Lyme-Regis  is the most westerly town in Dorset the town is situated at the mouth of a small river called the Lym. The town has a very long and distinguished history and we find the first mention of the town was in the 6th century The entry for the town in the Domesday Book of 1088 reads, 'The West Saxon King Cynolf' granted rights to the manor and salt mining rights to Shereborne Abbey". Yes Lyme-Regis can proudly trace it's history to the Saxon period, Lyme as it was called at that time consisted of 3 separate manors. In 1284, the town was granted a royal charter by Edward Ist, and Regis in honor of the King was added to the towns name and so became the town of Lyme-Regis, the name we know it as to-day. From the time of King Edward 111, Lyme-Regis was dependent on a small artificial harbour called the Cobb: which was built across the mouth of the River Lym. This artificial harbour consisted of timber and stone and was in a constant state of repair for it was often damaged by storms that ravaged the Dorset coast. The stones were actually huge boulders, called cow-stones, brought to the site by being floated on a raft of barrels, the boulders were then stacked loose between oak piles a very painstaking and labor intensive operation, but as Lyms existence depended solely on the Cob there was no alternative.. The Cobb was initially detached from the shore at high tide to let shingle through, which in turn formed protective banks or natural sea defenses. In 1377 a very sever gale carried away the Cob and Lyme-Regis flooded 50 boats, and 80 buildings were destroyed. So in 1820, work began to construct a stronger and safer harbour using Portland stone.

Lyme-Regis is located in a area of out-standing natural beauty, and is renowned for it's dramatic setting, genial climate, and of course fossils, fossil hunters come from far and wide to hunt for fossils on the beaches of West Dorsets famous Jurassic Coast. Beach combing is also a very interesting an d exciting way to spend a few hours of one's time for an awful lot of flotsam, and jetsam finds it's way on to the beaches surrounding Lyme-Regis The Town has successfully managed to remain a beautiful, historic, unspoiled little place successfully combining both a seaside resort, alongside a working fishing port. With the windy streets rising steeply from the sea, and  River Lym flowing gently through the very heart of the town, and all around you will find small shops, galleries, studios,cafés and pub, it is a very picturesque place indeed. The town itself has many fine buildings with long histories, the Guildhall which has been the seat of the town council since the town was granted that royal charter.

In 2001, a ten year project to restore the Old Town Mill built in 1340, was completed and the historic mill and is now a fully restored working water mill, the mill and the original miller's garden, is surrounded a selection of art galleries, a working pottery, craft studios, a restaurant, bakery, visitor's shop, all making a visit a must on the holiday-makers itinerary. So fossil hunting aside what else does Lyme-Regis offer the visitor, well the Town is not known as the pearl of Dorset for nothing.Walkers are in heaven for there are nearly 300 beautiful walks, which cater for serious walkers or holiday makers just out for a gentle stroll in the delightful stunning countryside. Water sports such as windsurfing scuba diving and off shore reef, and wreck diving, plus sailing are catered for, anglers; can either sea fish or coarse fish on the many inland lakes. It does not matter what age you are this visitors attraction, Dinosaurland Fossil Museum, in Lyme Regis, will appeal to you. Whether you enjoy strolling along the sea front taking the sea air or more energetic pursuits this is the place for you, Lyme-Regis has despite it's trials and tribulations remained a friendly welcoming town with a rich history with plenty to see and explore
Yes Lyme-Regis has every right in my opinion to call it's-self the jewel in Dorset's crown with it's long history quaint buildings wonderful location and numerous activities it is the ideal place to enjoy your holiday.!

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