The magic of Christmas is truly alive in the beautiful coastal town of Lyme Regis. And, to get you firmly in the festive spirit over the holiday season, our seaside Dorset home, set against the spectacular backdrop of the ancient Jurassic Coast, rich in history and natural beauty, is abound with shops, cafes, independent stores and a bounty of charming boutiques and places of interest to help enhance the experience.
So, put another log on the fire, grab a mug of something warm and suitably merry, and let us guide you on a whistle-stop tour of Lyme Regis, and see what treasures we can unearth this Christmas…
If you’re on the hunt for that special Christmas gift, something memorable and unique for a loved one to unwrap on the big day, why not take a stroll along Broad Street, duck out of the cold, and into one of these beautiful independent stores? As with all the businesses mentioned in today’s blog, it’s always worth checking winter opening hours to avoid disappointment!
Ryder & Hope can be found at the top of Broad Street in a stunning grade II-listed building. With a wide and varied collection of contemporary designer products, interiors, homewares, artisan crafts and ethically-sourced items from around the world, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Meanwhile, for the book lovers out there, both the Lyme Regis Book Shop and The Sanctuary Book Shop are genuine Aladdin’s Caves of literary riches. The Sanctuary, with its ten rooms on four floors, stocks a whole range of classic works; from Enid Blyton to Charles Dickens—while in the beloved Lyme Regis Book Shop, you’ll get lost in the seas of fiction and non-fiction titles on display.
They also supply maps for local walking and exploring the world-famous Jurassic Coast, as well as a dedicated room for children’s books. And, just up the road, Things I Like is a trove of beautiful homeware and lifestyle products; the perfect spot to find that unforgettable Christmas gift.
Coombe Street, Bridge Street, and beyond!
To capture some memories of your winter seaside visit, why not treat yourself with a visit to The Coombe Street Gallery and discover some stunning beach-themed artwork, garden sculptures, homewares, and much more. Continuing our tour of Coombe Street, there’s Fuego, a gift shop filled with eye-catching handcrafted wares with Latin American roots, and, a little further up the road, you’ll find Blue Lias Gallery, a wonderfully unique collection of artwork chosen from the heart that won’t fail to bring a smile. And, if the shopping crowds become too much, the Town Mill Bakery is always a welcome pitstop for a cup of something hot and a slice of cake!
Elsewhere, on Bridge Street, there’s a chance to take home a snapshot of ancient history from the Lyme Regis Fossil Shop; which offers a vast, ever-growing collection of fossils to captivate both the seasoned collector and the passionate novice.
Explore the Cobb and the Town Mill
If your festive meandering has reached as far as the harbour and the world-famous Cobb, we’d heartily recommend a visit to the Lyme Regis Lifeboat Station. Established in 1826, the station is home to the Atlantic 85 class lifeboat; and it’s here you’ll discover plenty of information about the life-saving charity’s storied history.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, The Town Mill, set in the artisan quarter of Lyme Regis, has been refurbished by local volunteers in a ten-year restoration project.
Nestled in the charming cobbled courtyard, the renovated mill buildings are home to a range of restaurants, shops, local businesses, and galleries such as Molesworth & Bird where you’ll find some charmingly unique seaweed print art for all the family
Enjoy a festive break at the Alexandra
While the cold weather sets in around us, why not relax those tired feet after a day of enthusiastic shopping and sightseeing at our beautiful seaside sanctuary? Enjoy cracking fires, cosy armchairs, delightfully decorated halls and restaurants, and a range of festive menus to warm the soul. From Festive Afternoon Teas to Festive Lunch and Dinners, there’s a bounty of delicious seasonal dishes available that make the most of the fresh, locally-sourced ingredients found in the area.
The Alexandra has everything you could possibly need for a memorable winter trip, and we’d love you to come and join us this Christmas. So, why not get in touch, and start planning your stay with us.
Posted on December 9th 2022