Quick! Get there before it disappears! (Lyme Regis)

Member Name: TinkerTailor

Product:	Lyme Regis
Date:	09/01/01 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Picture postcard prettiness

Disadvantages: Steep hills for the not so fit

I've just seen a report on the channel four news about the landslides in Lyme Regis. It brought back memories of the two times I've visited there.

The first time was about 10 years ago and we stayed in a small hotel set back from the front, up (and I mean up!) one of the small streets leading away from the harbour.

Most recently (i.e. last August), we stayed in the Bay Hotel which, as the name suggests, is right on the front overlooking the promonade and beach. Part of the reason I booked it was a spectacular photograph they have (available on web sites and their own postcards) of a wave breaking on the sea wall and reaching nearly to the roof of the hotel. We were lucky enough to have a room at the front, right in the middle of building. The room was a good size, nice and clean and, although you can see it is a elderly building, it had a very modern bathroom. We didn't have dinner there, but if it's up to the standard of the breakfast it would be well worth a try.

Lyme Regis seems to be split in two halves - there's bit around the harbour where there are plenty of bars and restaurants. And the other end of the prom where the town centre is. It was here we queued for almost an hour for fish and chips - I'm glad to say it was worth it.

The pubs are mostly pretty good and several have live music. We spent a while sitting outside the Red Ensign (I think that's the name). Its small patio area opens out on to the equally small beach. A band was playing who weren't too bad, but, even in August it was getting pretty chilly.

The town is extremely pretty although, sadly, there's a large grey wooden wall where a house or restaurant slipped last year. The walk on the famous cobb is obligatory.

Nearby is the small port of West Bay, apparantly some TV show or other was filmed there (something to do with cops and robbers, although it doesn't really seem like the sort of place to have th
at much interesting crime!). To my mind, it's not a particularly pretty place as it has too many portable chip vans and the like. The good news is a fish restaurant which sadly we couldn't get into, but I did see it had a good review in the Observer recently. The beach is pretty good and there are excellent walks along the cliff tops (although there are some steepish hills).

These cliffs are what are disappearing daily now. If you get the chance - go visit before it's too late. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

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