As the UK braces for a scorching weekend with temperatures set to hit 30C on Saturday and 32C on Sunday, surpassing Ibiza's 24C peak, coastal towns are beckoning. Among them, Lyme Regis in Dorset stands out as a 'must-visit' destination for a car-free staycation, offering unspoilt beaches and traditional seaside charm.
Dubbed the 'Pearl of Dorset', Lyme Regis boasts dramatic golden cliffs along the Jurassic Coast, sprawling beaches, a picturesque harbour, and a colourful town centre filled with independent businesses. Visitors can enjoy water activities, fossil-hunting beaches, coastal walks, and inviting waters for a refreshing dip. Ice cream parlours and eateries serving fish and chips line the promenade, alongside cafés with seaside views.
Gemma Matthews, owner of Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, highlights the town's walkability: 'Lyme Regis is a perfect example of a traditional seaside town, which has the benefit of being walkable, yet it’s often overlooked in favour of bigger destinations like Brighton or Bath, and that's exactly what makes it special.' Attractions such as Dinosaurland Fossil Museum and The Town Mill are within a five-minute walk of each other.
For sunset views, the Marine Parade leads to The Cobb, a harbour wall. A unique attraction, the Ammonite pavement—a collection of fossils embedded in limestone—is accessible only on foot during low tide from Monmouth beach. Accommodation options include Dorset & Devon Holiday Cottages, Sykes Holiday Cottages, and Holidaycottages.co.uk.
