West Dorset

Lyme Regis's literary associations (Jane Austen, John Fowles etc) and its royal patronage have helped it maintain a genteel, old world ambience quite unlike any other beach resort. It has a characterful selection of shops, restaurants and pubs on its steep streets above the beach and harbour plus many notable buildings. Tourist facilities include boat trips and guided fossil hunting and the excellent museum.

Lyme's famous Cobb protects the sandy town beach and divides it from a quieter one to the west. The Jurassic Coast either side is backed by unstable cliffs which reveal new fossils all year round. Further west is Rousdon which is a private estate with its own private beach. Charmouth to the east is only a half hour walk along the beach at low tide or five minutes drive along the bypass. From here and beyond Golden Cap (618 ft) the highest point along the Dorset Coast are the villages of Seatown and Chideock.

Bridport/West Bay is an attractive Georgian town famous for ropemaking, near the mouth of the River Brit. Though small it has all facilities including supermarkets and abundant pubs (Palmers Brewery run tours). There is a museum, restored art deco cinema with brasserie and bar plus a lively street market on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

After the spectacular 618 ft Golden Cap above Seatown, the Jurassic Coast Path continues on high cliffs with sea views eastward to Portland and westward all the way to Devon. After Eype, it descends to the charming little harbour at West Bay near Bridport then over cliffs again to Burton Bradstock (beach access). Beyond are marsh areas - habitat for many birds. West Bexington has beach access and a hotel with bar/restaurant The beach is mainly shingle, occasionally sand and forms a continuous sweep from Chesil Bank to Seatown. The nearest sandy beaches are at Lyme Regis and Charmouth.