head down to the seafront to spend a day gazing out across Lyme Bay or reading a book in the fresh air.
If you’re feeling brave it also gives you the perfect base to have a brisk dip in the sea, before retreating back up to the pastel huts. Add in a toasty coffee or even a bottle of wine during your beach hut adventure and you’ll be in for a perfect treat!
5. Grab a Bite to Eat
There are so many incredible foodie choices that are open during Winter in Lyme Regis, it truly shows that even in the ‘off-season’ Lyme retains it’s hustle & bustle charm! Whether you’re in Lyme as a couple and fancy a romantic meal out, or are visiting on a family holiday and want something for fussy little ones, you’ll be sure to find the perfect meal out in Lyme.
There’s almost too many to recount but we have to give a shout out to some of our favourites, The Strawberry Tree, Lilac, The Lyme Bay and The Millside all of which are open during Winter and located only a few minutes walk from most of our stays in the centre of Lyme Regis! They are some of our favourite picks for treating yourselves to both a wonderful meal and experience, our mouths are already watering looking at the amazing dishes available in Lyme. For little ones & young families we have a whole host of restaurants on our Eat, Rest & Play page that are also open during Winter!
6. Discover the History of Lyme Regis
Lyme Regis has a wonderfully unique and rich History, embedded throughout the ages in both fact & fiction it really is a stand alone spot on the Jurassic Coastline! If you fancy wandering down the historical lanes of Lyme Regis and discovering something new Lyme Regis Museum do some wonderful guided town history walks which are a great way to learn more about this lovely town whilst also experiencing a fun day out. We loved exploring the hidden history of Lyme and walking the same cobbled streets that our wonderful guide recounted in his historical telling’s!
7. Pop into The Artisan Quarter
The creative heart of Lyme Regis is a truly unique area nestled in the Old Town, it’s cobbled courtyard instantly captures your attention before you set out to explore the watermill, art gallery and a selection of wonderful artisan businesses. The flow doesn’t stop in Winter, the potters wheel continues to spin, the art gallery hosts a wonderful art programme and the barrels of beer at Lyme Regis Microbrewery are as crisp and fresh as ever!
Wander along Coombe Street as you make your way to the Artisan Quarter as it’s meandering lane takes you straight to Sherbourne Lane, with the elegant ‘Blue Shutter’ Mill perched overlooking the River Lym, we think it’s one of the most picturesque spots in town (we might be bias!).
8. Go for a Swim, Sauna & Sip
For those feeling brave enough or for those who enjoy embracing the chill of the sea, Lyme Regis is the perfect spot to make the most of the open water in Winter. We love to book a session at Shoreline Sauna, a lovely locally run business, located in the perfect spot next to the beach. Warming up in the toasty sauna before going for a reinvigorating dip in the sea is a truly wonderful experience, rinse & repeat and you’ll feel all & any stress melt away!
After a refreshing session we then head on over to one of our favourite cafes, Kiosk, to grab a coffee & bagel and sink into one of their iconic orange deckchairs scattered about the pebbles. Nothing is better than holding a toasty drink whilst overlooking the Jurassic Coast!
9. Catch a Show at Marine Theatre
Located right on the seafront you’ll find our very own Marine Theatre, a venue that isn’t just limited to plays but hosts bands, comedians and other events! From a “Midsummer Lyme’s Dream” to the ‘Lyme Regis Comedy Club” you’ll be sure to find something that takes your fancy during your stay. Located a short stroll along the cobbled streets, its location is perfectly situated to gaze out across the Jurassic Coastline. As the Marine Theatre runs a busy programme all-year-round, it’s the perfect destination in Winter to watch some fantastic entertainment.
As you can see, Lyme Regis truly is a bustling town all year round, we are very fortunate to be located in such a remarkable place! With the majority of our stays located centrally, it’s the perfect place to explore a winter getaway.
