From spectacular walks along the Jurassic Coast – a World Heritage Site – to enchanting wanders in dappled woodland, the charming seaside town of Lyme Regis is the perfect setting for family adventures in Dorset, especially for those with waggy tails.
Affectionately known as ‘the pearl of Dorset’, dog-friendly Lyme Regis is an inspiring place for a holiday. Here, elegant Georgian buildings bedecked with bunting in the summer lead down to the harbour, interspersed with tearooms, ice cream parlours, gift shops and art studios. There are several beaches to explore, attractions to uncover and iconic landmarks to find.
With so many dog-friendly places in Lyme Regis to visit, we’ve chosen a few of the best to add to your itinerary. Discover some of the top walks, days out, accommodation, and dog-friendly places to eat in Lyme Regis with our guide to this characterful town.
What have we got to get tails wagging?
Click to fetch Lyme Regis’…
Great dog-friendly days out in Lyme Regis
Go to the beach
Best family day out: Whether you and your pack visit in the height of summer hoping for a refreshing doggy paddle in the sea or the midst of winter looking for a blustery coastal walk, there are several dog-friendly beaches in Lyme Regis which are sure to set tails wagging. While pups are only allowed on Town Beach from October to April, they are welcome all year round on East Cliff Beach, Church Cliff Beach and Monmouth Beach. The latter is a particular favourite with four-legged members of the family and because this pretty sand and pebble beach is part of the Jurassic Coast, it is also a great spot for fossil hunting at low tide.
Why your dog will love it: As well as enjoying frolics on the sand, there are lots of dog-friendly walks to enjoy from here, meandering along the Jurassic Coast and over Golden Cap – the highest point in the South of England.
Lyme Regis Marine Aquarium
Best educational day out: If you’re looking for attractions in Lyme Regis where dogs are allowed, the Marine Aquarium is a superb choice. Provided they are on a lead, dogs can accompany you as you come face to face with some of the fascinating sea creatures which inhabit local waters. A great range of interactive experiences is available for the humans, such as hand-feeding a shoal of friendly mullet, holding a starfish, and getting up close with giant lobsters and crabs. Mixed in with the marine life are some informative presentations on local maritime history, video displays on the Lyme Bay reefs and footage of stormy seas and dolphins in Lyme Bay.
Why your dog will love it: It’s not often that curious canines can get so close to creatures from the deep.
Forde Abbey House & Gardens
Best scenic day out: When it comes to things to do in Lyme Regis with dogs, you can’t beat a visit to the grounds of Forde Abbey just outside the town. This beautiful former Cistercian monastery has been a family home since 1649 and while pups aren’t able to accompany you inside the house, they are very welcome to sniff out the sights and smells of 30 acres of award-winning gardens, forest and landscaping outside, on a lead. There is always something of interest whatever the time of year, from delicate carpets of crocuses, snowdrops and daffodils in spring to bold displays of tulips, camellias and rhododendrons in the summer. And in autumn, a kaleidoscope of colour transforms the falling leaves of the woodland garden.
Why your dog will love it: They can even join you in the gift shop and tearoom where there is always a bowl of fresh water waiting for thirsty canine explorers.
Wonderful dog-friendly walks in Lyme Regis
Ware Cliffs
Best coastal walk: Guaranteed to put a spring in the step and a wag in the tail. After a spot of sunbathing on Monmouth Beach, why not follow the signs from the beach car park along the South West Coast Path towards Ware? This scenic scamper will take you on an ascent up the cliffs surrounding Lyme and on towards Ware Cliffs. The views from here are simply breathtaking, so it's well worth the initial climb.
Why your dog will love it: There’s gorgeous scenery to admire and so many new sights, sounds and smells to delight in.
Golden Cap
Best challenging walk: For those who fancy a challenge during dog-friendly holidays in Lyme Regis, the journey to Golden Cap is one to try. The highest point on the South Coast, this iconic landmark stands at 191 metres above sea level, rewarding canine climbers who reach the summit with extraordinary views as far as Portland Bill and Start Point in South Devon on a clear day. If you don’t fancy the full trek from Lyme Regis, there is a lovely circular walk from Langdon Hill taking in the summit, with an extra loop to visit Seatown if you prefer.
Why your dog will love it: This walk offers unparalleled elevated views of the magnificent coast and countryside of Dorset.
River Lim Path
Best riverside walk: Discover history, old mills and wildlife on a relaxed amble along the River Lim from Lyme Regis to Uplyme. Forming part of the East Devon Way, the path is easy to follow in both directions, with opportunities for shorter circular routes also available. The walk to Uplyme is only 1.5 miles on firm surfaces so it makes a good all-year-round option. It begins at Lyme Regis Town Mill, a watermill dating from 1340, and from here you follow the path through woodland until you end up at the Talbot Arms in Uplyme (dogs welcome in the beer garden only), passing Uplyme Mill en route.
Why your dog will love it: The path is relatively flat and there are lots of spots for humans to enjoy a sit down along the way while pups can rest their paws and have a drink of water.
Top dog-friendly places to eat and drink in Lyme Regis
SWIM
Best for casual dining: Following long walkies on the beach, pad into SWIM for a relaxed bite to eat. Perched right above the sand, you and your canine companion can cosy up beside the floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy farmhouse breakfasts, local crab-stuffed sarnies or sticky date pudding with golden butterscotch sauce while watching the waves roll into shore. You’ll soon see why this is one of the best Lyme Regis restaurants that are dog friendly.
Why your dog will love it: Whether you sit inside or out, four-legged diners are assured plenty of fuss from the friendly staff.
The Royal Standard
Best for traditional pub grub: Found next to the famous and historic Cobb, The Royal Standard is regarded by many as one of the top dog-friendly pubs in Lyme Regis. In the summer months, happy hounds can enjoy the sunshine in the beachside beer garden with a big bowl of water, while winter is perfect for snoozing beside the fire inside. Food is simple and traditional, with freshly caught crab, lobster and seafood the speciality.
Why your dog will love it: The laid-back atmosphere is second to none and the beer garden has direct access onto the beach for post-lunch walkies.
The Lyme Bay
Best for watching the world go by: One of our favourite dog-friendly cafes in Lyme Regis, The Lyme Bay boasts glorious sea views, delicious food, and a sun-drenched terrace for watching the boats drift across the horizon. Pups can join you inside or out for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or simply a cool glass of wine in the sunshine. The menus feature dishes created with ingredients from local artisan food and drink producers, a well-deserved treat after all your exciting adventures.
Why your dog will love it: Canine counterparts are sure to go mutts for the blissful sea views.
Embark on a dog-friendly holiday to Lyme Regis
Clockwise from top: Higher Holcombe Farm, Dove Cottage, Lyme Hideout
For the ultimate backdrop to your staycation, choose one of our self-catering dog-friendly holiday cottages in Lyme Regis. Whether you are travelling as a couple, a family or a group of friends, you’ll find a wide range of pet-friendly accommodation within our collection which will place you perfectly for memorable holidays in this glorious part of Dorset.
You can also discover more dog-friendly things to do in Dorset with our comprehensive Canine guide to this unforgettable seaside destination.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information at the time of writing,
please ensure you check carefully before making any decisions based on the contents within this article.