A Foodie Coastal Escape: Lyme Regis
- sneakcampers
- May 21
- 3 min read
Updated: May 22
Weekend Escape: A Perfect 48hrs in Lyme Regis
Sometimes, the perfect escape from your inbox, meetings and endless Slack pings is just a couple of hours down the road to the coast.. Tucked into the dramatic folds of West Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Lyme Regis offers a refreshingly off-grid weekend—with stunning hikes, a buzzing food scene, and an infectious laid-back vibe.
Where We Stayed: Hook Farm, the Camper’s Sweet Spot
Basecamp for our weekend was Hook Farm Campsite. Nestled into the green hills just outside Lyme, it’s a relaxed, friendly site with hot showers, fire pits, and gorgeous valley views—exactly what you want after a Friday night drive down after collecting the Van in Bedford.. Bonus: it’s within walking distance of the town (or a very short drive if you're hauling the paddleboards down for a day on the beach!).
Hook Farm hits the sweet spot between peaceful and convenient - ideal if this is the first time you're renting a campervan, or even if you're a seasoned pro!
Hit the Trail: Hikes with Epic Payoffs
No trip to Lyme is complete without getting out into those beautiful rolling Dorset hills. We set out early Saturday morning for Golden Cap, the highest point on England’s south coast. The climb is satisfyingly steep, the coastal views are stunning, and the summit makes you feel like you're standing on the edge of the world. The circular walk from Seatown is a great route, especially if you're keen to make a day of it.
Other highlights include:
Undercliff Trail – a Jurassic jungle between Lyme Regis and Axmouth. It's a surreal, overgrown path through a landslip forest. Definitely not one for flip-flops, but incredible if you’re up for an adventurous ramble.
Lyme to Charmouth Beach Walk – ideal for fossil hunting and a gentle morning stretch before coffee.
Wild Heat & Cold Plunges: Sauna at Seatown
Post-hike recovery doesn’t get much better than this: a wood-fired beach sauna at Seaside Sauna Haus in Seatown. Right on the pebble beach, this Scandinavian-style hut offers intense heat, salty air, and if you're brave enough—a cold plunge into the sea just metres away.
It’s the kind of invigorating experience that resets your brain and body. BYO towel, and embrace the chill. We've been three times now and there's no feeling like it!
Pint with a View: The Anchor Inn
After your dip, head straight to The Anchor Inn, perched just above Seatown beach. Grab a pint of local ale (or a very cold cider), collapse into a bench, and soak up the sea views. It’s laid-back, unpretentious, and one of the best pub terraces in the UK, hands down. You must not miss out on a visit if the sun is shining!!
Bonus points if you get a pizza from Seatown Slice right on the beach! Their nduja number is off the scale delicious!
The Food Scene: Way More Than Fish & Chips
Lyme Regis punches well above its weight when it comes to food - from both a high end seafood perspective, and a 'grab and go' fast food option to each on the beach!! We've been a number of times now, and here's where we love:
Poco Pizza – Right on the seafront, Poco dishes up wood-fired sourdough pizzas with killer views of the bay. Casual, cool, and the perfect post-swim stop (we LOVE).
Tom’s Lyme Regis – Seasonal British small plates, natural wine, and a stylish, minimalist vibe. Think London quality food without the London stress.
Red Panda – A local favourite serving Asian fusion street food. Their Korean chicken and bao buns are the real deal—spicy, crispy, and totally addictive.
Millside – Nestled in the Town Mill quarter, Millside is all about elegant seafood, homemade desserts, and relaxing riverside dining. Great for a low-key but high-quality dinner.
The Strawberry Tree – A charming Spanish deli and wine bar with next-level tapas and a great selection of sherries. A little slice of Andalusia in coastal Dorset.
Bonus Round: A Brewery Worth Discovering
Tucked inside the historic Town Mill complex, you’ll find the Lyme Regis Brewery—a microbrewery with character, great beers, and a sunny courtyard that becomes a real hub in summer. Grab a spot in the sun and settle in, get your pint to-go and watch the sunset from the beach!
Why Lyme Regis Works
If you're looking to reset without completely unplugging, Lyme Regis is a sweet spot. It’s got that rare mix of rugged nature, creature comforts, and low-key cool that makes it feel like a true escape—without requiring a flight.
It's approx. 3hrs from sneak HQ, so with unlimited mileage when you rent a campervan from us, it's a perfect getaway and not too far from our Bedford base.
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