The Philpot Museum in 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 Lyme’s 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. Lyme’s 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 town’s 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.