Things to do in Dorset

[Bugsy73]

Hi, we've booked a week in Lyme Regis this coming August. Looking for recommendations for things to do that we may have to book in advance. Also any restaurants that are worth a visit. Don't want to turn up and miss out due to a lack of forward planning! It looks like Covid is going to continue to take the spontaneity out of life for a while to come.
Thank you

Presumably you will have children with you -what are their ages?
Some things will appeal to older children and other things are more suitable for little ones.

I may be able to come up with some ideas if you reply! (I live in Dorset, but not Lyme Regis but often drive out there).

You must visit the whole hog in Lyme Regis- best doughnuts on the planet! You will not be disappointed.

Good thread, we are also going to Dorset (Isle of Portland) and looking for ideas of things to do that aren’t too expensive 😊

Book a fossil hunt. You’ll get much more out of it if you’re guided than you will if you’re on your own and don’t know what you’re looking for.

Bovington Tank Museum is great. Monkey World also lovely but I can’t remember how far either of them are from Lyme (we had two holidays at different ends of Dorset).

Kids are 16, 14 and 11. A work colleague was telling me about a boat trip from swanage to bournemouth which I quite fancy.....

• fossil hunt with a guide from Charmouth Heritage Centre (really worth doing if they have availability - can get booked up v quickly).
• Heritage Centres at Charmouth and Lyme Regis Museum
• Dinosaur Museum at Lyme Regis
• Boat trip
• Chesil Beach
• Portland Castle and Portland Bill.

It's about an hour 30 minute drive to Swanage from Lyme.

@blueshiningsea loads of things to do on Portland.... Fancys Farm ( feed goats and llamas) , sculpture quarry , snorkeling at Church Ope cove, up the lighthouse at The Bill, crabbing at Castle Town, visit the Marina and Chesil Beach... and thats just the free stuff !

Also the quarry caves at Beer and the beach there.

@blueshiningsea

Good thread, we are also going to Dorset (Isle of Portland) and looking for ideas of things to do that aren’t too expensive 😊

There is a free animal park at the top of Portland, near the prison, Fleet lagoon/Chesil Beach is nice. Sealife centre I think is on club card if you have one.

@BlackLambAndGreyFalcon

It's about an hour 30 minute drive to Swanage from Lyme.

And some at the moment, especially in August. Agree boat from Lyme would be better. Pecorama is good if your kids like trains (also has soft play for anyone reading this with smaller kids, and great views nice food)

If you want to use the beach in Lyme, you need to hit it before 10am or there will not be space to put a beach towel down! Likewise, the roads are gridlocked at that time of year. If you want to do daytrips out to places like Swanage you need to go really early doors or you will just sit on the A35 carpark.

I agree to book a fossil hunt on Charmouth, then you will be prepped to go and do your own hunts after that. Have a look in the little museum in Lyme too, it is super cute.

PP staying on Portland, you could book a sailing session with ASWC or windsurfing or SUP with OTC. Both are great and there are several cafes next to Portland harbour for snacks after. crabhousecafe.co.uk/ is a great place to book food.

Good advice, thank you. Swanage sounds like a bit of a trek, but they have boat trips from Lyme Regis? Will definitely have a look at the fossil hunts.

What about restaurants?

Tyneham village is definetly worth visiting The beach below it is lovely too.
Moreton Church is fascinating. Beautiful etched glass windows and Lawrence of Arabia is buried in the cemetery across the road.
LofA cottage Clouds Hill is worth visiting too.

Yes loads of boat trips from Lyme Regis although you may need to book in advance.

www.themillside.co.uk/ is a lovely restaurant and it's also right by the lyme Regis brewery if you/your dh like craft beer.

Tyneham also a bit of a drive from lyme, but if you're going that way you can stop off at Durdle Door and Lulworth cove.

@Bugsy73

What about restaurants?

We have been to that area a few times and always go to The Shed which is a steak/burgers/ribs restaurant in Seaton. Have already booked our table for when we are there in August

Also where did they film Broadchurch??

Broadchurch was filmed in west bay and not far from Lyme

Your kids would probably love doing the zipwire and high ropes walks in Charmouth ((must book online):

www.tunneltreetops.co.uk

You can take alpacas for a walk in Portland:

www.portlandalpacas.co.uk

Lots of lovely walks on the South West Coastal Path.

Hire a rowing boat at West Bay (to row up the river to the Palmers Brewery in Bridport).

Other ideas here: www.visit-Dorset.co.uk

Btw; if they are into cars you could go to the Haynes International Motor Museum just over the county border at Yeovil, Somerset

www.haynesmotormuseum.com

PS; If you are going to Portland, check out this place to eat:

www.billywinters.co.uk (they often have bands on a stage outside on Summer evenings and a barbecue too). Fantastic sunsets over Chesil Beach.

The lighthouse is quite famous and you can go up it too (Portland Bill) and again, fantastic sunsets. Lots of rocks to scramble up and down

The pilot boat is lovely right near the beach front in Lyme Regis

Oh, I’ve thought of another thing to do which is really enjoyable; the falconry park to the south east of Dorchester.

They have owls and birds of prey such as hawks, falcons, vultures and they have displays. You may have the opportunity of having a falcon landing on your gloved hand to take some food!

Www.dorsetfalconrypark.co.uk

The Seaton Tramway if it is open.