
The Cobb Lyme Regis
An iconic 13th-century stone breakwater offering stunning coastal views and a gateway to Jurassic Coast fossil hunting.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

The Cobb Lyme Regis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic 13th-century stone breakwater offering stunning coastal views and a gateway to Jurassic Coast fossil hunting.
"Walk the historic Cobb for breathtaking sea views and a chance to discover ancient fossils."

🚶♀️ Stroll The Cobb
Walk the historic breakwater for stunning views. Great for photos and feeling the sea breeze!
🕵️♀️ Hunt for Fossils
Explore the beaches for ammonites and other Jurassic treasures. Check tide times!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Historic Cobb Breakwater
Lyme Regis Harbour
Walk the ancient stone walls of this iconic harbour, offering stunning sea views and a glimpse into centuries of maritime history.

Fossil Hunting on the Jurassic Coast
Lyme Regis Beaches
Discover prehistoric treasures! Lyme Regis is world-renowned for its Jurassic fossils, with ammonites and belemnites commonly found.

Panoramic Coastal Views
End of The Cobb
Enjoy breathtaking vistas stretching towards Charmouth and Golden Cap, a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the scenery.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to The Cobb
Weather Preparedness
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Stroll The Cobb
Walk the historic breakwater for stunning views. Great for photos and feeling the sea breeze!
🕵️♀️ Hunt for Fossils
Explore the beaches for ammonites and other Jurassic treasures. Check tide times!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Cobb offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🌊 Embrace the Weather
Coastal weather changes fast! Pack layers and waterproofs for a comfortable visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Stroll The Cobb
Walk the historic breakwater for stunning views. Great for photos and feeling the sea breeze!
🕵️♀️ Hunt for Fossils
Explore the beaches for ammonites and other Jurassic treasures. Check tide times!
📸 Capture the Scenery
The Cobb offers fantastic photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🌊 Embrace the Weather
Coastal weather changes fast! Pack layers and waterproofs for a comfortable visit.
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy fresh seafood with a view at one of the many restaurants near The Cobb.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Cobb for its historic charm, stunning coastal views, and its role as a gateway to fossil hunting adventures. The picturesque harbour setting and the opportunity to walk the ancient breakwater are major highlights. Some find parking challenging during peak times, and the weather can be unpredictable.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Cobb is located in the heart of Lyme Regis harbour. If driving, there are several car parks nearby, such as the Cobb Gate Car Park. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in the town centre, a short walk from The Cobb.
Yes, there are car parks within walking distance of The Cobb. The Cobb Gate Car Park is a popular choice, but it can fill up quickly during peak times. Consider arriving early or using public transport.
Absolutely! The Cobb is easily accessible on foot from Lyme Regis town centre. It's a pleasant stroll through the charming streets, leading you directly to the harbour.
Lyme Regis is served by local bus routes. The nearest train station is Axminster, from where you can take a bus or taxi to Lyme Regis.
Much of The Cobb is accessible, but some areas have uneven surfaces and steps. The main promenade is generally flat and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Cobb itself is a public harbour and breakwater, so there's no entry fee to walk along it or enjoy the views.
The Cobb is always accessible as it's a public harbour. However, individual attractions like the aquarium or shops nearby will have their own operating hours.
Yes, many local tour operators offer guided walks that include The Cobb, often focusing on its history or the Jurassic Coast. Fossil hunting tours also frequently start or end here.
Access to the beaches in Lyme Regis is generally free. However, some activities like fossil hunting might involve guided tours with associated costs.
Swimming is possible from The Cobb, but it's important to be aware of tides, currents, and boat traffic. Always check local safety advice before entering the water.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can walk along the historic breakwater, enjoy panoramic sea views, go fossil hunting on the nearby beaches, visit the Lyme Regis Aquarium, and explore the charming shops and eateries.
Yes, families often enjoy The Cobb. Kids can explore the harbour, look for fossils on the beach, and enjoy ice cream. The aquarium is also a hit with younger visitors.
You might spot various seabirds, and if you're lucky, seals in the harbour. The surrounding waters are also rich in marine life.
Public restrooms are typically available in the harbour area and town centre, usually a short walk from The Cobb itself.
The end of the breakwater offers expansive views. The curve of The Cobb itself, especially with boats in the harbour or during sunrise/sunset, makes for iconic shots.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While not directly on the breakwater itself, there are numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs located right by the harbour and along Marine Parade, offering excellent views.
You'll find a variety of options, from fresh seafood and traditional pub fare to cafes serving light bites and ice cream.
The Pilot Boat and The Royal Standard Inn are popular pubs located very close to The Cobb, offering drinks and food with harbour views.
Yes, several fish and chip shops and cafes offer takeaway options, perfect for enjoying a meal with a view of the harbour.
Look for fish and chip shops, bakeries, and cafes that offer more affordable meals. Picnicking with supplies from a local shop is also a great budget-friendly option.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Sunrise and sunset can be particularly spectacular.
The sweeping curve of the breakwater, the harbour with moored boats, and the views from the end of The Cobb looking back towards the town are all highly photogenic.
Drone usage is often restricted in coastal areas and harbours due to safety and privacy concerns. It's essential to check local bylaws and regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expanse of the harbour and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. A tripod is helpful for low-light conditions.
Events like the annual fireworks display over The Cobb or the 'Candles on The Cobb' remembrance event offer unique photographic opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider a short boat trip from the harbour for a different perspective of the coastline. Many cafes offer kid-friendly menus and ice cream, making it easy to refuel. Remember to bring sturdy shoes for walking on the Cobb's uneven surfaces and layers of clothing as the coastal weather can change quickly.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Explore the charming independent shops in Lyme Regis, discover local history at the museum, or indulge in fresh seafood at one of the harbour-side restaurants. The opportunity to hunt for fossils adds an element of adventure. Consider staying in one of the unique properties near The Cobb for a truly immersive coastal experience.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the chance to photograph the dramatic effects of storms, which can transform the sea into a powerful spectacle. Special events like fireworks displays also provide unique photographic moments. Remember to bring a range of lenses to capture both wide panoramas and close-up details of the historic stonework and marine life.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enduring History of The Cobb
Walking along The Cobb today offers a tangible connection to this past. You can almost feel the centuries of history beneath your feet as you traverse the stone walls. The structure has evolved significantly, with different sections built at various times, creating a fascinating architectural tapestry. It's a testament to the enduring resilience of coastal communities and their relationship with the sea.
Modern-day visitors can explore the various levels and sections of The Cobb, imagining the bustling activity of its past. It remains an active harbour, with local fishing boats and pleasure craft using its facilities. The presence of the Lyme Regis Aquarium near the harbour also adds to the maritime experience, showcasing the local marine life that depends on this historic structure.
Fossil Hunting: A Jurassic Adventure
Many visitors come specifically for the thrill of finding their own piece of prehistory. It's recommended to visit during low tide when more of the beach is exposed, increasing your chances of spotting fossils. Local museums, like the Lyme Regis Museum, often offer guided fossil walks, providing expert knowledge on where to look and what to identify. These tours are invaluable for beginners, helping them understand the geology and increasing their success rate.
When hunting for fossils, remember to be respectful of the environment and any protected areas. While many smaller fossils can be found loose on the beach, it's important to avoid damaging the cliffs. The excitement of unearthing an ammonite or a fossilized shell is a unique experience that connects you directly to the deep past of this incredible coastline.
Experiencing The Cobb in Different Seasons
Autumn and winter bring a more dramatic and rugged beauty to The Cobb. Storms can create impressive waves, as captured in some dramatic TikTok videos, offering a powerful display of nature's force. While less ideal for swimming, these seasons are perfect for photographers and those who appreciate the raw coastal scenery. The cooler months also mean fewer tourists, allowing for a more contemplative experience.
Spring sees nature reawakening, with milder weather and blooming flora adding colour to the landscape. It's a great time to visit for a balance of pleasant conditions and manageable crowds. Regardless of the season, The Cobb provides a unique and memorable coastal experience, from sunny strolls to dramatic stormy seascapes.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit