Name: Lyme Regis Museum
Rating: 5.0

Lyme Regis Museum

Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QA, UK

1-99 Years

Paid

Description

Lyme Regis Philpot Museum is situated in the town of Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, England. It is a registered charity under English law. It is built on the site of the former home of the palaeontologist Mary Anning, which existed until 1826.

Explore with the exhibition is brought right up-to-date with amazing local modern finds including the second ever specimen of a very rare new plesiosaur that was the ancestor of Attenborough’s ‘Sea Rex’.

Price starts from £9.95 for Adults, £6.95 for Children(5-17 years & under 5s free) and £18.95 for Family(1 Adults and up to 3 children). If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Key Features

World-Class Fossil Collection: Explore the Jurassic Coast’s treasures, including the remarkable finds of Mary Anning.
Interactive Family Activities: Participate in seasonal, drop-in craft sessions and educational workshops during school holidays.
Local History Galleries: Discover the town’s evolution, from its maritime past to its influential literary connections.
Educational Day Out: Gain a deeper understanding of geology and palaeontology through exhibits designed to spark curiosity.

Top Highlights

The Mary Anning Wing: Explore the life and legacy of the legendary fossil hunter who changed the world of science from these very beaches.
Jurassic Coast Displays: Get up close with genuine fossils that tell the story of the prehistoric creatures that once roamed this coastline.
The Fossil ID Station: Perfect for young explorers who want to learn how to identify the treasures they find during a walk on the beach.
Literary Connections: Learn about the town’s impact on famous authors like Jane Austen and John Fowles through curated exhibits.
Maritime History: See the displays detailing the importance of the Cobb and Lyme Regis’s long-standing connection to the sea.

Facilities

Toilets: Accessible facilities are available on-site.
Buggy Parking: The museum is accessible, with space to navigate galleries comfortably.
Food: The museum is located in the town centre, surrounded by local cafes and restaurants.
Gift Shop: Features a range of fossil-themed souvenirs and educational books.

Pro-Tips

Check the Tides: If you plan to go fossil hunting before or after your visit, always check tide times for safety.
Book Fossil Walks: The museum organizes daily fossil walks (subject to tides); booking in advance via their website is highly recommended.
Visit Mid-Week: To avoid weekend crowds, plan your visit for a Tuesday or Wednesday.

Targeted FAQ

Is it worth it for toddlers? The museum is very accessible and the fossil displays are visually engaging for toddlers, but the most value is found for primary-school-aged children who can join in the fossil hunting and craft sessions.
How long does a visit take? Most families spend between 1.5 and 2.5 hours at the museum, which is enough time to view the collections and browse the gift shop.
Where is the best place to park? The Charmouth Road and Holmbush car parks are the best long-stay options; please be aware these are a 10-minute walk from the seafront.

The Visitor Verdict: What Parents Really Think
What Visitors Love

The fossil identification sessions are highly valued, with staff often cited as being great with children.
The location is incredibly convenient, making it easy to combine a museum visit with a walk on the beach.
The museum size is perfect—it is large enough to be interesting but small enough to manage easily with younger children.

What Visitors Don't Like

Limited space during peak holiday periods can make the galleries feel quite busy.
Some visitors find that without a formal café inside the museum, they have to move quickly to find lunch nearby.

What to see

Detailed Inventory: Museum Collections

Mary Anning’s Fossil Finds: A dedicated selection of specimens discovered by the famous local pioneer.
Ammonites & Belemnites: A wide range of Jurassic-period fossils showcasing local biodiversity.
Local Maritime Artefacts: Nautical equipment and objects from the town's seafaring history.
Jane Austen Literary Archives: Documents and historical contexts relating to her time in Lyme Regis.
The 'Lyme Regis' 19th Century Paintings: A collection of historical artwork depicting the town’s development.
John Fowles’ Personal Items: Exhibits honouring the author of The French Lieutenant's Woman.
Edwardian Life Displays: A look at how the town functioned during the early 20th century.
Geological Maps: Detailed visual aids explaining the unique rock layers of the local coastline.

Beyond the Main Attraction

Fossil Hunting on the Beach: Head down to the shoreline just outside the museum to hunt for your own specimens (following the coastal code).
The Cobb: Walk to the end of the historic harbour wall for panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast.
Lyme Regis Aquarium: A short walk along the seafront, perfect for seeing local marine life.

New for 2026: Fossil Festival Programme

Expert Talks & Lectures: Attend presentations from leading palaeontologists and authors covering topics ranging from dinosaur behaviours to the history of fossil hunting.
Guided Fossil Walks: Join expert-led excursions along Lyme’s famous Black Ven and Monmouth beaches to learn about the geology of the coastline and search for your own specimens.
Interactive Science Displays: Engage with exhibits from prominent scientific organisations, including the Natural History Museum, The Etches Collection, and Dinosaur Isle Museum.
Live Performances: Enjoy entertainment from street performers and local groups, including the Lyme Regis Town Band, the Lyme Morris dancers, and the Lyme Bay Moonrakers.
Palaeoart Workshops: Participate in new creative sessions, including hands-on palaeontology crafts and art stalls located at The Malthouse Gallery.
Student Talk Programme: A new addition for 2026 designed to engage the next generation of scientists with specialized educational content.
Terrible Lizards Podcast Event: A live recording of the popular podcast, providing an entertaining and educational look at prehistoric life.
Mary Anning Story Walks: Guided tours of the town that follow in the footsteps of Lyme’s most famous pioneering fossil hunter.
Family-Friendly Activities: Take part in fossil polishing, clay modelling workshops, and drop-in creative activities throughout the festival weekend.

Events: For more upcoming events please visit here.

Website

Contact

Video

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult: £9.95
Child/Student: £6.95 (Under 6s FREE)
Family (2 adults & up to 3 children): £26.95
Family (1 adult & up to 3 children): £18.95

Pricing URL: https://www.lymeregismuseum.co.uk/visit-us/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

The museum does not currently list standard birthday party packages. For private event inquiries or group bookings, please contact the team at museum@lymeregismuseum.co.uk.

Tuesday to Saturday: 10am – 5pm.
Sunday: 10am – 4pm.
Monday: Closed (We are open on Mondays in the Dorset School Holidays)

Address: Lyme Regis Museum, Bridge Street, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QA, UK

Post Code: DT7 3QA

Council: Dorset

County: Dorset

By Bus: Lyme Regis is served by the X51 and X53 buses which travel east and west along the A30 and A31. For visitors approaching from the west (Axminster) the nearest bus stop is at the top of Broad Street. For those approaching from the east (Bridport and Charmouth) the nearest bus stop is at the bottom of Broad Street 100m from the museum entrance.
By Train: The nearest station is Axminster on the London to Exeter line. There are regular buses between Axminster and Lyme Regis, and taxis are available from Axminster railway station.
By Coach: National Express operate direct coach services to Lyme Regis throughout the summer season.
Car Parking: Dorset for You has full details of car park locations and charges in Lyme Regis. The town centre short stay car parks are closest to the museum. Cobb Gate car park is 100m away, and Monmouth Beach car park is an 800m level walk away. There is long stay parking at Holmbush car park and Charmouth Road car park. They are both a 10-15 minute walk from the museum, down steep hills.