If You Are In England Come And Visit The Lyme Bay Coast

The Lyme Bay coastal region in south west England traverses the county border between Dorset and Devon. It is an area of breathtaking scenery, history and heritage and is one of the most beautiful and scenically diverse regions of England. I want to help you to get the most out of your visit to this beautiful part of the world by suggesting things to see and do, good food finds and anything else that may enhance your enjoyment when you visit the Lyme Bay coast. Once you have visited the area I am sure you will want to return.

Lyme Bay is an easily accessible part of England renowned for its fossil hunting, breathtaking natural beauty, sheltered harbours, sandy beaches, thatched cottages and pastoral landscape. The weather is relatively mild all year round so its a great place to visit at any time of year. Obviously the area is quieter outside of the main school holidays so thats the time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. There are so many things to see and do here on the Lyme Bay coast, so here are a couple of suggestions for things to do if you take a holiday in the area:

Civil war, rebellion and fossils in beautiful Lyme Regis
If history is your thing then take a trip to The Philpot Museum in Lyme Regis, where the story of Lyme and its ever changing landscape is told. From Civil war and rebellion, fossils and Mary Anning, literary Lyme to Lymes famous Cobb harbour the museum vividly presents the history of this proud seaside town. The museum is housed in a magnificent idiosyncratic listed building in the heart of the town overlooking Lyme Bay and the historic Cobb harbour. It was built in 1900 by Thomas Philpot and has recently been completely renovated.

The fortunes of Lyme Regis have been inextricably linked to the sea. For seven centuries trade has flourished and faded through its port, protected by the great wall of The Cobb. Fishing, smuggling, storm and shipwreck have left their relics and the collections at The Philpot are unusually rich for a small museum. Lymes lively local history is well represented by maritime and domestic objects and illustrated by paintings, prints and photographs. This part of the coast, known as The Jurassic Coast, is noted for its fossils and there are some excellent examples displayed in the geological galleries. The towns literary connections, from Jane Austen to John Fowles, are illustrated in the new Writers Gallery.
The museum frequently stages interesting temporary exhibitions, guided fossil walks and a lively programme of talks and special events. Admission into the museum is 3.00 for adults with no charge for children and students.

Bread making, fine Food and music in the beautiful Otter Valley
Where can you find food, arts and crafts, music, bread making courses and much, much more all set in one of Devons loveliest valleys and just a mile from The Jurassic Coast? The answer is at Otterton Mill, which is located between Budleigh Salterton and Sidmouth on the banks of the River Otter. Otterton Mill features a one thousand year-old working watermill, a restaurant, gallery and artist studios, a bakery, an award winning food shop and a music venue. The earliest written record of the mill is in the Domesday survey in 1068.

Why not learn the timeless principles of traditional bread making from the mills Head Baker. Sessions take place in small groups within the bakery. Youll learn the secrets of making the perfect loaf by hand, as you are taken through the techniques of mixing, clearing, fermentation, knock-back, cutting and scaling, hand moulding, proving and oven baking. The bread making courses are suited for any ability and are informative and fun. Otterton Mill is set in truly beautiful countryside and after your visit you can take a stroll along the River Otter and enjoy its fantastic views and thriving wildlife a great day out in a simply delightful spot.

Somewhere to stay
One of the most flexible ways to take a break in the Lyme Bay area is to book a self-catering holiday cottage. Lyme Bay Cottages provide self-catering holiday accommodation all year round with properties ranging from traditional Devon cottages and Dorset cottages through to modern apartments - some in quiet country hideaways others in lively little coastal towns and villages. You can view details of Devon and Dorset holiday cottages and more information about the Lyme Bay area at LymeBayCottages.com.