Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Explore Lyme Regis Museum: History, Fossils & Culture
Established in 1902, Lyme Regis Museum stands as a beacon of historical and geological significance on the Jurassic Coast. Our institution preserves 200 million years of natural history, celebrating the legacy of Mary Anning while showcasing the literary and cultural heritage of Lyme Regis. Accredited by Arts Council England, we combine a dedicated team of professionals and volunteers to deliver educational programs, curated exhibitions, and immersive fossil walks.With the Mary Anning Wing added in 2017, our geology gallery and learning centre reflect decades of commitment to conservation and public engagement. We operate as a registered charity, relying on visitor support and donations to sustain our collections and expand our community impact.
Services
Fossil Walks
Museum Entry
School Visits
Venue Hire
Guided Tours
Educational Programs
Gift Shop
Research Access
Event Hosting
Fossil Hunting
Details
- Year established: 1902
Highlights and features
- We offer expert-led fossil walks on the Jurassic Coast, connecting visitors with Mary Anning's legacy.
- Our accredited collections include rare geological and literary artifacts spanning 200 million years.
- We provide tailored educational programs for schools and groups, aligned with national curricula.
- Our team combines professional curators with passionate volunteers for authentic local expertise.
- We operate as a registered charity, ensuring visitor support directly funds conservation and education.
Associations and certifications
- Arts Council England
What people say
Loveliest Museums
Perfect, happy marriage
Engaging exhibits
Beautiful location
Rich history
Services
Fossil Walks
Explore the Jurassic Coast with expert-led fossil walks, uncovering 200 million years of geological history. Ideal for families and enthusiasts, these walks connect visitors to Mary Anning's discoveries while offering hands-on learning experiences in a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Educational Programs
Tailored educational sessions align with national curricula, offering immersive learning about local history, geology, and marine biology. Designed for schools and groups, these programs include interactive exhibits, fossil handling, and creative workshops for all age groups.
Venue Hire
Host events in a historic setting overlooking Lyme Bay, with spaces suitable for conferences, weddings, and cultural exhibitions. The museum provides a unique backdrop with full accessibility and support for bespoke event planning.
Research Access
Access rare geological and historical collections for academic research, including fossils, maritime artifacts, and literary archives. Our curators provide specialist support for studies into Mary Anning's work and Lyme Regis' cultural heritage.
Gift Shop
Browse a curated selection of fossils, books, and souvenirs reflecting the museum's collections. From ammonite jewellery to educational resources, our shop offers unique gifts that support conservation and educational initiatives.
People
Bridget Houseago
Director
Leading the museum since its refurbishment, Bridget oversees conservation, exhibitions, and community engagement. With a background in heritage management, she ensures the museum remains a vital educational resource.
Dr Paul Davis
Geology Curator
Specialising in palaeontology, Dr Davis manages the geological collections and fossil walks. His research focuses on Mary Anning's discoveries, enhancing public understanding of Jurassic Coast ecosystems.
Kieran Satchell
Learning & Engagement Officer
Kieran develops educational programs for schools and families, blending interactive learning with the museum's collections. He ensures accessibility and engagement for diverse audiences through workshops and events.
Questions
What are the museum's opening hours?
We're open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–5pm (Sunday until 4pm). Closed Mondays except during Dorset school holidays.
Are fossil walks included in admission?
Fossil walks are bookable separately. Museum entry grants free return visits for a year but doesn't include guided walks.
Is the museum accessible for visitors with disabilities?
We offer accessible facilities and assistance. Please contact us in advance to discuss specific requirements and ensure a comfortable visit.
Can I gift aid my admission ticket?
Yes, UK taxpayers can gift aid tickets. This allows HMRC to reclaim 25% of your payment at no extra cost to you.
Do you offer educational programs for schools?
Yes, we provide curriculum-linked sessions, fossil handling, and creative workshops for schools. Contact our education team for details.
How can I support the museum?
Support us through donations, volunteering, or leaving a gift in your will. Every contribution helps preserve our collections and educational programs.
Videos
Reviews (7)
Nicole Voss
Jan 20, 2022
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Best displays but crowded building. Staff was kind & knowledgeable. Worth checking out. Won't take too long to go through.
Emily Aelfwyn
Dec 30, 2021
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I especially enjoyed the fossil walk provided by the museum. Chris was a wonderful and passionate educator that kept the whole group, young and old, engaged.
Kim Sarah
Nov 20, 2021
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Great little museum. If you are visiting Lyme and get the opportunity, book in for the fossil walk too. Very engaging presentation style from Chris before you go out along the east each and hunt for your very own fossil with his expert guidance
Suzanne Kelly
Oct 15, 2021
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Amazing Fossil walk! Chris, our guide, first talked us through some of the fossils that are found in the area. It was explained with humour, examples and explanations as to how the creatures existed. The walk was the best explanation of how to find fossils I've been on to date. We saw firsthand as Chris pointed out (after the safety briefing) what to look for, telltale signs there may be fossils, how to split rocks. I knew a little before I went on this walk, but came back with a huge collection of fossils large and small, and with a better understanding of the subject. Fair to say everyone in
Arjun
Aug 12, 2021
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Loved this museum! Perfect amount of exhibits, with good variety. The fossils were incredible! It took a little over an hour to go through the museum, and there were lots of fun interactive elements that were a refreshing touch. 5 stars!
Michael Oon
Jan 02, 2019
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A lovely little museum curating the past of this part of Dorset. What is particularly well done are the exhibition of the fossils. The usual questions of why, what, when, where and how of the fossils. Particularly impressive are the examination facilities of the fossils like video microscopy. Staff area extremely helpful.
Fossil Walks
When you come to Lyme Regis, it is the fossils that you come to look at. We had 2 experts leading the tour. They were particularly entertaining and educational. They explained the history and how the fossils are uncovered, including the latest one which was carried
Fossil Walks
When you come to Lyme Regis, it is the fossils that you come to look at. We had 2 experts leading the tour. They were particularly entertaining and educational. They explained the history and how the fossils are uncovered, including the latest one which was carried
Rannia Glaridis
Aug 21, 2018
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We visited this museum while waiting for our guided Fossil hunting tour, organised by the museum (booked in advance). The museum it's self is small but filled with wonderful treasures and local history. Plenty of fossils and bones but the best part for me (with a 4 year old in tow) was finding the playroom/ discovery room upstairs with games and toys to keep little ones entertained. It also has a stunning view over the cob! We noticed a lovely looking cafe adjoining the museum but didn't get a chance to use it. I highly recommend a guided walk booked through the museum, you can find them on
