Lyme Regis with little ones: A baby break on the Dorset coast
Compact but oozing with charm, Lyme Regis is a Georgian gem on the Dorset coast. This traditional seaside town is a multi-faceted delight that makes a great base for a beach break with a baby or toddlers. It’s packed with plenty to see and do, stunning geology and bucketloads of character that makes it stand out in the south-west.
There’s something enchanting about Lyme Regis. We’re spoiled for choice when it comes to seaside towns in the UK, so it takes somewhere special to keep calling me back time and time again. But Lyme Regis does. This time, our trip looked very different to those that came before – we had our six month old with us. Somehow, it still seemed the perfect fit for all three of us. Of course it helped that the sun shone, little girl had a whale of a time and I’d not stayed away from home in almost a year … but truly, Lyme Regis is always a good idea.
In this post, I’ll share a little more about this delightful seaside town on the Dorset coast, why I think you’ll love it (especially if you’re planning to visit Lyme Regis with a baby or small children) and what to do here. It punches well above its weight when it comes to things to explore relative to its compact size, making it ideal for a weekend break or even longer stay. Let’s get started.
There’s no AI here! Every post on Travels with a Saddle Bag is written by myself and based on my own travels. This post was published in April 2025 and is based on my visit to Lyme Regis in August 2024 (plus previous trips).
A little about Lyme Regis
Dorset’s Jurassic coast is a beautiful landscape of rolling hills and dramatic cliffs set alongside the sea. This stretch of coastline is peppered with charming seaside towns, fabulous beaches and hidden bays – and somehow manages to feel uncrowded and unspoilt for much of the year, as if others have failed to spot just how brilliant this part of the south west is. Nearby Devon captures all the attention, whilst west Dorset remains a secret to all but those in the know.
The town of Lyme Regis sits in a small but steep-sided valley where the river Lim trickles down towards the sea in Lyme Bay. It began life as a modest, but successful, fishing port but started to draw a tourist crowd in the late Georgian and early Victorian period. In more recent years the town has grown to accommodate more visitors and locals alike, meaning that even outside of peak season it feels alive and welcoming. It’s not overwhelmingly geared towards tourists yet you’ll find much to do.
Its charms lie in its multiple facets. By the waterside you’ll find steep cliffs rich in fossils – but also teeming rock pools and a glorious sandy beach. The Cobb, a granite breakwater that shelters the town’s harbour, is still home to local fishermen who pull in a daily catch. The vibrant high street offers Victorian architecture, independent shops and eateries. And if you want to head just a little further afield, you’ll find woodland walks, access to the south west coast path and smaller – but no less charming – villages.
What to do in Lyme Regis with a baby (or little ones)
We visited with a six month old, and Lyme Regis felt like the perfect destination for a short break with a little one this age. Most of the town, including the seafront, is easily accessible with a pram or buggy. We also like to use our BabyBjorn carrier as another way to get about as it’s ideal for walking on footpaths or the beach.
1. Explore the waterfront and Cobb
There’s a surprising amount to discover along the waterfront in Lyme Regis. On the eastern side of the bay, tall cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop to a rocky beach teeming with rock pools. Accessible via a paved promenade, this is where Lyme Regis came to fame (thanks to the extraordinary Mary Anning) in the nineteenth century. These cliffs are rich in fossils and you’ll spot tour groups with hammers in hand seeking out more. Getting down onto the beach here is tricky without a baby carrier, but for more mobile toddlers it’s a treasure trove of marine life (in the rockpools) and prehistoric life (at the foot of the cliffs).
Towards the west of the bay, you’ll find a wide arc of sandy beach and shallow waters. Again accessed by paved promenade, it’s perfect for picnics, play and paddling. Behind the beach you’ll find ice cream vendors, beach huts and a few excellent eating spots.
Continue past this beach and you’ll reach the Cobb. A solid breakwater, this sweep of stone creates a safe harbour for fishing boats and shelters the west of the bay from storms and fierce winter winds. Walk along here to the Georgian buildings at the end to see fishermen landing their catch, local gig rowers preparing their boats and look back towards the pretty seashore.
2. Meander along the High Street
As seaside high streets go, Lyme Regis has one of the nicest. The Victorian buildings are packed with independent shops and cafes, and whilst you’ll find a fair few High Street favorites it has enough unique finds to make it feel a little more special than home. Amid Idols and Giants at the top of the High Street never fails to disappoint for high quality coffee and cakes. Its compact size is more than made up for in comfort.
3. Go to the beach
On a warm, sunny day Lyme Regis is a genuinely delightful spot for a beach trip. The sandy section between the High Street and the Cobb is most popular with families for good reason. The water is usually shallow enough for a good paddle (but deeper further out for a great sea swim for adults, if parents are happy to take turns), and always very clean on my visits. It’s also lifeguarded and has easy access to beachside toilets and showers.
Forgotten your beach toys? Never fear. Locals run an excellent initiative encouraging folks to leave unwanted items in a designated spot for others to borrow for their beach break.
4. Discover Town Mill
Converted in recent years from an abandoned mill and its outbuildings, this pretty courtyard area is just a stone’s throw from the beach. You’ll find a few independent shops and eateries here, as well as Lyme Regis Brewery. The taproom serves excellent beers, and with the courtyard area safely pedestrianised (and family friendly) it’s a good stop for a drink with a baby or toddlers.
5. Take a walk
Provided you’re up for walking a couple miles with your little one, there are some great short walks from Lyme Regis. Following the river upstream takes you first through some of the prettiest parts of town and on to the nearby village of Uplyme. About a mile and half in distance, it’s a delightfully varied route. Most of the route can be accessed with a buggy, with only a short set of steps near Uplyme (an off-road buggy or baby carrier comes in handy here).
Closer to home, don’t forget to explore the terraced gardens above Marine Parade. The paths and woodland walk are buggy friendly (provided you don’t mind a bit of uphill) and offer charming views over the Cobb and beach.
Short trips out from Lyme Regis
One of the reasons we find ourselves drawn to Lyme Regis time and time again is that it’s a fantastic base from which to explore the west Dorset coast. If you’re here for more than a day or two it’s well-worth checking out a few neighbours for a half day or more.
Bridport
Highly recommendable for a morning mooch, the delightful market town of Bridport is awash with coffee shops and brunch spots. If your little one likes the hum of an espresso machine and the buzz of a cafe, this is an excellent spot to stroll. The high street is packed with gorgeous Georgian townhouses, independent shops and cafes. The Saturday farmers and vintage market has an excellent reputation.
For a longer day out, consider walking down to the sea at West Bay (where Broadchurch was filmed) approximately two miles away. A footpath winds through nearby fields (fun for toddlers who enjoy muddy puddles). Alternatively, follow the old railway line – now an excellent, fully accessible path that’s perfect for prams.
Charmouth
Just two miles from Lyme Regis, ‘over the hill’ if you will, the pretty village of Charmouth is a much quieter seaside destination. You won’t find much along its main street but the waterfront is ideal for families. The river Char intersects the pebbly beach here, creating a shallow area of water that’s ideal for paddling and pottering with toddlers. The grassy river banks provide an excellent picnic spot.
Seatown
Not to be confused with the larger Seaton nearby, Seatown is ostensibly a stunning pebbled beach. Stroll along here or from Chideock approximately one mile away (accessed on a paved and extremely quiet road) and enjoy a pub lunch at the consistently brilliant Anchor Inn on the waterfront. Booking is very much advised as their outdoor terrace with sea views is in hot demand amongst those in the know. Alternatively stop by for a late afternoon/early evening drink – autumn sunsets here are sublime.
Seaton tramway
Perfect for inquisitive toddlers, the Seaton heritage tramline runs from Colyton to Seaton through pretty villages and wetlands. Whilst older little ones will get more from this trip, we found it to be very baby-friendly with pushchairs easily accommodated. There isn’t an awful lot to see and do in Seaton aside from a stroll along the seafront but the journey more than makes up for this.
Where to eat and drink with a baby or toddler in Lyme Regis
There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to eating out in Lyme Regis. Restaurants, pubs and high-quality takeaways are abundant. We’ve found the key to good food on trips with a little one (so far) is to eat early in the evening, or grab a good takeaway once she’s asleep. Here are some of our tried-and-tested spots that are positively baby-friendly;
Lyme Bay Fish Bar | 34 Coombe Street
Whilst the menu is standard chip shop fare, the food is very good and one of the better places I’ve found for a traditional chippy tea. Grab and go so you can eat wherever suits you as a family.
Swim | Marine Parade
With a stunning seafront location, you can’t miss Swim as you walk along the promenade. There’s plenty of room for prams and buggies inside and out, and they serve a menu of quality pub classics all day from noon. Booking recommended, especially if you want a sea view.
Poco Pizza | 29 Marine Parade
My absolute favourite spot in Lyme Regis. Poco is hidden away near the Cobb. Located on the first floor it may not sound family-friendly, but provided your little one is happy in a high chair or on your lap you can leave your buggy by the door (there was quite a stack when we visited). Choose to eat inside or on the covered roof terrace which offers fabulous views across the beach. The food is outstanding and the staff made us, and little girl, feel very welcome. Serving from 5pm, I recommend booking well in advance to grab this early evening slot.
Lyme Regis travel resources
How to get to Lyme Regis
It’s easiest by road. Lyme Regis is just off the A35, accessed either by the M27 and then A31 if coming from the east, or M5 if coming from the west. Rail services run from London to Axminster, 6 miles away, where you can take a local bus service or taxi to Lyme Regis.
Where to stay in Lyme Regis
As the town isn’t huge, location isn’t key here. Airbnb has helped us find some great properties for previous stays. On this trip we stayed at Lymeleigh, a perfectly appointed self-catering studio on the edge of town that had plenty of room for a travel cot.
How to get around Lyme Regis
Parking can be tight near the seafront so we prefer to explore on foot. There are some car-free walking routes through town that are great with little ones.
Why we love Lyme Regis with a baby
I can’t recommend this charming Dorset town more for a seaside sojourn with your tiny person(s). It offers plenty to do with little ones, but isn’t so large that you feel overwhelmed or disappointed that you can’t squeeze everything in. It’s the best of both – a location whose simple pleasures won’t fail to please adults of any age, but will equally delight small children. And as for very little ones, there’s scope for plenty of new experiences for them to wonder at. There’s a little something for everyone, whether you’re after sand and sea, cosy coffee shops, countryside strolls or aperitifs on an early evening (just like those child-free days!).
We’ll be back – I can’t wait to explore more once we’re on two feet and can paddle and play.
