About Up Lyme

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Beer Quarry Caves

This vast man-made complex of underground caverns was created by centuries of quarrying the famous Beer Stone. The underground quarry, first worked by the Romans, supplied stone for 24 cathedrals including Exeter and St.Paul’s, parts of Westminster Abbey,the Tower of London, Hampton Court and Windsor Castle.

Guides will take you on an hour long tour through the vast man-made complex of underground caverns with their mighty halls of vaulted roofs and pillars of Beer Stone which have been likened to a vast underground cathedral.
See for yourself the methods used to quarry and deliver the huge blocks of stone, the working conditions, the hardships endured and the dangers faced daily by the work-force using only the light from a flickering tallow candle and you may never again see a famous building with the same eyes.

Open daily at 10.00am from 28th March until they close on November 2nd.
Tours are every hour on the half hour. Last tour 3.30pm except local Summer holidays (25/7/20 – 31/8/20) then the last tour is 4:30pm.

October / November Tours are:
1st – 23rd Oct and Nov 1st: 10.30am, 12.30pm & 2.30pm.
24th to 31st Oct as March to September with the last tour at 3.30pm.

Saturday 31st October come and enjoy a spooky time at Beer Quarry Caves.

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The Monmouth Table

The Monmouth Table is a new popup restaurant who aim to bring seasonal and honest food from along the Jurassic Coast with pop up dining events cooked by chef Annie Coplestone and managed by Carlotta Paolieri.

We were passing by and saw the blackboard outside and popped in. Had a lovey chat with Carlotta and booked a table and it did not disappoint. The food, tapas style is just amazing and bursting with flavour and super fresh. This might be some of the best food in Lyme.

With a focus on cooking fish, making the most of the location and access to the freshest of hauls. They also cook beautiful, organic vegetables sourced from local farms to go with it. The small kitchen requires them to be as close to zero-waste as possible, which guarantees freshness, but also means that not everything on the menu may be available all night – so get it whilst it’s hot!

The Monmouth Table believes in freshly cooked food bursting with flavours and aims to provide an authentic and enjoyable atmosphere to share with your fellow diners. Find them at the weekend at the top of Broad Street

www.themonmouthtable.co.uk

bookings@themonmouthtable.co.uk

Carlotta +44 (0) 7425 969079

The Pop-Up Kitchen, Lyme Regis
32 Broad Street
DT7 3QE
Dorset

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The eagerly-awaited switch-on of the town’s Christmas lights.

There was a fantastic atmosphere in Broad Street when the Christmas lights where turned on, it was wonderful to see so many families and children coming into the town to take part in the switch on it was a great turnout.

Lyme Luggers ukulele band entertained the crowds at Bell Cliff before the parade and Lyme Morris added to the festive atmosphere. A lantern parade made its way down Broad Street, illuminating the thousands of twinkling blue and white LED lights in its wake. Lyme Regis Majorettes led the parade with a dazzling and energetic routine, followed by the mayor, mayoress and town crier Alan. Local resident Andrew Hodder, was selected to switch on the lights in honour of his fundraising efforts for Lyme Regis Christmas Lights Committee.

At the bottom of Broad Street there were cheers as the Christmas tree was illuminated.

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10th November – Remembrance Day parade and civic service

Remembrance Sunday, the second Sunday in November, is the day traditionally put aside to remember all those who have given their lives for the peace and freedom we enjoy today.

Line the streets for the annual Remembrance Sunday parade led by the mayor of Lyme Regis, the civic party and members of the Royal British Legion from Langmoor Gardens at 9:30 am: followed by a parade down Broad Street to St Michael’s Parish Church for the civic service at 10:00 am. The public is encouraged to line the streets to watch the parade and show their respect.

However, please remember that Poppies are not only for the 11th November but all year so please donate generously whenever you feel able to do so to this national cause.

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Seaton Wetlands

Seaton Wetlands is made up of four main sites – Seaton Marshes, Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh Enjoy beautiful marshland and reedbeds alongside the River Axe with five bird hides and nearly 4km of level trails and boardwalks suitable for wheelchair, bike and pushchairs. A countryside haven, home to an abundance of wildlife. Seaton Wetlands is 6 miles west of Lyme Regis and 8 miles east of Sidmouth, between Colyford and Seaton.

Seaton Marshes

A freshwater grazing marsh, with scrapes, ditches, the Borrow Pit Pond and a bird hide. The area attracts considerable wildlife interest, from wildfowl and wading birds in the winter to dragonflies and butterflies in the summer. Otters have been spotted at the Borrow Pit Pond! The site is managed by the Countryside team on behalf of Axe Vale and District Conservation Society.

This part of the reserve is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh

Directions to the main car park: In the middle of Colyford village on the A3052 take the Seaton Road, signposted Axe Vale Static Caravan Park. After half a mile turn left into Seaton Cemetery, continue through to the Seaton Wetlands car park. The nearest postcode is EX12 2SP.

Black Hole Marsh

Panoramic 360 degree views over the intertidal lagoon and estuary. Look out for wading birds, ducks and kingfishers. Remember to wave to the tram as it passes!

Following planning approval, the Countryside team created a saline lagoon on what was previously a drained agricultural field, with little wildlife interest. Islands were created on a large shallow scrape. The Environment Agency worked with a local engineering company to devise an innovative self-regulating tidal exchange gate, allowing water of just the right salinity to enter the lagoon.

It attracts breeding oystercatchers and now well populated with crustaceans and molluscs that support a wide range of wildfowl and waders. Birds to be seen regularly include Dunlin, Black tailed godwit and Ringed plover.

Colyford Common

Walk to the peaceful bird hide and viewing platform and discover a circular route around the reedbeds.

Is regularly flooded by high tides, so this salt-marsh has very unusual flora and fauna, supporting many locally rare and nationally important species. Little egrets fish in the creeks and lagoons on the estuary and large black and white shelduck can be seen grazing here. Wheatears flit across the common, and there is evidence of water vole in the reedbed close to the village.

The Colyford Common bird hide offers fantastic views across the upper reaches of the estuary and surrounding saltmarsh. There is also a viewing platform further north which gives great views of waders such as Curlew in winter.

Stafford Marsh

Explore the wildlife garden and enjoy a picnic in the heart of the wetlands. Find out more about the site, hire pond dipping equipment and grab a coffee in the Discovery Hut. Open Saturday to Monday, 10am to 4pm. Site toilets located here.

Discovery Hut

The Discovery Hut is staffed by volunteers Saturday to Monday, 10am to 4pm. When the hut is open you can find out more about the Wetlands, hire pond-dipping equipment and purchase drinks and snacks (ice creams, biscuits and cereal bars). Contact the Countryside team to check opening hours before your visit or to arrange additional opening for a group visit.

Next door to the Discovery Hut are toilets (including an accessible toilet and baby changing which are always open.

The Lookout

The Lookout is an information hub on the main path as you enter the wetlands from the car park. This is often manned by a Countryside member of staff during the week. It is currently under development and will become a key source of information for your visit.

Directions

Continue past Seaton cemetery and take the left turn immediately after Seaton Football Club into Hillymead. Pass Axe Vale Static Caravan Park entrance on your left and park in the spaces opposite the water treatment plant. The nearest postcode is EX12 2DF. This part of the reserve can be easily accessed from Seaton via foot, using the footpath by the Underfleet play park.

There is no path between Seaton Marshes and the main site. To travel between the two you will need to use the Seaton – Colyford Road (via car or foot) approximately 0.6miles.

Car parking is available through Seaton Cemetery. Park here to access Black Hole Marsh, Colyford Common and Stafford Marsh. The nearest postcode is EX12 2SP.

A smaller parking area is available through Hillymead at the entrance to Seaton Marshes. The nearest postcode is EX12 2DF.

Best time to visit

You will see different birds during your visit depending on the time of year. Check the white board at the Discovery Hut and Lookout to see what other visitors have already spotted. Seaton Wetlands is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. There is no charge to visit but donations for car parking, visiting and refreshments are welcomed.

Facilities

Car park, toilets (accessible and baby changing), picnic area, 5 hides, 3 pond dipping platforms, Discovery hut, pond dipping equipment for hire and refreshments available at weekends, classroom available for hire, Education ranger services.

Wheelchair and pushchair friendly paths. Cycling welcome on most of site.

No dogs (except assistance dogs).

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East Devon Way

A walker’s guide to the East Devon Way

Planning your walking itinerary couldn’t be easier, use the map to help you find local hidden gems to suit all group sizes, tastes and budgets. Find perfect country pubs or a tranquil garden to enjoy a real Devon cream tea.

Explore this 40 mile walking route between Exmouth and Lyme Regis. Follow it through the heart of the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. It links to the South West Coast Path, the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site and the Exe Estuary.

The nearest part of the East Devon Way is the route is Colyton to Lyme Regis.

This is a lovely long day walk, taking in three rivers, an iron-age castle, an impressive viaduct and ending in the bustling Dorset seaside town of Lyme Regis.
Starting in Colyton; an ancient market town has shops, pubs and tea rooms, the walk crosses the wide Axe Valley, up-hill to Musbury Castle, with a short detour to be king of the castle a fine place for views and a great spot for a picnic, down rural lanes leading to Uplyme and on to the attractive seaside town of Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast.

The route links footpaths, bridleways and country lanes to create an inland route. It is split up into day walks from 4 – 9 miles long and enjoy the delightful countryside which includes hills, woods, rivers and commons and lovely Devon villages which you may well drive right past if you were in your car.

Download the full guide here:

Click to Download guide

We hope you enjoy walking along this route and experiencing all that East Devon has to offer.

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Trinity Hill

From the carpark, a network of footpaths allows easy exploration of this beautiful nature reserve which extends either side of Trinity Hill Road. Heathers that form a wash of colour in late summer dominate the flora. These heathers are the daytime home of a huge number of moths, such as the lover’s knot and the drinker. Bare sandy areas that quickly warm in the sun support animals that require warmth, such as the common lizard. There is also a rich birdlife, including breeding nightjar. Linnets, whose numbers are declining nationally, are doing well here and can be heard singing from tall bushes on the reserve.

GETTING AROUND
By bike: Two miles from Axminster (take care crossing the busy A35).
On foot: A footpath and minor roads link to the East Devon Way, approximately 2km to the south.
By car: From Axminster take the A35 towards Lyme Regis. Just before Raymonds Hill turn right along Trinity Hill Road. There is a car park for the reserve on the left, after 1km.

FACILITIES
Car parking available in the centre of the local nature reserve.

TERRAIN
Rough footpaths and heathland. A path runs around the perimeter of the site (can be muddy in wet weather). It is not suitable for wheelchair users. Walking time: 2 hours 20 minutes Length: 7.2km/4.5mi

WALK
Walkout over the metal step gate and walk along the path, south-east, until it comes to a T junction. Turn right, south and follow this track until it reaches a forestry road. Continue along the road until it reached a T junction and turn left, south-east, and continue along the forestry track until you come to a track leading off to the right.

Turn right, south, and follow this bridle path through the woods. The large Beech trees along the path are described as some of the “Great Trees of East Devon” On reaching a T junction turn right, west and follow the track to the road and at the road turn left, south, until you see a footpath sign on your right.
Turn right, south-west, along the footpath until you reach another road.Turn left, south-east.

The East Devon Way comes in from the right but follows the road down the hill, look out for a footpath sign on the left. The path goes up the hill, north-west, and through a gate then turns right along the field boundary, continue through a gate into the wood and along the well walked track. At a T junction turn left, north, and walk up the hill past a house on the right onto a narrow lane. Carry straight on up the hill bearing right at the junction, look out for a footpath sign on the left, turn left, west, and walk up the path until you come out onto a wider forest track. Turn right, north, and carry on along the track retracing your steps back to the car park.

There are a number of routes across the Trinity Hill Reserve, take a different route back to the car park. There are good views of the Cannington Viaduct and to Uplyme.

Map: Explorer 116 Lyme Regis and Bridport

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All Over the Town

I recently came across details of a film which was set in Lyme Regis in 1949. All Over the Town is a comedy film directed by Derek N. Twist and starring Norman Wooland, Sarah Churchill and Cyril Cusack, based on a novel by R.F. Delderfield.

After serving in the RAF during the Second World War, Nat returns to his prewar job as a reporter on the Tormouth Clarion which is in Lyme Regis. He is now working alongside Sally, who had taken his job when he enlisted. Later, Nat becomes the owner of the paper, but his employees strike, disagreeing with Nat’s stance on Tormouth’s housing scheme.

The only known surviving copy of the film was the negative at the BFI National Film and Television Archive. In 2005, the Lyme Regis Film Society commissioned the production of a new print from the negative. This copy of the film is housed in Lyme Regis Museum and has been shown at the local Regent Cinema on a few occasions. In 2018, it was shown on the UK television channel Talking Pictures TV.

You can see how  Lyme Regis looked in the 40’s and still see some of the buildings and views.  If you are staying at the Blacksmiths Cottage you can watch the film on the Apple TV by using AirPlay sharing.

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Uplyme Fete 2019

The Uplyme Fete takes place on Saturday, June 8th this year at 2.00 pm and it will build on the success of last year with all the favourite and some new attractions.  The popular free train rides will also return with the bouncy castle and roundabout.  A Punch and Judy show and music tent make a return and also an exhibition of classic cars to explore and chat with the owners about. A huge range of drinks and food will be served along with the popular cream teas in the Village Hall and even a classical guitarist.

If you are staying at The Blacksmith’s Cottage, Uplyme, go along. Not only will you get to experience village life, the locals are very welcoming, but you will also have a lovely day.

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Busking Festival on Saturday, May 25.

Between 11 am to 5 pm the streets of Lyme Regis will be alive with the sound of music from musicians and street artists, including local people. No matter what your level of music ability, everyone is welcome to have a go; play on the piano, try out the drums, join the open mic session, or come and busk!

The ‘Play Me Piano’ and the open mic will be set up at the Jubilee Pavilion on Marine Parade between 11 am and 5 pm and the ‘Play Me Drums’ will be available to try out by the beach huts on the seafront between 2 pm and 4 pm.

There will also be a Pop Up Choir between 2 pm and 4 pm in the Lister Room above the Marine Parade shelters and a ukulele workshop with the Lyme Luggers between 1 pm and 2 pm in the shelters.

Also in the seafront shelters, the festival will offer a family workshop making instruments from recycled materials between 2 pm and 4 pm with Plastic Free Lyme Regis.

For more information about the Busking Festival or to find out more about B Sharp’s music-making programmes for young musicians, visit bsharp.org.uk

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