Mary Anning, fossils and the town’s history / LYME REGIS

Lyme Regis Museum

Explore the fossil discoveries and people that made Lyme Regis important to the history of science, alongside stories of the town and its writers. The museum’s position beside the sea helps connect the collections with the coast outside. It is a good first stop for context before choosing a more demanding beach fossil walk.

Before you go

The museum has a lift to the first floor, but the second-floor gallery and rotunda are reached only by stairs. Mobility scooters are not permitted inside because of the narrow spaces.

The practical details

Where to find it: Bridge Street, Lyme Regis DT7 3QA, beside the seafront at the eastern end of the centre.
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: General admission tickets allow return entry for a year under the museum’s conditions. Summer opening normally excludes Mondays outside Dorset school holidays, with a shorter Sunday. A museum fossil-walk ticket includes museum entry, so check the package before buying both.
Access and getting around: Entrance and ground floor are level; a lift serves the first floor and its accessible toilet. The second floor and rotunda require stairs. Contact the museum about your needs; carers receive free entry and alternative fossil-handling sessions can be discussed for people unable to join beach walks.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Under-sixes enter the museum free, although they cannot join its fossil walks. Baby changing is in the first-floor accessible toilet. Pushchairs can be left in the entrance foyer; choose a small set of displays and a break rather than expecting every gallery to hold a toddler’s attention.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1–1½ hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

Explore more ideas for your day →

HELP IMPROVE THIS GUIDE

Was this useful?

Tell us what helped, what is missing or what needs correcting. Your feedback goes to the editor.